For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

GENESIS 40:15KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 40:15 (KJV)

What does Genesis 40:15 mean?

Genesis 40:15 records Joseph explaining to Pharaoh’s cupbearer that he was taken by force from his homeland and that he has done nothing wrong to deserve being put in prison. Joseph is making it clear that he is innocent both of being in Egypt and of the crime for which he is imprisoned.

Joseph is speaking to the cupbearer while in prison, hoping the cupbearer will mention him to Pharaoh and help secure his release. Joseph’s words highlight both his unjust removal from "the land of the Hebrews" and his innocence regarding the accusations that led to his imprisonment. This verse gives insight into Joseph’s situation and his appeal for justice.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 40:15

  • "away" (גָּנַב, ganav): This word means "to steal" or "to carry off by stealth." Joseph is emphasizing that he was taken from his homeland against his will, not as a willing traveler or immigrant.
  • "land" (אֶרֶץ, erets): This word refers to "land" or "country." Here, it specifically means Joseph’s homeland, which he calls "the land of the Hebrews," marking his identity and sense of belonging.
  • "Hebrews" (עִבְרִי, ivri): This term identifies Joseph’s ethnic group. By using it, Joseph is distinguishing himself from the Egyptians and highlighting his foreign status in Egypt.
  • "dungeon" (בּוֹר, bor): This word literally means "pit" or "cistern," but is used here for "prison" or "dungeon." It suggests a harsh, underground place of confinement, not just a regular jail.

Why Genesis 40:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Joseph’s presence in Egypt and in prison is entirely against his will and not due to any wrongdoing, which is important for understanding his character and the injustice he suffers.
  • By calling his homeland "the land of the Hebrews," Joseph shows that the Hebrews were already recognized as a distinct people in Egypt, even before the events of Exodus.
  • The verse sets up the narrative tension for the chapters that follow, where Joseph’s innocence and faithfulness eventually lead to his rise in Egypt.

Where else these words appear

“Hebrews” Hebrew H5680 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Exodus 2:11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.
  • 1 Samuel 4:6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.

“nothing” Hebrew H3972 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • 1 Samuel 12:5 And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness.
  • 1 Kings 10:21 And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

“away” Hebrew H1589 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
  • Exodus 22:1 If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest,(for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.

“dungeon” Hebrew H953 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 37:20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.
  • Jeremiah 37:16 When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days;