Genesis 44:7

7 And they said to him, Why does our lord speak according to these words? far be it from thy servants to do according to this word.

Genesis 44:7 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 44:7

And they said unto him, wherefore saith my lord these words?
&c.] One of them, in the name of the rest, perhaps Judah, made answer, as astonished at the charge laid against them, suggesting that there was not the least foundation for it, and were quite surprised to hear anything of this kind alleged against them: God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing;
expressing the utmost detestation of such a fact, as being what they could never be guilty of.

Genesis 44:7 In-Context

5 Why have ye stolen my silver cup? is it not this out of which my lord drinks? and he divines augury with it; ye have accomplished evil in that which ye have done.

6 And he found them, and spoke to them according to these words.

7 And they said to him, Why does our lord speak according to these words? far be it from thy servants to do according to this word.

8 If we brought back to thee out of the land of Chanaan the money which we found in our sacks, how should we steal silver or gold out of the house of thy lord?

9 With whomsoever of thy servants thou shalt find the cup, let him die; and, moreover, we will be servants to our lord.