Genesis 40:15 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Joseph explains he was brought to Egypt unlawfully and imprisoned without just cause.
The Context of Genesis 40:15
Joseph explains he was unlawfully brought to Egypt and imprisoned unjustly.
What Does Genesis 40:15 Mean?
Joseph opens his heart briefly to the butler. He was not sold into bondage as a common criminal or captive of war; he was stolen—kidnapped from his homeland. His brothers betrayed him, selling him into Egyptian servitude. Now, beyond that original injustice, he languishes in prison for a crime he did not commit. He has been wronged twice, and the second wrong keeps him locked away despite his faithful service.
His statement to the butler serves two purposes: it explains why the butler should trust his character and integrity, and it appeals to the butler's sense of justice. Joseph is saying, 'I am innocent; I deserve to be here no more than you do.' By laying bare his wrongful imprisonment, Joseph reminds the butler that justice and restoration matter—that good people can be imprisoned unjustly, and that a man in power can choose to correct that wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 40:15
What does Genesis 40:15 mean?
Joseph explains he was brought to Egypt unlawfully and imprisoned without just cause.
What is the context of Genesis 40:15?
Joseph explains he was unlawfully brought to Egypt and imprisoned unjustly.