Genesis 44:10

Genesis 44:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“As you say,” replied the steward. “But only the one who is found with the cup will be my slave, and the rest of you shall be free of blame.”

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he said, Let it be as you say: he in whose bag it is seen will become my servant; and you will not be responsible.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Whatever you say,” the man replied, “but only the one found with it will become my slave since the rest of you will be free of any blame.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he said, Now then let it be according vnto your wordes: he with whome it is found, shall be my seruant, and ye shalbe blamelesse.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he saith, 'Now, also, according to your words, so it [is]; he with whom it is found becometh my servant, and ye are acquitted;'

World English Bible WEB

He said, “Now also let it be according to your words. He with whom it is found will be my slave; and you will be blameless.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he said, Now also let it be according to your words: he with whom it shall be found, shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he said to them: Let it be according to your sentence: with whomsoever it shall be found, let him be my servant, and you shall be blameless.

Translation for Translators T4T

The man replied, “Okay, I will do what you say. But the one who has the cup will not be executed. Instead, he will become my slave, and the rest of you may return home.”

Plain English Version PEV

Joseph’s worker said, “All right, I will look in all your bags. And the man that has the cup in his bag, he has to become my work-man. Then I will let the rest of you mob go free.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 44:10

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 44:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר גַּם עַתָּ֥ה כְ/דִבְרֵי/כֶ֖ם כֶּן ה֑וּא אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִמָּצֵ֤א אִתּ/וֹ֙ יִהְיֶה לִּ֣/י עָ֔בֶד וְ/אַתֶּ֖ם תִּהְי֥וּ נְקִיִּֽם

וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

עַתָּ֥ה ʻattâh H6258 now Adv

כְ/דִבְרֵי/כֶ֖ם dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-mp | Suff

כֶּן kên H3651 right Adv

ה֑וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יִמָּצֵ֤א mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

אִתּ/וֹ֙ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

יִהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לִּ֣/י Prep | Suff

עָ֔בֶד ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms

וְ/אַתֶּ֖ם ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron

תִּהְי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

נְקִיִּֽם nâqîy H5355 innocent Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 44:10

וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

עַתָּ֥ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

כְ/דִבְרֵי/כֶ֖ם dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-mp | Suff

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

כֶּן kên H3651 "right" Adv

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

ה֑וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יִמָּצֵ֤א mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

אִתּ/וֹ֙ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

יִהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לִּ֣/י "" Prep | Suff

עָ֔בֶד ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

וְ/אַתֶּ֖ם ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

תִּהְי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

נְקִיִּֽם nâqîy H5355 "innocent" Adj

Innocent or guiltless, this word is used to describe someone who is morally clean or free from blame, such as Noah in Genesis 6:9. It emphasizes a person's integrity and moral purity.

Definition: 1) clean, free from, exempt, clear, innocent 1a) free from guilt, clean, innocent 1b) free from punishment 1c) free or exempt from obligations Also means: na.qi (נָקִיא "innocent" H5355B)

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, innocent, quit. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 9:23; Psalms 10:8.

Study Notes — Genesis 44:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 44:10 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 44:10
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:10
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:10
Sermons on Genesis 44:10

Context — Benjamin and the Silver Cup

8We even brought back to you from the land of Canaan the silver we found in the mouths of our sacks. Why would we steal silver or gold from your master’s house? 9If any of your servants is found to have it, he must die, and the rest will become slaves of my lord.”

10“As you say,” replied the steward. “But only the one who is found with the cup will be my slave, and the rest of you shall be free of blame.”

11So each one quickly lowered his sack to the ground and opened it. 12The steward searched, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest—and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 22:3	But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft.
2	Genesis 44:17	But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.”
3	Genesis 44:33	Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers.
4	Matthew 18:24–25	As he began the settlements, a debtor was brought to him owing ten thousand talents. Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.

Genesis 44:10 Summary

In Genesis 44:10, the steward is trying to be fair and find out who took the cup. He says that only the person who has the cup will be punished, and the rest will be free to go. This shows that the steward is trying to follow the rules, but it also sets the stage for the events that will happen next. As we read this verse, we can think about how God is both just and merciful, as seen in Psalm 89:14, and how he wants us to treat others with fairness and kindness, as commanded in Matthew 7:12.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the steward's proposal in Genesis 44:10?

The steward's proposal in Genesis 44:10 shows that he is trying to be fair, but also that he is still under the orders of his master, Joseph, as seen in Genesis 43:17. This proposal sets the stage for the events that will unfold and ultimately reveal the character of the brothers.

Why does the steward say only the one with the cup will be a slave, and the rest will be free of blame?

The steward says this because he is trying to follow the instructions of his master, Joseph, while also appearing to be fair and just, similar to the way God is both just and merciful, as seen in Psalm 89:14. However, this statement also highlights the brothers' past actions and their guilt in selling Joseph into slavery, as mentioned in Genesis 37:28.

Is the steward's proposal a reflection of God's justice?

The steward's proposal can be seen as a reflection of God's justice in the sense that it is based on individual responsibility, as seen in Deuteronomy 24:16 and Ezekiel 18:20, which state that the son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity. However, it is also important to recognize that God's justice is often tempered with mercy, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of forgiveness and restoration in the book of Genesis?

This verse relates to the broader theme of forgiveness and restoration in the book of Genesis because it sets the stage for Joseph's eventual forgiveness of his brothers, as seen in Genesis 45:1-15, and ultimately points to the way that God forgives and restores his people, as seen in Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28.

Reflection Questions

What can we learn from the steward's attempt to balance justice and mercy in this situation, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
How do you think the brothers felt when they heard the steward's proposal, and what does this reveal about their character?
What does this verse teach us about the importance of personal responsibility and accountability before God, as seen in Romans 14:12?
How does this verse contribute to the overall narrative of Joseph's story, and what does it reveal about God's sovereignty and plan for his people?
What does the steward's proposal say about the value of fairness and justice in our relationships with others, as commanded in Leviticus 19:15?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:10

And he said, now also [let] it [be] according unto your words,.... Not according to the full extent of their words, but according to a part of them; that be only should be a servant that was found

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:10

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? No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 44:10

Thus he moderates the conditions which they proposed, exempting the innocent, and exchanging the deserved and offered death of the nocent into slavery.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:10

Genesis 44:10 And he said, Now also [let] it [be] according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless.Ver. 10. Shall be my servant,] i.e., Mine, in my master’ s name and behalf.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:10

10. my bondman] Joseph’s steward, while accepting the terms, mitigates their severity. He proposes that the offender, if apprehended, shall alone be punished, not with death, but with slavery. Joseph’s brethren readily accept the terms.

Sermons on Genesis 44:10

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 44:16-17 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 44th chapter of Genesis, which tells the story of Joseph and his brothers. The brothers have come to Egypt to buy corn, and Joseph tests
	(Exodus) Exodus 22:3-25 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses various laws and principles outlined in the Mosaic system given by God to His people. The speaker emphasizes the practicality and righteousnes
	Judah's Plea by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith takes us through the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. He emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins and not allowing unconfessed sin

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