Verse

Genesis 40:17

ESV and in the uppermost basket there were all sorts of baked food for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating it out of the basket on my head.”
NIV In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.'
NASB and in the top basket there were some of all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.'
CSB In the top basket were all sorts of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head."
NLT The top basket contained all kinds of pastries for Pharaoh, but the birds came and ate them from the basket on my head.'
KJV And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.

What does Genesis 40:17 mean?

Relying on revelation from God, Joseph has promised to interpret the dreams of two fellow prisoners (Genesis 40:1–8). These prophetic visions left the men disturbed and confused. The first dream, seen by the cupbearer, was a prediction that he would be restored to his former position (Genesis 40:9–13). Joseph is so certain of this that he asked the cupbearer to put in a good word for him, with Pharaoh (Genesis 40:14–15).

Seeing the good outcome predicted by the other man's vision, the baker is hopeful for a similar report (Genesis 40:16). In his dream, he carries three cake baskets on his head, perhaps delivering them to Pharaoh. The top basket is full of all kinds of baked goods. Egyptians were known for skill in making cakes and breads. In the dream, birds were eating Pharaoh's baked goods from the top basket above the baker's head.

Joseph will interpret the dream in the following verses, but the outcome will not be what the baker had hoped (Genesis 40:18–19).
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