Genesis 44:9

9 Sir, if any one of us is found to have it, he will be put to death, and the rest of us will become your 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 answered him, "What do you mean, sir, by talking like this? We swear that we have done no such thing.

8 You know that we brought back to you from the land of Canaan the money we found in the top of our sacks. Why then should we steal silver or gold from your master's house?

9 Sir, if any one of us is found to have it, he will be put to death, and the rest of us will become your slaves."

10 He said, "I agree; but only the one who has taken the cup will become my slave, and the rest of you can go free."

11 So they quickly lowered their sacks to the ground, and each man opened his sack.