Genesis 44:15

KJV

And Joseph said unto them, What deed [is] this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joseph {H3130} said {H559} unto them, What deed {H4639} is this that ye have done {H6213}? wot ye {H3045} not that such a man {H376} as I can certainly {H5172} divine {H5172}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yosef said to them, "How could you do such a thing? Don't you know that a man such as myself can learn the truth by divination?"

Berean Standard Bible

“What is this deed you have done?” Joseph declared. “Do you not know that a man like me can surely divine the truth?”

American Standard Version

And Joseph said unto them, What deed is this that ye have done? know ye not that such a man as I can indeed divine?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In [Genesis 44:15](/genesis/44-15 "Read Genesis 44:15 KJV"), Joseph confronts his brothers after his silver cup is "found" in Benjamin's sack, maintaining his elaborate disguise as an Egyptian official with divining powers. This statement is a crucial part of Joseph's carefully orchestrated test, designed to assess his brothers' transformation and loyalty to Benjamin, setting the stage for his eventual revelation and reconciliation.

### CONTEXT
This verse immediately follows the dramatic discovery of Joseph's divining cup in Benjamin's sack, which prompts the brothers' desperate return to Joseph's house in Egypt, having initially departed ([Genesis 44:13](/genesis/44-13 "Read about the brothers' return to Joseph in Genesis 44:13")). Joseph's accusatory question and claim to supernatural insight are integral to his ruse, pushing his brothers to their emotional limits and forcing them to demonstrate their changed character, particularly their solidarity with Benjamin, in stark contrast to their past betrayal of Joseph himself years earlier ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Learn about Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery in Genesis 37:28")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Joseph's words in [Genesis 44:15](/genesis/44-15 "Read Genesis 44:15 KJV") are a masterstroke of dramatic irony and strategic deception. He begins with a feigned indignation, "What deed [is] this that ye have done?", conveying shock and accusation, despite orchestrating the entire scenario himself. This question is designed to elicit a confession or a desperate plea, further cornering his brothers.

The latter part of the verse, "wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?", is central to Joseph's disguise. "Wot ye not" is an archaic KJV rendering meaning "know ye not," emphasizing Joseph's pretense of surprise that they would attempt to deceive someone of his supposed abilities. The crucial word here is "divine" (Hebrew: *nachash*, נָחַשׁ). This term generally refers to various forms of divination, omens, or sorcery, practices explicitly forbidden by God to the Israelites ([Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Learn about the prohibition of divination and other occult practices in Deuteronomy 18:10")). However, Joseph, a true worshiper of God, is speaking from the perspective of a powerful Egyptian official who would typically engage in or claim such abilities. He uses their cultural framework and understanding of power to add weight to his accusation and maintain his elaborate disguise. It is vital to note that Joseph himself, when interpreting dreams for Pharaoh, consistently attributed the ability to God, not himself ([Genesis 41:16](/genesis/41-16 "Read Joseph's humble acknowledgement of God's power in Genesis 41:16")), demonstrating his true stance on divine revelation and the source of true wisdom. This entire exchange serves to heighten the tension and test the brothers' response, leading to Judah's powerful intercession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Test of Character:** Joseph's actions are not merely about justice for a "stolen" cup, but a profound test of his brothers' transformation. Their willingness to intercede for Benjamin and sacrifice themselves in his stead ([Genesis 44:33](/genesis/44-33 "Read Judah's heartfelt plea for Benjamin in Genesis 44:33")) serves as the ultimate proof of their changed hearts and the depth of their repentance.
* **Divine Providence Amidst Human Strategy:** While Joseph employs human cunning and deception, the broader narrative unequivocally underscores God's sovereign hand guiding events. This seemingly manipulative situation is part of God's overarching plan for the preservation of Jacob's family and the fulfillment of His covenant promises, aligning with Joseph's later profound understanding that God intended all for good, despite the evil intentions of his brothers ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Read Joseph's profound statement on God's redemptive plan in Genesis 50:20")).
* **Appearance vs. Reality:** Joseph, a devout worshiper of the one true God, strategically pretends to be a diviner. This highlights the stark contrast between his outward persona as a powerful Egyptian ruler, who seemingly possesses pagan abilities, and his true identity and unwavering faith, which he will soon reveal to his astonished brothers.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, situated within its broader narrative, serves as a powerful reminder that God often works through complex, unexpected, and even seemingly deceptive circumstances to bring about His perfect purposes. It encourages believers to look beyond immediate appearances and trust in God's overarching plan, even when human actions seem unclear or morally ambiguous from a limited perspective. The narrative also profoundly highlights the transformative power of genuine repentance and the profound impact of family reconciliation, echoing enduring themes found throughout the biblical narrative of redemption and restoration. We learn that God can utilize even difficult or seemingly manipulative situations to foster spiritual growth and reveal the true character of individuals.

### FAQ
**Did Joseph truly practice divination?**

Answer: No, Joseph did not truly practice divination. The Bible consistently portrays Joseph as a faithful servant of God, who attributed all his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams to God alone ([Genesis 41:16](/genesis/41-16 "Read Joseph's humble acknowledgement of God's power in Genesis 41:16")). His claim to "divine" in [Genesis 44:15](/genesis/44-15 "Read Genesis 44:15 KJV") was part of an elaborate ruse, a strategic deception designed to maintain his disguise as an Egyptian official and test his brothers. Divination was a common practice in ancient Egypt, and Joseph, acting in his Egyptian capacity, used this cultural understanding to add weight to his accusation and push his brothers toward a critical decision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's actions in [Genesis 44:15](/genesis/44-15 "Read Genesis 44:15 KJV"), though marked by a temporary deception, foreshadow profound aspects of Christ's work. Joseph, hidden in his identity as an Egyptian ruler, tests his brothers to bring them to repentance and ultimately reveals himself, leading to reconciliation and salvation for his family. Similarly, Christ, though fully God, veiled His glory in human flesh, appearing in humility to test the hearts of humanity. He allowed Himself to be "accused" and "judged" by human systems, even as He orchestrated the ultimate plan of redemption. Like Joseph, who brought his brothers to a place of brokenness and confession before revealing his true identity and offering forgiveness, Christ brings humanity to a realization of their sin and need for a Savior, ultimately revealing His redemptive purpose and offering reconciliation through His sacrifice. Joseph's suffering and hiddenness paved the way for the salvation of his family, just as Christ's suffering and apparent defeat on the cross paved the way for the eternal salvation of all who believe, bringing about a greater good through what seemed, to human eyes, to be a complex and even unjust process.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.