Abstract
At first glance, it seems that the cupbearer's dream (Gen 40) does not require a special symbolic interpretation. Aside from the three branches symbolizing three days, Joseph interpreted the dream literally: the cupbearer will be restored to his esteemed position and serve wine to the king. Nonetheless, this article raises the possibility that there is a symbolic meaning in the vine's blossoming (40:10), which Joseph interpreted with the words: "Pharaoh will lift up your head"(40:13). According to this suggestion, the cupbearer's dream and the baker's dream should be explained in similar ways: both dreams are symbolic dreams in which the official is represented by the produce he is responsible for.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 177-193 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Journal | Vetus Testamentum |
| Volume | 75 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2025 |
Keywords
- Genesis 40
- Joseph
- cupbearer
- dreams
- symbol
- wordplay
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Language and Linguistics
- History
- Religious studies
- Linguistics and Language
- Literature and Literary Theory