Genesis 44:9

9 with whosoeuer of thy seruauntes it be founde let him dye and let vs also be my lordes bondmen.

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 answered him: wherfore sayth my lorde soch wordes? God forbydd that thy servauntes shulde doo so.

8 Beholde the money which we founde in oure sackes mouthes we brought agayne vnto the out of the lande of Canaa: how then shulde we steale out of my lordes house ether syluer or golde?

9 with whosoeuer of thy seruauntes it be founde let him dye and let vs also be my lordes bondmen.

10 And he sayde: Now therfore acordynge vnto youre woordes he with whom it is found shalbe my seruaunte: but ye shalbe harmelesse.

11 And attonce euery man toke downe his sacke to the grounde ad every man opened his sacke.