1)

Why did the chief butler see fit to begin with the words, "Es Chata'ai Ani Mazkir ha'Yom"?

1.

Seforno, Ohr ha'Chayim: So as not to convey the impression that he was complaining to Pharaoh for having incarcerated him.

2)

The butler was speaking to Pharaoh. It should say 'El Pharaoh' and (in 41:10) "Avadecha.' Why does it say "Es Pharaoh" and "Avadav"?

1.

Moshav Zekenim: He was speaking in front of Pharaoh and those around Pharaoh, and also Pharaoh listened.

2.

Ohr ha'Chayim: Perhaps he spoke to Chachamei Mitzrayim, and asked them to speak to Pharaoh.

3.

Ha'amek Davar: It is as if he was complaining about himself, for not mentioning Yosef to Pharaoh until today, in front of Pharaoh.

3)

Why did he say "Chata'ai" (plural)? His only sin was letting a fly get into the wine!

1.

Riva #1: He also sinned through not spilling out the wine.

2.

Riva #2, Moshav Zekenim, Ohr ha'Chayim #1: His second sin was forgetting to mention Yosef.

3.

Oznayim la'Torah: There are various opinions as to what their sin was - refer to 40:1:2:1 and 40:1:2:2 - and it may well be that both opinions are correct. 1

4.

Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan both translate it in the singular. 2

5.

Ohr ha'Chayim: In my eyes, it is like many sins.


1

'Zeh v'Zeh Divrei Elokim Chayim' - as the Gemara in Gitin 6b comments, in connection with a similar Machlokes regarding 'Pilegesh b'Giv'ah.'

2

Presumably, because it is correct to say 'my sins' before a king. (EC)

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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