Genesis 44:9

9 With whom [soever] of thy servants it shall be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bond-men.

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 saith my lord these words? Far be it from us that thy servants should do according to this thing:
8 Behold, the money which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again to thee from the land of Canaan: how then should we steal from thy lord's house silver or gold?
9 With whom [soever] of thy servants it shall be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bond-men.
10 And he said, Now also [let] it [be] according to your words: he with whom it shall be found, shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless.
11 Then they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground, and opened every man his sack.
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