Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly dramatic passage from Genesis 40:19. It's a really intense and terrifying verse, but it’s packed with symbolism! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes after Joseph, one of our heroes, has been sold into slavery in Egypt. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is incredibly angry at Joseph for escaping his imprisonment. He wants to get rid of him completely. What’s Happening in the Verse? “Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee…” : This is a HUGE warning. It means that within just three days , Pharaoh is going to be watching Joseph closely. He’s planning to do something incredibly unpleasant and potentially deadly. “…and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.” : This is the worst part. It describes a gruesome fate: Hang on a Tree: This symbolizes being utterly exposed and vulnerable to the dangers of Egypt. Pharaoh is deliberately setting Joseph up for a terrible end. Eat Your Flesh: This is the most shocking part. It means that Pharaoh will consume Joseph’s body, completely and without remorse. He'll eat his flesh! What Does it Mean Symbolically? This verse is a powerful metaphor for several things: Divine Justice: It represents God's justice being served. Pharaoh’s anger against Joseph is a sign of God’s displeasure with humanity’s wickedness and rebellion. The Power of God: It shows that God has the power to punish those who defy him, even in extreme circumstances. Loss of Freedom & Control: The verse speaks of being utterly controlled and vulnerable – like Joseph being trapped and helpless. Important Note: It’s very important to understand this verse doesn't mean that Pharaoh is actually planning to kill Joseph. It's a symbolic warning about the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God. In short, Genesis 40:19 describes a terrifying future where Pharaoh will deliberately punish Joseph for his actions, resulting in his complete destruction. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Compare it to other stories or examples of divine punishment?