Gen 40:3-4 | TSK | e4.org | the place , where Joseph was bound Or, "where Joseph was confined," for he doubtless had his personal liberty. This place, we learn from the preceding chapter ( ), was the king's prison. All the officers in the employment of the ancient kings of Egypt, according to Diodorus Siculus, were taken from the most illustrious families of the priesthood in the country; no slave or common person being ever permitted to serve in the presence of the king. As these persons were of the most noble families, it is natural to expect they would be put, when accused, into the state prison.

‏ Genesis 40:3-4

where Joseph was bound Or, "where Joseph was confined," for he doubtless had his personal liberty. This place, we learn from the preceding chapter (Gen 39:20), was the king's prison. All the officers in the employment of the ancient kings of Egypt, according to Diodorus Siculus, were taken from the most illustrious families of the priesthood in the country; no slave or common person being ever permitted to serve in the presence of the king. As these persons were of the most noble families, it is natural to expect they would be put, when accused, into the state prison.

the captain Gen 37:36, Gen 39:1, Gen 39:21-23; Ps 37:5

a season Yamim, literally days; how long is uncertain, though the word may signify, as many suppose, a complete year (see note on Gen 4:3 and see note on Gen 24:55); and as Pharaoh called them to an account on his birthday (Gen 40:20), Calmet supposes they had offended on the preceding birthday, and thus had been one whole year in prison.