Bible Strands
Genesis 44:10
“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.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The steward speaks to his brothers after they swear to the cup test in Genesis 44:9, confirming their agreement before the search begins.
The words — The Hebrew יִמָּצֵ֤א (yi.ma.Tze') means "it is found," paired with כְּדִבְרֵיכֶם (khe.div.rei.Khem) "according to your words," which establishes the conditional basis of the steward’s decree.
The thread — The same conditional finding appears in Genesis 44:17, where Joseph later confirms only the cup-bearer will be enslaved, while Genesis 44:33 shows the brothers’ fear of this outcome driving Judah’s substitution offer.
Why it lands — The verse demands recognition that a single discovered item determines collective fate, forcing the brothers to confront their past concealment of Joseph.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And 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.
Cross-references
- Genesis 44:17 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.”
- Genesis 44:33 Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers.
- Exodus 22:3 But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft.
- Matthew 18:24 As he began the settlements, a debtor owing ten thousand talents was brought to him.