Genesis 44:9

9 With whomsoever of thy servants thou shalt find the cup, let him die; and, moreover, we will be servants to our lord.

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 does our lord speak according to these words? far be it from thy servants to do according to this word.

8 If we brought back to thee out of the land of Chanaan the money which we found in our sacks, how should we steal silver or gold out of the house of thy lord?

9 With whomsoever of thy servants thou shalt find the cup, let him die; and, moreover, we will be servants to our lord.

10 And he said, Now then it shall be as ye say; with whomsoever the cup shall be found, he shall be my servant, and ye shall be clear.

11 And they hasted, and took down every man his sack on the ground, and they opened every man his sack.