Genesis 44:5

KJV

[Is] not this [it] in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.

KJV (with Strong's)

Is not this it in which my lord {H113} drinketh {H8354}, and whereby indeed {H5172} he divineth {H5172}? ye have done evil {H7489} in so doing {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Isn't this the goblet my lord drinks from, indeed the one he uses for divination? What you have done is evil!'"

Berean Standard Bible

Is this not the cup my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wicked!’”

American Standard Version

Is not this that in which my lord drinketh, and whereby he indeed divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The steward's calculated accusation against Joseph's brothers asserts they stole the viceroy's silver cup, which he falsely claimed was used for divination. This pivotal moment intensifies Joseph's elaborate test, designed to expose his brothers' transformed character and their loyalty to Benjamin, setting the stage for Judah's profound intercession and the eventual, emotional revelation of Joseph's identity, thereby advancing God's redemptive plan for the nascent nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical juncture within the larger narrative arc of Joseph, beginning in [Genesis 37](/genesis/37 "Joseph's Early Life and Dreams") and culminating in [Genesis 50](/genesis/50 "Joseph's Death and Legacy"). Following years of separation and Joseph's rise to power in Egypt, he orchestrates a series of tests for his brothers, who are unaware of his true identity. Having previously returned their money in their sacks ([Genesis 42:27-28](/genesis/42-27-28 "Brothers discover their money")), Joseph's final and most intense trial involves secretly placing his personal silver cup in Benjamin's sack ([Genesis 44:1-2](/genesis/44-1-2 "The Cup Planted in Benjamin's Sack")). The steward's pursuit and the subsequent accusation in [Genesis 44:5] are precisely designed to push the brothers to their absolute limit, forcing a demonstration of their character, particularly their willingness to protect Benjamin, unlike their past betrayal of Joseph ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Joseph sold into slavery")). This dramatic setup directly precedes Judah's powerful and moving intercession for Benjamin ([Genesis 44:18-34](/genesis/44-18-34 "Judah's Plea for Benjamin")), which proves the brothers' transformation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt, like many Near Eastern cultures, was steeped in practices of divination, magic, and omens. Pharaohs and high officials often employed diviners or interpreters of dreams, as seen in Joseph's own role in interpreting Pharaoh's dreams ([Genesis 41:25-36](/genesis/41-25-36 "Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams")). While the Bible consistently condemns such practices for God's people ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "God's Prohibition Against Divination")), the steward's claim that Joseph used the cup for divination would have been culturally plausible and highly intimidating to the brothers. A personal drinking vessel, especially one belonging to a high-ranking official like the viceroy, held significant symbolic value, representing the owner's status and authority. To "steal" such an item, particularly one purportedly used for mystical purposes, would have been perceived as not merely a theft, but an act of profound disrespect and sacrilege against a figure of both political and supposed spiritual power, carrying severe consequences under Egyptian law.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding [Genesis 44:5] contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. **Divine Providence** is paramount, as Joseph's seemingly manipulative actions are ultimately part of God's sovereign plan to preserve His covenant people and bring about reconciliation ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Purpose")). The theme of **Testing and Transformation** is vividly displayed, as Joseph's trials expose the brothers' changed hearts, particularly their willingness to sacrifice for Benjamin, contrasting sharply with their earlier callousness towards Joseph ([Genesis 37:23-28](/genesis/37-23-28 "Joseph's Brothers Plot Against Him")). This period of intense pressure is designed to bring them to a place of genuine repentance and demonstrate their newfound familial loyalty. Furthermore, the narrative explores the theme of **Deception for Redemptive Purposes**, where Joseph employs a form of strategic deception (the planted cup, the false claim of divination) not for malice, but to expose truth, bring about repentance, and ultimately achieve a greater good—the preservation and reconciliation of the family line, essential for the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The steward's accusation in [Genesis 44:5] is a carefully crafted statement, designed to maximize the brothers' distress and the perceived gravity of their "crime," serving Joseph's larger redemptive purpose.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** From H113, this term signifies a sovereign, controller, master, or owner. In this context, it emphasizes Joseph's supreme authority and status as viceroy, making the "theft" of his personal cup an offense against a figure of immense power and dignity. The steward uses it to elevate the perceived severity of the crime.
* **divineth (Hebrew, _nâchash'_):** From H5172, this primitive root means to hiss, whisper a magic spell, or generally to prognosticate. It refers to the practice of divination, sorcery, or seeking omens. The steward's claim that Joseph uses the cup for divination is a crucial, yet false, assertion. This claim elevates Joseph's status in the eyes of the brothers, portraying him not just as a powerful political figure but also as one possessing mystical abilities, thereby magnifying the sacrilege of stealing such an item.
* **evil (Hebrew, _râʻaʻ'_):** From H7489, this root means to spoil, to make (or be) good for nothing, bad (physically, socially, or morally), to do harm, hurt, or act wickedly. The steward's direct declaration, "ye have done evil," is a stark accusation of moral wrongdoing, intended to elicit a strong reaction from the brothers and force them to confront their actions, both past and present.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Is not this it in which my lord drinketh":** This initial clause establishes the profound significance of the cup. It is not merely any vessel but Joseph's personal drinking cup, implying an intimate connection and making its "theft" a direct and profound personal insult to the viceroy. The question is rhetorical, designed to highlight the obvious importance and ownership of the item.
* **"and whereby indeed he divineth?":** This is the most potent and deceptive part of the accusation. The steward falsely claims that Joseph uses the cup for divination, the practice of foretelling the future or discovering hidden things through supernatural means. This assertion serves multiple purposes: it magnifies the perceived sacrilege of stealing such an item, making the "theft" seem like a greater offense against a figure of authority and mystical power; it adds a layer of fear and intimidation, as one would not lightly cross someone believed to have supernatural insight; and crucially, it is *not* an indication that Joseph actually practiced divination, which was strictly forbidden by God to Israel ([Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "God's prohibition against divination")). This is the steward's fabrication, part of Joseph's elaborate test.
* **"ye have done evil in so doing.":** This direct and unequivocal accusation of wrongdoing, coupled with the heightened significance of the cup and the false claim of divination, aims to elicit a strong reaction from the brothers. It forces them into a desperate situation, compelling them to confront their past and present actions, and setting the stage for Judah's powerful intercession for Benjamin, which ultimately reveals their transformed character.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several key literary devices to heighten the drama and convey its deeper meaning. **Dramatic Irony** is central, as the audience (and Joseph) are aware of the truth—that the cup was planted and Joseph does not practice divination—while the brothers remain ignorant, caught in a web of false accusation. This irony creates tension and anticipation for the eventual revelation. The steward's accusation also utilizes **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the gravity of the "crime" by associating the cup with divination, thereby magnifying the perceived sacrilege and the severity of the brothers' supposed offense. This overstatement serves to increase the pressure on the brothers. Furthermore, the entire scenario functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Judah's self-sacrificial plea and the ultimate demonstration of the brothers' transformed character, which will lead to Joseph's revelation and the family's reconciliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The steward's accusation in [Genesis 44:5] is not merely a plot device but a crucial element in God's intricate working of divine providence. Joseph, as an instrument of God, orchestrates this intense test, including the false claim of divination, to bring his brothers to a place of genuine repentance and to reveal the profound transformation of their hearts. This seemingly deceptive act serves a redemptive purpose, forcing the brothers to confront their past sin and demonstrate their newfound loyalty and willingness to sacrifice for one another, particularly for Benjamin. This dramatic moment underscores the biblical principle that God often uses challenging, even seemingly unjust, circumstances to refine character, expose truth, and bring about His good and sovereign purposes, ultimately leading to restoration and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "God's Prohibition Against Divination"): This passage explicitly condemns practices like divination, highlighting that the steward's claim about Joseph's cup was a fabrication, not a reflection of Joseph's true character or God's will.
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good"): Joseph's entire ordeal, including this moment of severe testing, exemplifies how God works all things, even false accusations and difficult circumstances, for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "A Broken and Contrite Heart"): The intense pressure of Joseph's test, culminating in Judah's plea, brings the brothers to a place of brokenness and repentance, demonstrating that a "broken and contrite heart" is what God desires, paving the way for forgiveness and reconciliation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 44:5] and the broader Joseph narrative provide profound insights into God's intricate and often mysterious ways of working in human lives. What appears to be hardship, injustice, or even calculated deception can be part of a larger divine plan for restoration, transformation, and blessing. Like Joseph, who used a difficult and deceptive test to bring about a greater good—the repentance and reconciliation of his family—God can orchestrate circumstances in our lives to reveal our true character, refine our faith, and lead us to deeper repentance and reconciliation with Him and with others. This passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand even when circumstances are confusing, painful, or seemingly unfair, knowing that His ultimate purpose is always redemptive and for our good. It also subtly reinforces the importance of discerning truth and recognizing that not all claims, even from those in positions of authority, are genuine or righteous, prompting us to rely on God's revealed truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do challenging or confusing circumstances in your life reveal your true character or expose areas needing transformation?**
* **In what ways might God be using difficult situations to bring about a greater good or a deeper reconciliation in your relationships?**
* **How does the narrative of Joseph encourage you to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when you don't understand the immediate circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph's steward claim he used the cup for divination?**

Answer: The steward's claim that Joseph used the cup for divination was a strategic and calculated part of Joseph's elaborate test for his brothers. By falsely attributing mystical powers to the cup and Joseph, the "theft" of the cup became a far more serious offense than simple larceny. It was designed to heighten the perceived sacrilege and gravity of the crime, thereby increasing the pressure on the brothers and forcing them to reveal their true character and loyalty, especially concerning Benjamin. This intense pressure was intended to bring them to a point of profound repentance and self-sacrifice, demonstrating their transformation.

**Does this verse imply Joseph actually practiced divination?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that Joseph actually practiced divination. The steward's statement is a fabricated accusation, part of the elaborate deception Joseph orchestrated to test his brothers. Joseph was a faithful servant of God, guided by divine revelation through dreams and interpretations ([Genesis 41:25-36](/genesis/41-25-36 "Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams")), not by forbidden practices like divination. The Old Testament explicitly condemns divination as an abomination to the Lord ([Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10-12 "God's Prohibition Against Divination")), and it would be entirely inconsistent with Joseph's character, his unwavering faith, and his role as God's instrument to engage in such practices. The claim was purely a tactical maneuver in his test.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, particularly his suffering, testing, and ultimate exaltation, serves as a powerful type of Christ, foreshadowing the redemptive work of the Messiah. Just as Joseph was falsely accused and seemingly abandoned by his brothers, only to be exalted to a position of power through which he brought salvation and sustenance to his family and the world, so too Christ was falsely accused, suffered unjustly, and was exalted to the right hand of God to bring salvation to all who believe ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Joseph's "deception" in [Genesis 44:5], though a human strategy, mirrors how Christ's redemptive work, through His atoning sacrifice, exposes our sin and calls us to repentance, transforming our hearts and leading us into reconciliation with God and one another ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "The Ministry of Reconciliation")). Joseph's ultimate act of revealing himself and forgiving his brothers ([Genesis 45:1-15](/genesis/45-1-15 "Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers")) beautifully foreshadows Christ's boundless grace, the reconciliation offered through His sacrifice, and the restoration of humanity to fellowship with God, demonstrating that what was intended for evil, God uses for good ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Declaration of God's Purpose")).

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.

Cross-References

Genesis 30:27

And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, [tarry: for] I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

Deuteronomy 18:10

There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Deuteronomy 18:14

For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so [to do].

Leviticus 19:26

Ye shall not eat [any thing] with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.

Genesis 44:15

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?

2 Kings 21:6

And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke [him] to anger.

1 Kings 20:33

Now the men did diligently observe whether [any thing would come] from him, and did hastily catch [it]: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.