Genesis 44:9

9 Whoever of your servants is found with it will be put to death, and we'll be my master's slaves."

Genesis 44:9 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 44:9

With whomsoever of thy servants it be found
The silver cup: both let him die;
which was rashly said, since they might have thought the cup might be put in one of their sacks unknown to them, as their money had been before; and besides, death was a punishment too severe for such a crime, and therefore is by the steward himself moderated; but this they said the more strongly to express their innocence: and we also will be my lord's bondmen;
his servants, as long as they lived: this was likewise carrying the matter too far, and exceeding all bounds of justice, which could only require satisfaction of the offender.

Genesis 44:9 In-Context

7 They replied, "Why does my master talk to us like this? Your servants would never do such a thing.
8 The silver that we found at the top of our sacks, we've just brought back to you from the land of Canaan. We didn't steal silver or gold from your master's house.
9 Whoever of your servants is found with it will be put to death, and we'll be my master's slaves."
10 He said, "Fine. We'll do just as you've said. Whoever is found with it will be my slave, and the rest of you will go free."
11 Everyone quickly lowered their sacks down to the ground and each opened his sack.
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