Genesis 44:9

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 {H5650} it be found {H4672}, both let him die {H4191}, and we also will be my lord's {H113} bondmen {H5650}.

Whichever one of us the goblet is found with, let him be put to death - and the rest of us will be my lord's slaves!"

If any of your servants is found to have it, he must die, and the rest will become slaves of my lord.โ€

With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, let him die, and we also will be my lordโ€™s bondmen.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 44:9

Genesis chapter 44 continues the elaborate test orchestrated by Joseph for his brothers, years after they had sold him into slavery. Having brought Benjamin to Egypt as proof of their integrity, Joseph's steward, under Joseph's command, secretly placed Joseph's silver divining cup into Benjamin's sack. The brothers, having just left Egypt, are pursued and accused of theft. Confident in their innocence, especially since they had returned the money previously found in their sacks (Genesis 43:21), they make this bold and desperate declaration in Genesis 44:9. Their offer to accept the death penalty for the guilty one and slavery for all others underscores their profound change and collective loyalty, a stark contrast to their individualistic and cruel actions against Joseph many years prior (Genesis 37:28).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Collective Responsibility and Loyalty: This verse highlights a pivotal moment in the brothers' transformation. Unlike their past willingness to abandon Joseph, they now stand together, willing to bear the consequences for Benjamin's perceived crime. This demonstrates a newfound unity and deep concern for their youngest brother and their father, Jacob.
  • Justice and Self-Sacrifice: The brothers' declaration, "both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen," reflects a strong sense of justice, albeit misplaced due to the setup. It also shows a willingness to sacrifice their own freedom, and even life, for what they believed was right and to protect their family's honor. This anticipates Judah's even greater offer of self-sacrifice later in the chapter (Genesis 44:33).
  • Divine Providence and Testing: Joseph's elaborate scheme, though deceptive, served a higher purpose. It was a divine test designed to reveal the true character of his brothers and to bring about their repentance and reconciliation. Their response in this verse confirms their changed hearts, paving the way for Joseph's eventual revelation of his identity (Genesis 45:1).

Linguistic Insights

The term "bondmen" (KJV) translates the Hebrew word 'avadim (ืขึฒื‘ึธื“ึดื™ื), which refers to servants or slaves. In this context, it signifies a state of complete subjugation and loss of freedom. The brothers' willingness to become "bondmen" for the lord of the land (Joseph, though they didn't know it) was an extreme offer, demonstrating their desperation and commitment to proving their innocence and protecting Benjamin from such a fate. It also ironically echoes Joseph's own experience of being sold into slavery.

Practical Application

Genesis 44:9 offers insights into the power of transformation and the importance of integrity. It reminds us:

  • The possibility of change: Just as Joseph's brothers underwent a profound change from envy and cruelty to loyalty and self-sacrifice, individuals can change and grow, overcoming past failures.
  • Standing for what is right: Even when facing false accusations or difficult circumstances, there is an imperative to stand united and advocate for justice and for those who are vulnerable.
  • Consequences and grace: While their offer was made under false pretenses, it highlights the heavy consequences that can arise from past actions or perceived wrongdoing. Yet, God's grace and redemptive plan can work through even complex human interactions to bring about restoration and reconciliation, as seen in the broader narrative of Joseph and his family.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 31:32 (5 votes)

    With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what [is] thine with me, and take [it] to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.

  • Acts 25:11 (2 votes)

    For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

  • Genesis 44:16 (2 votes)

    And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we [are] my lord's servants, both we, and [he] also with whom the cup is found.

  • Job 31:38 (2 votes)

    If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;

  • Job 31:40 (2 votes)

    Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.

  • Genesis 43:18 (2 votes)

    And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses.

  • Psalms 7:3 (2 votes)

    O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;