Genesis 44:12
Genesis 44:12 in Multiple Translations
The steward searched, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest—and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.
And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.
And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left off at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.
And he made a search, starting with the oldest and ending with the youngest; and the cup was in Benjamin's bag.
The household supervisor searched the sacks, beginning with the oldest and working his way down to the youngest. The cup was found in Benjamin's sack.
And he searched, and began at the eldest and left at the yongest: and the cuppe was found in Beniamins sacke.
and he searcheth — at the eldest he hath begun, and at the youngest he hath completed — and the cup is found in the bag of Benjamin;
He searched, beginning with the oldest, and ending at the youngest. The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.
And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack.
Which when he had searched, beginning at the eldest and ending at the youngest, he found the cup in Benjamin’s sack.
Then the servant started to search for the cup in each sack. He started with the oldest brother’s sack and ended with the youngest one’s sack. And he found the cup in Benjamin’s sack and showed it to them.
And Joseph’s worker started to look in all those bags. He looked in the oldest man’s bag first, but the cup wasn’t there. Then he went to the next oldest man, and he looked in that man’s bag, but the cup wasn’t there. And he kept on doing that with all the men. He looked in all of their bags until he got to the youngest man. That young man’s name was Benjamin. Joseph’s worker looked in Benjamin’s bag, and he found that silver cup.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 44:12
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 44:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְחַפֵּ֕שׂ
בַּ/גָּד֣וֹל
הֵחֵ֔ל
וּ/בַ/קָּטֹ֖ן
כִּלָּ֑ה
וַ/יִּמָּצֵא֙
הַ/גָּבִ֔יעַ
בְּ/אַמְתַּ֖חַת
בִּנְיָמִֽן
וַ/יְחַפֵּ֕שׂ
châphas
H2664
to search
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/גָּד֣וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Prep | Adj
הֵחֵ֔ל
châlal
H2490
to bore
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
וּ/בַ/קָּטֹ֖ן
qâṭân
H6996
small
Conj | Prep | Adj
כִּלָּ֑ה
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
וַ/יִּמָּצֵא֙
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/גָּבִ֔יעַ
gᵉbîyaʻ
H1375
cup
Art | N-ms
בְּ/אַמְתַּ֖חַת
ʼamtachath
H572
sack
Prep | N-fs
בִּנְיָמִֽן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 44:12
וַ/יְחַפֵּ֕שׂ
châphas
H2664
"to search"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for search means to look for something or someone, and can also mean to disguise oneself or hide. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 119:2, where it means to seek God's commands.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, to search out, disguise oneself 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search for 1a2) to think out, devise 1a3) to search, test 1b) (Niphal) to be searched out, be exposed 1c) (Piel) to search, search through, search for 1d) (Pual) to be searched for, be sought out 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to disguise oneself 1e2) to let oneself be searched for
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: change, (make) diligent (search), disquise self, hide, search (for, out). See also: Genesis 31:35; Job 30:18; Psalms 64:7.
בַּ/גָּד֣וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
הֵחֵ֔ל
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
וּ/בַ/קָּטֹ֖ן
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Conj | Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
כִּלָּ֑ה
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
וַ/יִּמָּצֵא֙
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-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.
הַ/גָּבִ֔יעַ
gᵉbîyaʻ
H1375
"cup"
Art | N-ms
This word means a cup or goblet, also referring to the calyx of a flower. In the Bible, it is used to describe a container or vessel. The term is used in various contexts, including everyday life and rituals.
Definition: cup, bowl
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: house, cup, pot. See also: Genesis 44:2; Exodus 25:33; Jeremiah 35:5.
בְּ/אַמְתַּ֖חַת
ʼamtachath
H572
"sack"
Prep | N-fs
A sack refers to a flexible container, like a bag, used for carrying grain or other items. It is mentioned in the Bible as a common item used for storage and transport.
Definition: 1) sack, flexible container (for grain) 2) (TWOT) spread out
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: sack. See also: Genesis 42:27; Genesis 43:23; Genesis 44:12.
בִּנְיָמִֽן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
Study Notes — Genesis 44:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 44:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 44:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:12
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:12
- Sermons on Genesis 44:12
Context — Benjamin and the Silver Cup
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.
13Then they all tore their clothes, loaded their donkeys, and returned to the city. 14When Judah and his brothers arrived at Joseph’s house, he was still there, and they fell to the ground before him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 44:26–32 | But we answered, ‘We cannot go down there unless our younger brother goes with us. So if our younger brother is not with us, we cannot see the man.’ And your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons. When one of them was gone, I said: “Surely he has been torn to pieces.” And I have not seen him since. Now if you also take this one from me and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.’ So if the boy is not with us when I return to your servant, and if my father, whose life is wrapped up in the boy’s life, sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. Indeed, your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father, saying, ‘If I do not return him to you, I will bear the guilt before you, my father, all my life.’ |
| 2 | Genesis 42:36–38 | Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my sons. Joseph is gone and Simeon is no more. Now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is going against me!” Then Reuben said to his father, “You may kill my two sons if I fail to bring him back to you. Put him in my care, and I will return him.” But Jacob replied, “My son will not go down there with you, for his brother is dead, and he alone is left. If any harm comes to him on your journey, you will bring my gray hair down to Sheol in sorrow.” |
| 3 | Genesis 43:14 | May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother along with Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” |
| 4 | Genesis 43:33 | They were seated before Joseph in order by age, from the firstborn to the youngest, and the men looked at one another in astonishment. |
| 5 | Genesis 44:2 | Put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, along with the silver for his grain.” So the steward did as Joseph had instructed. |
Genesis 44:12 Summary
This verse tells us that the steward searched the brothers' sacks to find the missing cup, and it was found in Benjamin's sack. This was a surprising and upsetting moment for the brothers, as they had promised to protect Benjamin and take care of him, as seen in Genesis 42:37. The event teaches us about the importance of taking responsibility for one another and standing together in times of crisis, as seen in Galatians 6:2. It also shows us how God can use unexpected events to bring about His purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the steward search the brothers' sacks from oldest to youngest?
The steward searched the brothers' sacks from oldest to youngest as a way of showing respect to the older brothers, and also to build suspense and drama as the search progressed, as seen in Genesis 44:12. This approach also allowed the brothers to witness the fairness of the search.
What was the significance of the cup being found in Benjamin's sack?
The cup being found in Benjamin's sack was a pivotal moment in the story, as it led to the brothers' distress and ultimately to the revelation of Joseph's identity, as seen in Genesis 45:1-15. This event was also a test of the brothers' character and their willingness to stand up for one another.
How did this event relate to the broader story of Joseph and his brothers?
This event was a key part of the story of Joseph and his brothers, as it led to the brothers' reconciliation and the fulfillment of the dreams that Joseph had as a young man, as seen in Genesis 37:5-11. The story of Joseph and his brothers is also a powerful example of God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in Romans 8:28.
What can we learn from the brothers' reaction to the cup being found in Benjamin's sack?
The brothers' reaction to the cup being found in Benjamin's sack, as seen in Genesis 44:13-14, teaches us about the importance of taking responsibility for one another and standing together in times of crisis, as seen in Galatians 6:2. Their actions also demonstrate the value of humility and repentance, as they fell to the ground before Joseph in Genesis 44:14.
Reflection Questions
- How would you have felt if you were one of the brothers, having your sack searched and being accused of stealing?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of fairness and justice in our relationships with others?
- How can we apply the lesson of the brothers' loyalty to one another in our own relationships, especially in times of crisis?
- What role does suspense and drama play in the storytelling of the Bible, and how can we learn from it in our own communication with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:12
And he searched,.... To the bottom of them, not content to look into the mouth of them being opened, but rummaged them, and searched deeply into them to find the cup, which was the thing charged upon
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:12
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 44:12
Began at the eldest, to take off all their suspicion of his fraud. The cup was found in Benjamin’ s sack. He found doubtless the money there, but he accused them not about that matter, both because they had an answer ready to that charge from his own mouth, , and because the greater crime, the stealing of the cup which Joseph so much prized and used, might seem to extinguish the less, or at least cause him to neglect it.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:12
Genesis 44:12 And he searched, [and] began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin’ s sack.Ver. 12. And he searched, and began at the eldest.] The better to avoid suspicion, for he knew well enough where to find the cup. So Jonadab, Amnon’ s carnal friend but spiritual enemy, could tell David that not all the king’ s sons, as the report ran, but Amnon only was slain by Absalom. The devil also when he hath conveyed his cups into our sacks, his goods into our houses, - as the Russians use to deal by their enemies, and then accuse them of theft, - his injections into our hearts, if we fancy them never so little, will accuse us to God, and claim both them and us too for his own. And the cup was found in Benjamin’ s sack.] Sacco soluto apparuit argentum, saith Ambrose. When God comes to turn the bottom of the bag upward, all will out. Sin not, therefore, in hope of secrecy; on the fair day, at the last day, all packs shall be opened. Heyl., Geog., p. 243.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:12
12. searched] There is no mention of the money in the sacks’ mouths (Genesis 44:1). The interest centres on the cup. That the search is made in order of age is a dramatic touch adding to the excitement of the scene described, and probably carried out by the directions of Joseph himself, as if it might be assumed that the youngest was the least likely to be the thief. Cf. Genesis 43:33.
Sermons on Genesis 44:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 42:19-24 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. Joseph, who is now in a position of power in Egypt, tests his brothers to see |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 42 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers during the time of famine in Egypt. Jacob, their father, sends 10 of his sons to Egypt to buy corn, but h |
|
Spiritual Fluctuations by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink explores the concept of 'Spiritual Fluctuations,' emphasizing that true Christians experience significant changes in their spiritual lives, contrasting with those who mai |
|
|
The Christian's Assurance by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound assurance found in Romans 8:28, illustrating how God orchestrates all circumstances for the good of those who love Him. He reassures believers tha |
|
Genesis 42:36 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores Jacob's despair in Genesis 42:36, where Jacob laments, 'All things are against me,' highlighting how despair can lead to foolish actions and a loss of faith. H |
|
Spiritual Force by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about how God uses pressure and opposition in our lives to generate spiritual force and bring more power into our lives. He compares this process to the |
|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 43:31-34 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. He highlights the moment when Joseph reveals himself to his brothers after yea |