Genesis 44:9

9 With whoever of thy slaves it is found, both let him die and we also will be my lord’s bond 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 And they said unto him, Why saith my lord these words? In no wise should thy slaves do according to this thing.

8 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks’ mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan; how then should we steal out of thy lord’s house silver or gold?

9 With whoever of thy slaves it is found, both let him die and we also will be my lord’s bond slaves.

10 And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words; he with whom it is found shall be my slave, and ye shall be blameless.

11 Then they made haste, and each one took his sack down to the ground, and each one opened his sack.