Genesis 44:8-18

8 We brought back to you from the land of Canaan the money we found in our sacks. So surely we would not steal silver or gold from your master's house.

9 If you find that silver cup in the sack of one of us, then let him die, and we will be your slaves."

10 The servant said, "We will do as you say, but only the man who has taken the cup will become my slave. The rest of you may go free."

11 Then every brother quickly lowered his sack to the ground and opened it.

12 The servant searched the sacks, going from the oldest brother to the youngest, and found the cup in Benjamin's sack.

13 The brothers tore their clothes to show they were afraid. Then they put their sacks back on the donkeys and returned to the city.

14 When Judah and his brothers went back to Joseph's house, Joseph was still there, so the brothers bowed facedown on the ground before him.

15 Joseph said to them, "What have you done? Didn't you know that a man like me can learn things by signs and dreams?"

16 Judah said, "Master, what can we say? And how can we show we are not guilty? God has uncovered our guilt, so all of us will be your slaves, not just Benjamin."

17 But Joseph said, "I will not make you all slaves! Only the man who stole the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may go back safely to your father."

18 Then Judah went to Joseph and said, "Master, please let me speak plainly to you, and please don't be angry with me. I know that you are as powerful as the king of Egypt himself.

Genesis 44:8-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 44

This chapter relates the policy of Joseph in making an experiment of his brethren's regard and affection for Benjamin; he ordered his steward to put every man's money into his sack, and his silver cup in Benjamin's, and when they were got out of the city, to follow after them, and charge them with the theft, as he did; and having searched their sacks, as they desired he would, found the cup with Benjamin, which threw them into the utmost distress, and obliged them to return to Joseph, Ge 44:1-14; who charged them with their ill behaviour towards him; they acknowledge it, and propose to be his servants; but he orders them to depart to their father, retaining Benjamin in servitude, Ge 44:15-17; upon which Judah addressed him in a very polite and affectionate manner, and relates the whole story, both of what passed between Joseph and them, concerning Benjamin, the first time they were in Egypt, and between their father and them upon the same subject, when he directed them to go a second time thither to buy corn, and how he became a surety to his father for him, and therefore proposed to be his bondman now, not being able to see his father's face without Benjamin, Ge 44:18-34.