Genesis 44:9

9 Should it be found with any one of your servants, let him die; moreover the rest of us will become 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 said to him, "Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing!

8 Look, the money that we found at the top of our sacks, we brought back to you from the land of Canaan; why then would we steal silver or gold from your lord's house?

9 Should it be found with any one of your servants, let him die; moreover the rest of us will become my lord's slaves."

10 He said, "Even so; in accordance with your words, let it be: he with whom it is found shall become my slave, but the rest of you shall go free."

11 Then each one quickly lowered his sack to the ground, and each opened his sack.