Genesis 44:9

9 Whoever is found with it from among your servants shall die. And moreover, we will become slaves to my lord."

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 And they said to him, "Why has my lord spoken according to these words? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!
8 Behold, the money that we found in the mouth of our sacks we returned to you from the land of Canaan. Now why would we steal silver or gold from the house of my lord?
9 Whoever is found with it from among your servants shall die. And moreover, we will become slaves to my lord."
10 Then he said, "Now also according to your words, thus will it be. He who is found with it shall be my slave, but you shall be innocent."
11 Then each man quickly brought down his sack to the ground, and each one opened his sack.
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.