Genesis Chapter 44

Benjamin and the Silver Cup

1And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth. 2And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. 3As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses. 4And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? 5Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.

6And he overtook them, and he spake unto them these same words. 7And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing: 8Behold, 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? 9With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen. 10And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless. 11Then they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground, and opened every man his sack. 12And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. 13Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.

14And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house; for he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground. 15And Joseph said unto them, What deed is this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine? 16And 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. 17And he said, God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.

Judah Pleads for Benjamin

18Then Judah came near unto him, and said, Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh. 19My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother? 20And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him. 21And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him. 22And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die. 23And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more. 24And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord. 25And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food. 26And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us. 27And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me two sons: 28And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn in pieces; and I saw him not since: 29And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. 30Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad's life; 31It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave. 32For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever. 33Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren. 34For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.

Benjamin and the Silver Cup

1 He commanded the steward of his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in his sack’s mouth. 2 Put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest, with his grain money.” He did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. 3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. 4 When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men. When you overtake them, ask them, ‘Why have you rewarded evil for good? 5 Isn’t this that from which my lord drinks, and by which he indeed divines? You have done evil in so doing.’”

6 He overtook them, and he spoke these words to them. 7 They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing! 8 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks’ mouths, we brought again to you out of the land of Canaan. How then should we steal silver or gold out of your lord’s house? 9 With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord’s bondservants.” 10 He said, “Now also let it be according to your words: he with whom it is found will be my bondservant; and you will be blameless.” 11 Then they hurried, and each man took his sack down to the ground, and each man opened his sack. 12 He searched, beginning with the eldest, and ending at the youngest. The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey, and returned to the city.

14 Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, and he was still there. They fell on the ground before him. 15 Joseph said to them, “What deed is this that you have done? Don’t you know that such a man as I can indeed divine?” 16 Judah said, “What will we tell my lord? What will we speak? Or how will we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants. Behold, we are my lord’s bondservants, both we, and he also in whose hand the cup is found.” 17 He said, “Far be it from me that I should do so. The man in whose hand the cup is found, he will be my bondservant; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.”

Judah Pleads for Benjamin

18 Then Judah came near to him, and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and don’t let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even as Pharaoh. 19 My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father, or a brother?’ 20 We said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother; and his father loves him.’ 21 You said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.’ 22 We said to my lord, ‘The boy can’t leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’ 23 You said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will see my face no more.’ 24 It happened when we came up to your servant my father, we told him the words of my lord. 25 Our father said, ‘Go again, buy us a little food.’ 26 We said, ‘We can’t go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down: for we may not see the man’s face, unless our youngest brother is with us.’ 27 Your servant, my father, said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons: 28 and the one went out from me, and I said, “Surely he is torn in pieces;” and I haven’t seen him since. 29 If you take this one also from me, and harm happens to him, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.’ 30 Now therefore when I come to your servant my father, and the boy is not with us; since his life is bound up in the boy’s life; 31 it will happen, when he sees that the boy is no more, that he will die. Your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant, our father, with sorrow to Sheol. 32 For your servant became collateral for the boy to my father, saying, ‘If I don’t bring him to you, then I will bear the blame to my father forever.’ 33 Now therefore, please let your servant stay instead of the boy, a bondservant to my lord; and let the boy go up with his brothers. 34 For how will I go up to my father, if the boy isn’t with me?—lest I see the evil that will come on my father.”

Benjamin and the Silver Cup

1 Then Joseph instructed his steward: “Fill the men’s sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each one’s silver in the mouth of his sack. 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.

3 At daybreak, the men were sent on their way with their donkeys. 4 They had not gone far from the city when Joseph told his steward, “Pursue the men at once, and when you overtake them, ask, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? a 5 Is this not the cup b my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wicked!’ ”

6 When the steward overtook them, he relayed these words to them.

7 “Why does my lord say these things?” they asked. “Your servants could not possibly do such a thing. 8 We 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? 9 If 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.”

11 So each one quickly lowered his sack to the ground and opened it. 12 The steward searched, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest—and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they all tore their clothes, loaded their donkeys, and returned to the city.

14 When Judah and his brothers arrived at Joseph’s house, he was still there, and they fell to the ground before him.

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

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.”

17 But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.”

Judah Pleads for Benjamin

18 Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself. 19 My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’

20 And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’

21 Then you told your servants, ‘Bring him down to me so that I can see him for myself.’

22 So we said to my lord, ‘The boy cannot leave his father. If he were to leave, his father would die.’

23 But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’

24 Now when we returned to your servant my father, we relayed your words to him.

25 Then our father said, ‘Go back and buy us some food.’

26 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.’

27 And your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons. 28 When one of them was gone, I said: “Surely he has been torn to pieces.” And I have not seen him since. 29 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.’

30 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, 31 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. 32 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.’

33 Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers. 34 For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him.”

Footnotes:

4 a LXX includes Why have you stolen my silver cup?
5 b Hebrew Is it not this which

Benjamin and the Silver Cup

1And he commandeth him who is over his house, saying, 'Fill the bags of the men with food, as they are able to bear, and put the money of each in the mouth of his bag; 2and my cup, the silver cup, thou dost put in the mouth of the bag of the young one, and his corn-money;' and he doth according to the word of Joseph which he hath spoken. 3The morning is bright, and the men have been sent away, they and their asses -- 4they have gone out of the city -- they have not gone far off -- and Joseph hath said to him who is over his house, 'Rise, pursue after the men; and thou hast overtaken them, and thou hast said unto them, Why have ye recompensed evil for good? 5Is not this that with which my lord drinketh? and he observeth diligently with it; ye have done evil in that which ye have done.'

6And he overtaketh them, and speaketh unto them these words, 7and they say unto him, 'Why doth my lord speak according to these words? far be it from thy servants to do according to this word; 8lo, the money which we found in the mouth of our bags we brought back unto thee from the land of Canaan, and how do we steal from the house of thy lord silver or gold? 9with whomsoever of thy servants it is found, he hath died, and we also are to my lord for servants.' 10And he saith, 'Now, also, according to your words, so it is; he with whom it is found becometh my servant, and ye are acquitted;' 11and they hasten and take down each his bag to the earth, and each openeth his bag; 12and 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; 13and they rend their garments, and each ladeth his ass, and they turn back to the city.

14And Judah -- his brethren also -- cometh in unto the house of Joseph, and he is yet there, and they fall before him to the earth; 15and Joseph saith to them, 'What is this deed that ye have done? have ye not known that a man like me doth diligently observe?' 16And Judah saith, 'What do we say to my lord? what do we speak? and what -- do we justify ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants; lo, we are servants to my lord, both we, and he in whose hand the cup hath been found;' 17and he saith, 'Far be it from me to do this; the man in whose hand the cup hath been found, he becometh my servant; and ye, go ye up in peace unto your father.'

Judah Pleads for Benjamin

18And Judah cometh nigh unto him, and saith, 'O, my lord, let thy servant speak, I pray thee, a word in the ears of my lord, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant -- for thou art as Pharaoh. 19My lord hath asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father or brother? 20and we say unto my lord, We have a father, an aged one, and a child of old age, a little one; and his brother died, and he is left alone of his mother, and his father hath loved him. 21'And thou sayest unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, and I set mine eye upon him; 22and we say unto my lord, The youth is not able to leave his father, when he hath left his father, then he hath died; 23and thou sayest unto thy servants, If your young brother come not down with you, ye add not to see my face. 24'And it cometh to pass, that we have come up unto thy servant my father, that we declare to him the words of my lord; 25and our father saith, Turn back, buy for us a little food, 26and we say, We are not able to go down; if our young brother is with us, then we have gone down; for we are not able to see the man's face, and our young brother not with us. 27'And thy servant my father saith unto us, Ye -- ye have known that two did my wife bare to me, 28and the one goeth out from me, and I say, Surely he is torn -- torn! and I have not seen him since; 29when ye have taken also this from my presence, and mischief hath met him, then ye have brought down my grey hairs with evil to sheol. 30'And now, at my coming in unto thy servant my father, and the youth not with us (and his soul is bound up in his soul), 31then it hath come to pass when he seeth that the youth is not, that he hath died, and thy servants have brought down the grey hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to sheol; 32for thy servant obtained the youth by surety from my father, saying, If I bring him not in unto thee -- then I have sinned against my father all the days. 33'And now, let thy servant, I pray thee, abide instead of the youth a servant to my lord, and the youth goeth up with his brethren, 34for how do I go up unto my father, and the youth not with me? lest I look on the evil which doth find my father.'

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Genesis 44?

1.1Introduction to Genesis 44

1.2Context of Genesis 44

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Genesis 44 Unique Insights

1.6Genesis 44 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Genesis 44 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Genesis 44 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Genesis 44?

Introduction to Genesis 44

Genesis 44 represents a pivotal moment in the Joseph narrative, where divine providence and human reconciliation intersect in a dramatic crescendo. This chapter showcases one of the most emotionally charged scenes in Scripture, as Joseph orchestrates a final test of his brothers’ character through a scheme involving his silver cup. The tension that has built throughout the Joseph narrative reaches its peak here, setting the stage for one of the most powerful examples of forgiveness and restoration in the Bible.

Context of Genesis 44

This chapter falls within the larger Joseph narrative (Genesis 37-50) and directly follows the second visit of Joseph’s brothers to Egypt during the seven-year famine. The immediate context shows Joseph’s brothers returning to Canaan with grain, unaware that their brother, whom they sold into slavery years ago, is now the second most powerful man in Egypt. Joseph has already tested them once by imprisoning Simeon and demanding they bring Benjamin, but this chapter presents the ultimate test of their character.

The broader biblical context reveals this chapter as crucial to God’s covenant promises to Abraham. The preservation of Jacob’s family during the famine ensures the continuation of the chosen line through which the Messiah would eventually come. Moreover, this chapter serves as a vital link in understanding how Israel came to be in Egypt, setting up the exodus narrative that would later define Israel’s national identity and relationship with יהוה (Yahweh).

Ancient Key Word Study

Cup (גָּבִיעַ, gabia): More than just a drinking vessel, this term in Hebrew specifically refers to a ceremonial or divination cup. Its usage here carries significant cultural weight, as such cups were often associated with authority and supernatural power in ancient Egyptian culture.
Divination (נַחַשׁ, nachash): The Hebrew word used when Joseph claims to practice divination carries deep implications. While the Torah later forbids divination, its mention here likely serves to maintain Joseph’s Egyptian persona rather than indicating actual practice.
Steward (אֲשֶׁר עַל־בֵּיתוֹ, asher al-beito): Literally “the one over his house,” this phrase represents more than just a servant but a trusted administrator with significant authority, reflecting Joseph’s own rise to power.
Tested (נִסָּה, nissah): The root word used for Joseph’s testing of his brothers is the same word used for God’s testing of Abraham, suggesting a divine purpose in these trials.
Youngest (הַקָּטֹן, haqaton): The term for Benjamin goes beyond mere age, carrying connotations of being specially protected and beloved, paralleling Joseph’s former status in the family.
Guilt (אָשֵׁם, ashem): When the brothers acknowledge their guilt, this specific Hebrew term implies both legal and moral culpability, suggesting deep spiritual awareness.
Life (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): Used in describing Jacob’s connection to Benjamin, this word means more than physical life—it represents the very essence of being, highlighting the depth of Jacob’s attachment.
Slave (עֶבֶד, eved): This term appears repeatedly in Judah’s speech, carrying both literal and covenantal implications, foreshadowing Israel’s future bondage and redemption.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1-2: The placement of the cup in Benjamin’s sack mirrors how Joseph was originally thrown into a pit. The Hebrew word for “put” (שִׂים, sim) is deliberately chosen over alternatives like “give” (נָתַן, natan) to emphasize the secretive nature of the action.
Verse 5: Joseph’s claim to use the cup for divination employs specific terminology (נַחֵשׁ יְנַחֵשׁ, nachesh yenachesh) that creates wordplay with the serpent (נָחָשׁ, nachash) in Genesis 3, suggesting themes of deception and revelation.
Verse 13: The brothers’ tearing of clothes uses the same Hebrew root (קָרַע, qara) as when they had brought Joseph’s torn coat to Jacob, creating a powerful literary parallel.
Verse 16: Judah’s confession uses the word “found” (מָצָא, matza) three times, echoing the repeated “finding” of the cup, suggesting divine providence rather than chance.
Verse 18: The Hebrew phrase “in Pharaoh’s ears” (בְּאָזְנֵי פַרְעֹה) is chosen over simpler alternatives to emphasize the formal, legal nature of Judah’s plea.
Verse 20: The description of Benjamin as “child of old age” (יֶלֶד זְקֻנִים, yeled zekunim) mirrors exactly how Joseph was described earlier, creating a deliberate parallel.
Verse 28: The passive construction “torn to pieces” (טָרֹף טֹרַף, tarof toraf) emphasizes the brothers’ deception through grammatical ambiguity about who did the tearing.
Verse 34: Judah’s final plea uses the Hebrew word for “evil” (רָעָה, ra’ah) that connects back to Jacob’s earlier lament, creating a chain of moral responsibility.

Genesis 44 Unique Insights

The chapter contains several layers of meaning that would have resonated deeply with its original audience. Ancient Jewish commentators note that the silver cup incident parallels the brothers’ earlier deception of Jacob with Joseph’s coat. The Midrash Rabbah observes that just as they had used a garment and blood to deceive their father, now a silver cup becomes the instrument of their testing.

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The placement of the cup specifically in Benjamin’s sack carries profound symbolism. Benjamin, like Joseph, was Rachel’s son and Jacob’s beloved. Some rabbinical sources suggest that the cup’s placement in Benjamin’s sack represented a divine ordering, as Benjamin was the only brother not involved in selling Joseph. The early church father Origen saw this as a type of Christ, where the innocent one bears the burden that leads to redemption.

The chapter also presents a fascinating study in leadership and character transformation. Joseph’s methods, while seemingly harsh, demonstrate remarkable wisdom in testing genuine repentance. The Talmud discusses how Joseph’s actions follow the principle of “measure for measure” (middah k’neged middah), where the brothers must face a situation parallel to their original sin to prove their character development.

Genesis 44 Connections to Yeshua

This chapter prefigures several aspects of Messianic redemption. Judah’s willingness to substitute himself for Benjamin foreshadows the Messiah’s substitutionary atonement. Just as Judah offers himself in place of his brother, Yeshua would later offer Himself for all humanity. The Hebrew word used for “surety” (עָרַב, arav) in Judah’s pledge carries the same root as the concept of substitutionary atonement.

Moreover, Joseph’s testing of his brothers parallels how the Messiah brings about conviction of sin leading to repentance. The silver cup, hidden and then revealed, mirrors how truth often remains concealed until God’s appointed time of revelation. This connects to 1 Corinthians 13:12, where we see through a glass darkly until full revelation comes.

Genesis 44 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates throughout Scripture in multiple ways. The theme of substitution echoes forward to Isaiah 53, where the Suffering Servant bears the sins of others. Judah’s intercession prefigures Moses’ pleading for Israel in Exodus 32:32.

The motif of divine testing connects back to Abraham’s test with Isaac in Genesis 22 and forward to Job’s trials. The brothers’ confession of guilt finds parallel in Psalm 51 and other penitential passages.

The theme of reconciliation between brothers anticipates later biblical narratives like Jacob and Esau, and ultimately points to the reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles described in Ephesians 2:14-16.

Genesis 44 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts regarding reconciliation and redemption. Just as Joseph’s brothers faced their past sins, we too must confront our failures honestly before God. The chapter teaches us that true repentance often comes through difficult circumstances that God sovereignly orchestrates for our good.

Judah’s selfless offer to take Benjamin’s place presents a powerful model of sacrificial love and responsibility. His transformation from the one who suggested selling Joseph to the one willing to become a slave himself demonstrates how God can radically change a heart.

The chapter also reminds us that God’s ways of bringing about His purposes may seem mysterious or even harsh at times, but His ultimate goal is always redemptive. Just as Joseph’s seemingly cruel actions were actually steps toward healing and restoration, God’s difficult providences in our lives serve His redemptive purposes.

Did You Know

The silver cup mentioned in this chapter would have been a symbol of authority in ancient Egypt, often used in religious ceremonies and official functions.
The practice of divination through cups (known as lecanomancy) was common in ancient Egypt, involving interpreting patterns in liquids or the sounds made by dropping gold or silver pieces into them.
Judah’s speech to Joseph (verses 18-34) is considered one of the longest uninterrupted speeches in Genesis and a masterpiece of ancient Near Eastern legal defense.
The Hebrew word for “find” appears seven times in this chapter, a number associated with completion in biblical numerology.
Ancient Egyptian households often had a “master of the cup,” a highly trusted position since poisoning was a common method of assassination.
The brothers’ tearing of clothes was not just an expression of grief but a formal legal gesture in ancient Near Eastern culture, signifying acceptance of guilt or calamity.
Benjamin’s name appears twelve times in this chapter, possibly symbolizing the future twelve tribes of Israel.
The chapter contains several Egyptian loan words, demonstrating the historical authenticity of the narrative.
The silver cup incident mirrors ancient Near Eastern adoption rituals where a cup was given to seal the relationship.
The phrase “God has found out” uses a Hebrew legal term implying divine judgment and accountability.

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