And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:

GENESIS 40:18KJV
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Genesis 40:18 (KJV)

What does Genesis 40:18 mean?

Genesis 40:18 records Joseph telling the chief baker the meaning of his dream: the three baskets in the dream represent three days. Joseph is explaining that the dream’s details are symbolic, and he is about to reveal what will happen after those three days.

In this scene, Joseph is speaking to Pharaoh’s chief baker, who is imprisoned with him in Egypt. The baker has just described his dream, and Joseph, known for his ability to interpret dreams, is giving the explanation. Joseph makes it clear that the three baskets are not literal but stand for a specific period—three days—setting up the rest of his interpretation.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 40:18

  • "Interpretation" (פִּתְרוֹן, pithron): This word means an explanation or solution to a puzzle or dream. Joseph is not just guessing; he is offering a thoughtful and authoritative explanation of the dream’s meaning.
  • "Baskets" (סַלִּים, sallim): This word refers to woven containers, often used for carrying food. The use of this word grounds the dream in everyday Egyptian life, making the symbolism relatable.
  • "Days" (יָמִים, yamim): The word simply means days, but here it is used to mark a short, definite time frame, showing that the dream’s fulfillment is imminent.

Why Genesis 40:18 matters

  • Genesis 40:18 shows Joseph’s confidence and clarity in interpreting dreams, which is a key part of his story and later leads to his rise in Egypt.
  • The verse highlights that dreams in the Bible often use ordinary objects (like baskets) as symbols for real events or time periods, helping readers understand how biblical symbolism works.
  • This moment sets up the outcome for the chief baker, making the following verses more dramatic and showing Joseph’s honesty, even when the message is difficult.

Where else these words appear

“interpretation” Hebrew H6623 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 40:5 And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.
  • Genesis 40:8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.
  • Genesis 40:12 And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:

“baskets” Hebrew H5536 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 40:16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head:
  • Exodus 29:32 And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • Numbers 6:15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.