Genesis 44:9
Genesis 44:9 in Multiple Translations
If any of your servants is found to have it, he must die, and the rest will become slaves of my lord.”
With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord’s bondmen.
With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, let him die, and we also will be my lord’s bondmen.
If it comes to light that any of your servants has done this, let him be put to death, and we will be your lord's servants.
If any one of us is found with it, he shall die, and all of us will become your slaves.”
With whomesoeuer of thy seruants it bee found, let him dye, and we also will be my lordes bondmen.
with whomsoever of thy servants it is found, he hath died, and we also are to my lord for servants.'
With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord’s slaves.”
With whom soever of thy servants it shall be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bond-men.
With whomsoever of thy servants shall be found that which thou seekest, let him die, and we will be the bondmen of my lord.
If you discover that any of us has that cup, you can execute him, and the rest of us will become your slaves.”
Then those men said to Joseph’s worker, “Sir, you can look in all our bags. And if you find that silver cup, then you can kill the man that has the cup in his bag. Then the rest of us mob, we will become your work-men, and we will work for you for no pay.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 44:9
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 44:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יִמָּצֵ֥א
אִתּ֛/וֹ
מֵ/עֲבָדֶ֖י/ךָ
וָ/מֵ֑ת
וְ/גַם
אֲנַ֕חְנוּ
נִֽהְיֶ֥ה
לַֽ/אדֹנִ֖/י
לַ/עֲבָדִֽים
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִמָּצֵ֥א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
אִתּ֛/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
מֵ/עֲבָדֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וָ/מֵ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
אֲנַ֕חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
נִֽהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
לַֽ/אדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לַ/עֲבָדִֽים
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 44:9
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.
יִמָּצֵ֥א
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.
אִתּ֛/וֹ
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.
מֵ/עֲבָדֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
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.
וָ/מֵ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | 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.
אֲנַ֕חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
נִֽהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
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.
לַֽ/אדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
לַ/עֲבָדִֽים
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Prep | N-mp
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 44:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 44:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 44:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 44:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:9
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 44:9
- Sermons on Genesis 44:9
Context — Benjamin and the Silver Cup
7“Why does my lord say these things?” they asked. “Your servants could not possibly do such a thing.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 31:32 | If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. |
| 2 | Psalms 7:3–5 | O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah |
| 3 | Job 31:38–40 | if my land cries out against me and its furrows weep together, if I have devoured its produce without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants, then let briers grow instead of wheat and stinkweed instead of barley.” Thus conclude the words of Job. |
| 4 | Acts 25:11 | If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” |
| 5 | Genesis 43:18 | But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. “They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” |
| 6 | Genesis 44:16 | “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed the iniquity of your servants. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one who was found with the cup.” |
Genesis 44:9 Summary
Genesis 44:9 shows us that the brothers were very serious about proving their innocence and taking responsibility for their actions. They were willing to suffer severe consequences if one of them was found guilty, which reflects the importance of honesty and integrity in our lives, as also taught in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 11:3. This verse also highlights the theme of accountability before God and others, reminding us that our actions have consequences, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, where we reap what we sow. By considering this verse, we can learn valuable lessons about personal responsibility, honesty, and trust in God's sovereignty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the death penalty mentioned in this verse?
The death penalty mentioned in Genesis 44:9 is a reflection of the seriousness of the offense, as seen in other passages like Exodus 22:7, where theft is punished severely, highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity in God's eyes.
Why did the brothers offer to become slaves if one of them was found with the cup?
The brothers' offer to become slaves, as stated in Genesis 44:9, demonstrates their willingness to take responsibility for their actions and accept the consequences, much like the attitude of servants seen in Ephesians 6:5-8, where servants are called to obey their masters with fear and trembling.
Is this verse promoting a harsh or unfair system of justice?
While the system of justice in Genesis 44:9 may seem harsh by today's standards, it reflects the cultural and historical context of the time, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and accountability, as also seen in Deuteronomy 19:16-19, where false witnesses are punished according to the crime they falsely accused others of committing.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty in the story of Joseph?
Genesis 44:9 is part of the larger narrative of God's sovereignty in Joseph's life, as seen in Genesis 45:5 and Genesis 50:20, where God works all things together for good, even in the midst of difficult circumstances and challenging decisions.
Reflection Questions
- What would you do if you were in the brothers' shoes, facing the possibility of death or slavery for a crime you did not commit?
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of personal responsibility and accountability before God and others?
- In what ways can you apply the principle of taking responsibility for your actions, as seen in the brothers' offer to become slaves, to your own life and relationships?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of God, particularly in relation to justice, mercy, and sovereignty?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 44:9
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 44:9
This overdaring offer proceeded from hence, that they were all conscious of their own innocency, and did not suspect any fraud or artifice in the matter.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 44:9
Genesis 44:9 With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord’ s bondmen.Ver. 9. With whomsoever it be found, &c.] Innocency is bold, but withal had need to be wise, for fear of further inconvenience.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 44:9
9. With whomsoever] Joseph’s brethren propose the harshest possible penalty, death for the thief, and slavery for all the company. Cf. Jacob’s proposal in Genesis 31:32.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 44:9
9. Let him die — Their words on the occasion show the intensity of their feeling and excitement, and their entire action evinced their consciousness of innocency as to the charge of stealing the cup.
Sermons on Genesis 44:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 31:32-36 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and Laban from the book of Genesis. Jacob confronts Laban, questioning why he is pursuing him so aggressively. Jacob is c |
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If I Perish I Perish-03 Ministry From Esther by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the struggle between the flesh and the spirit in the life of a believer. He emphasizes that when the flesh dominates, it leads to moral defea |
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The Christian's Preservative by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the importance of the fear of God as a preservative against apostasy, highlighting how believers throughout history have found it to be a preventative to |
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(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 |