Genesis 44:9

9 If any of your servants is found to have it, he will die; and the rest of us will become my lord’s slaves.”

Genesis 44:9 in Other Translations

KJV
9 With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen.
ESV
9 Whichever of your servants is found with it shall die, and we also will be my lord's servants."
NLT
9 If you find his cup with any one of us, let that man die. And all the rest of us, my lord, will be your slaves.”
MSG
9 If that chalice is found on any of us, he'll die; and the rest of us will be your master's slaves."
CSB
9 If any of us is found to have it, he must die, and we also 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 But they said to him, “Why does my lord say such things? Far be it from your servants to do anything like that!
8 We even brought back to you from the land of Canaan the silver we found inside the mouths of our sacks. So why would we steal silver or gold from your master’s house?
9 If any of your servants is found to have it, he will die; and the rest of us will become my lord’s slaves.”
10 “Very well, then,” he said, “let it be as you say. Whoever is found to have it will become my slave; the rest of you will be free from blame.”
11 Each of them quickly lowered his sack to the ground and opened it.

Cross References 3

  • 1. S Genesis 42:11
  • 2. Genesis 31:32
  • 3. S ver 10; S Genesis 43:18
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