Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 40:19
Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.
19. lift up thy head from off thee ] Joseph, by a use of the same phrase as in Gen 40:13, introduces the sudden unfavourable interpretation: “from off thee” shews that it means here “decapitation,” not (see note on Gen 40:13) “he will release thee from imprisonment, in order to be executed.” For the word-play, which uses the same word in two senses, cf. Gen 27:39.
hang thee on a tree ] The decapitated corpse of the malefactor would be impaled, and allowed to hang exposed to public view, and to become the prey of wild animals and obscene birds. This picture was terrible to the Egyptian mind, which attached great value to preservation of the body as the ultimate medium of the soul’s (= a) existence. For “hanging,” see Jos 10:26; 2Sa 4:12; 2Sa 21:9-10.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 19. Lift up thy head from off thee] Thus we find that beheading, hanging, and gibbeting, were modes of punishment among the ancient Egyptians; but the criminal was beheaded before he was hanged, and then either hanged on hooks, or by the hands. See La 5:12.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
From off thee. This clause is industriously added here to the former phrase, to show that it was now meant in another sense. He shall indeed lift up thy head, as well as the chief butlers, but in another manner, not for time, but
from thee, or so as to take away thy head or thy life (which eminently consists and appears in the head) from thee.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head from off thee,…. Order thee to be beheaded; so the Targum of Jonathan and Ben Melech interpret it,
“Pharaoh shall remove thy head from thy body with a sword:”
and shall hang thee on a tree; his body after his head was severed from it, this should be hung upon a gallows or gibbet, and there continue:
and the birds shall eat the flesh from off thee; as they usually do when bodies are thus hung up, see 2Sa 21:9; this was signified by the birds eating the bakemeats out of the uppermost basket when upon his head, as it seemed to him in his dream.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
19. Pharaoh shall lift up thy head from off thee. This phrase (in the original) is ambiguous without some addition; and may be taken in a good or a bad sense; just as we say, “With regard to any one,” or “With respect to him;” here the expression is added “from thee.” Yet there seems to be an allusion of this kind, as if Joseph had said, “Pharaoh will lift up thy head, that he may take it off.” Now, when Moses relates, that what Joseph had predicted happened to both of them, he proves by this sign that Joseph was a true prophet of God, as it is written in Jeremiah. (Jer 28:9.) For that the prophets sometimes threatened punishments, which God abstained from inflicting, was done for this reason, because to such prophecies a condition was annexed. But when the Lord speaks positively by his servants, it is necessary that whatever he predicts should be confirmed by the result. Therefore, Moses expressly commends in Joseph, his confidence in the heavenly oracle. With regard to what Moses records, that Pharaoh celebrated his birthday by a great feast, we know that this custom has always been in use, not only among kings, but also among plebeian men. Nor is the custom to be condemned, if only men would keep the right end in view; namely, that of giving thanks unto God by whom they were created and brought up, and whom they have found, in innumerable ways, to be a beneficent Father. But such is the depravity of the world, that it greatly distorts those things which formerly were honestly instituted by their fathers, into contrary corruptions. Thus, by a vicious practice, it has become common for nearly all to abandon themselves to luxury and wantonness on their birthday. In short, they keep up the memory of God, as the Author of their life, in such a manner as if it were their set purpose to forget Him.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(19) Shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee.In Gen. 40:13 the lifting up of the butlers head meant his elevation to his former rank. Here there is the significant addition from off thee, implying that he would be beheaded, and his body publicly exposed to ignominy.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
19. Lift up thy head from off thee A peculiar play on words; but the addition, from off thee, gives the sense as distinguished from that in Gen 40:13. The victim was first beheaded, and afterwards hung, or impaled.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Gen 40:19. Lift up thy head It is added, from off thee: shall take off thy head, and shall hang thee (thy carcase afterwards) on a tree; for it was usual first to behead the criminal, and then to hang him up: hence Jeremiah says, princes were hanged up by their hands, Lam 5:12 intimating, that their heads were first cut off. See 1Sa 31:9-10. and more examples in Calmet.
REFLECTIONS.We have here,
1. Two extraordinary dreams, which happened to two of the prisoners under Joseph’s care. Much affected with the visions on their bed, their countenances bore the deep impression, and Joseph in the morning, with kind solicitude, could not but inquire into the cause of their dejection. Note; (1.) God has arrows in his quiver, which, without a visible cause, can damp the spirits of the mighty. Could we look into sinners’ hearts, we should find distresses there, which only themselves know. (2.) It is kind to be solicitous about our neighbours’ happiness; and, especially when they appear dejected, to reach out the tender hand of comfort.
2. They relate their dreams, and Joseph interprets them. The butler’s dream is the happy presage of his restoration; the baker’s, of an ignominious death. Note; Communications of our griefs to godly men, is the ready way to receive solution of our doubts, or comfort in our afflictions.
3. Joseph’s modest request to the butler. As he was innocently a prisoner, he wishes for an enlargement, and, without reflecting on his persecutors, begs only a remembrance of him, when the butler should be restored to his lost dignity. Note; (1.) Though we may be content with servitude, yet, if we can be free, we may choose it rather. (2.) In exculpating ourselves, we cannot be too careful to avoid reflecting upon those who have injured us.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Gen 40:19 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.
Ver. 19. And shall hang thee on a tree, &c. ] This was cold comfort to the baker: so shall the last judgment be to the ungodly; when the saints, as the butler, shall lift up their heads with joy. But what a sweet providence of God was this, that the butler should first relate his dream, and receive his interpretation, as good as he could wish! Had the baker begun, the butler would have been disheartened, and hindered, perhaps, from declaring his dream. And then, where had Joseph’s hopes been of deliverance by the butler? How could he have had that opportunity of setting forth his innocency, and requesting the butler’s favour, and good word to Pharaoh for his freedom? a See how all things work together for good to them that love God.
The birds shall eat thy flesh.
a Piscator.
b Effossos oculos voret atro gutture corvus. – Catull., De Cruce., lib. i. cap. 6.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
from off thee. Contrast this with Gen 40:13.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
within: Gen 40:13
lift up thy head from off thee: or, reckon thee and take thy office from thee
hang thee: Gen 40:22, Gen 41:13, Deu 21:22, Deu 21:23, Jos 8:29, Jos 10:26, 2Sa 21:6, Pro 30:17, Gal 3:13
and the birds: Gen 40:17, 1Sa 17:44, 1Sa 17:46, 2Sa 21:10, Eze 39:4, Act 20:27
Reciprocal: Gen 40:20 – third day Est 2:23 – hanged Est 6:13 – If Mordecai