Genesis 44:9

9 Whichever one of us the goblet is found with, let him be put to death - and the rest of us will be my lord'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 lord speak this way? Heaven forbid that we should do such a thing!
8 Why, the money we found inside our packs we brought back to you from the land of Kena'an! So how would we steal silver or gold from your lord's house?
9 Whichever one of us the goblet is found with, let him be put to death - and the rest of us will be my lord's slaves!"
10 He replied, "Fine; let it be as you have said: whichever one it is found with will be my slave. But the rest of you will be blameless."
11 Then each hurried to put his pack down on the ground, and each one opened his pack.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.