This verse, Genesis 40:17, is part of the cupbearer's interpretation of the baker's dream while they are both imprisoned in Egypt. To understand it, we need context:
Background: Both the cupbearer and the baker of Pharaoh offended him and were imprisoned. While in prison, they both had dreams. Joseph, known for his ability to interpret dreams, was also imprisoned and asked to interpret their dreams.
The Baker's Dream: The baker dreamed he had three baskets on his head. The uppermost basket contained all sorts of baked goods meant for Pharaoh. However, birds came and ate the food out of the basket.
Interpretation: Joseph interprets the three baskets as three days. The birds eating the baked food is a symbol of death and dishonor. Joseph tells the baker that in three days, Pharaoh will lift up his head (meaning he will take notice of him), but it will be to impale him on a pole. The birds will then eat his flesh.
Therefore, the meaning of the verse is a foreshadowing of the baker's impending execution. The baked food, intended for the highest authority (Pharaoh), being consumed by birds is a symbol of the baker's disgrace and the desecration of his body after his death. It represents a complete loss of status and dignity.
Essentially, the verse is a symbolic representation of the baker's death and the disgrace that will follow.
This verse, Genesis 40:17, is part of the cupbearer's interpretation of the baker's dream while they are both imprisoned in Egypt. To understand it, we need context:
Background: Both the cupbearer and the baker of Pharaoh offended him and were imprisoned. While in prison, they both had dreams. Joseph, known for his ability to interpret dreams, was also imprisoned and asked to interpret their dreams.
The Baker's Dream: The baker dreamed he had three baskets on his head. The uppermost basket contained all sorts of baked goods meant for Pharaoh. However, birds came and ate the food out of the basket.
Interpretation: Joseph interprets the three baskets as three days. The birds eating the baked food is a symbol of death and dishonor. Joseph tells the baker that in three days, Pharaoh will lift up his head (meaning he will take notice of him), but it will be to impale him on a pole. The birds will then eat his flesh.
Therefore, the meaning of the verse is a foreshadowing of the baker's impending execution. The baked food, intended for the highest authority (Pharaoh), being consumed by birds is a symbol of the baker's disgrace and the desecration of his body after his death. It represents a complete loss of status and dignity.
Essentially, the verse is a symbolic representation of the baker's death and the disgrace that will follow.