Living to Serve: The Cupbearer's Dream (Gen 40)

At first glance, it seems that the cupbearer's dream (Gen 40) does not require a special symbolic interpretation. Aside from the three branches symbolizing three days, Joseph interpreted the dream literally: the cupbearer will be restored to his esteemed position and serve wine to the king. Nonetheless, this article raises the possibility that there is a symbolic meaning in the vine's blossoming (40:10), which Joseph interpreted with the words: "Pharaoh will lift up your head"(40:13). According to this suggestion, the cupbearer's dream and the baker's dream should be explained in similar ways: both dreams are symbolic dreams in which the official is represented by the produce he is responsible for.