Genesis 44:9

9 "If you find out that any of us has the cup, he will die. 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 But they said to him, "Why do you say these things? We would never do anything like that!

8 We even brought back to you from Canaan the money we found in our sacks. So why would we steal silver or gold from your master's house?

9 "If you find out that any of us has the cup, he will die. And the rest of us will become your slaves."

10 "All right, then," he said. "As you wish. The one who is found to have the cup will become my slave. But the rest of you will be free from blame."

11 Each of them quickly put his sack down on the ground and opened it.