The king's cupbearer had professed the deepest gratitude to Joseph, both for the cheering interpretation of his dream and for many acts of kind attention; and in return the latter, referring in a most touching manner to his own unjust captivity, entreated that his case be brought before the king. "Think on me," he said, "when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: 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." The chief butler saw the dream fulfilled in every particular; but when restored to royal favor, he thought no more of his benefactor. For two years longer Joseph remained a prisoner. The hope that had been kindled in his heart gradually died out, and to all other trials was added the bitter sting of ingratitude.

Kongens mundskænk havde givet udtryk for den dybeste taknemmelighed over for Josef, både for drømmens opmuntrende tydning og for hans mange venlige handlinger. Til gengæld fortalte Josef på en gribende måde om sit eget uretfærdige fangenskab og bønfaldt ham om at bringe hans sag frem for kongen. "Ville du nu blot tænke på mig, når det går dig vel, og vise mig godhed og omtale mig for Farao og således hjælpe mig ud af dette hus; thi jeg er stjålet fra hebræernes land og har heller ikke her gjort noget, de kunne sætte mig i fængsel for." Overmundskænkens drøm blev opfyldt i alle enkeltheder; men da han atter nød kongens gunst, tænkte han ikke mere på sin velgører. Josef blev i fængslet i endnu to år. Det håb, der var blevet tændt i hans hjerte, svandt gradvis, og til alle de andre prøvelser føjedes utaknemmelighedens bitre brod.