John Calvin Commentary Genesis 40:14

"But have me in thy remembrance 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:" — Genesis 40:14 (ASV)

Show kindness I pray thee unto me. Although the expression "show kindness" is used among the Hebrews to describe the common exercise of humanity, there is yet no doubt that Joseph spoke simply as his own sad and afflicted condition suggested, to secure help for him.

He insists, however, chiefly on this: that he had been thrust into prison for no crime, so that the butler might not refuse his assistance to an innocent man.

For although those who are most wicked find patrons; yet commendation elicited by persistent pleading, which rescues a wicked man from deserved punishment, is itself an odious and infamous thing. It is, however, probable that Joseph explained his entire case, so that he fully convinced the butler of his innocence.