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How can we prove our innocence? God has uncovered your servants&#8217 guilt. We are now my lord&#8217s slaves—we ourselves and the one who was found to have the cup.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/genesis/44.htm">New Living Translation</a> Judah answered, “Oh, my lord, what can we say to you? How can we explain this? How can we prove our innocence? God is punishing us for our sins. My lord, we have all returned to be your slaves—all of us, not just our brother who had your cup in his sack.” <a href="/esv/genesis/44.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Judah said, “What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how can we clear ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we and he also in whose hand the cup has been found.” <a href="/bsb/genesis/44.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “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.” <a href="/kjv/genesis/44.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/44.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Judah said, “What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; here we are, my lord’s slaves, both we and he also with whom the cup was found.” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/44.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What words can we speak? And how can we justify ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” <a href="/nasb/genesis/44.htm">NASB 1995</a> So Judah said, &#8220What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? And how can we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we are my lord&#8217s slaves, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been found.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/44.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? And how can we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” <a href="/lsb/genesis/44.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? And how can we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” <a href="/amp/genesis/44.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we reply? Or how can we clear ourselves, since God has exposed the sin and guilt of your servants? Behold, we are my lord’s slaves, the rest of us as well as he with whom the cup is found.” <a href="/csb/genesis/44.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “What can we say to my lord? ” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed your servants’ iniquity. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one in whose possession the cup was found.” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/44.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> What can we say to my lord?&#8221 Judah replied. &#8220How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed your servants&#8217 iniquity. We are now my lord&#8217s slaves—both we and the one in whose possession the cup was found.&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/44.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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 bondmen, both we, and he also in whose hand the cup is found. <a href="/cev/genesis/44.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "Sir, what can we say?" Judah replied. "How can we say we are innocent, when God has shown we are guilty? And now all of us are your slaves, especially the one who had the cup." <a href="/erv/genesis/44.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 bondmen, both we, and he also in whose hand the cup is found. <a href="/gwt/genesis/44.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Sir, what can we say to you?" Judah asked. "How else can we explain it? How can we prove we're innocent? God has uncovered our guilt. Now all of us are your slaves, including the one who had the cup." <a href="/gnt/genesis/44.htm">Good News Translation</a> "What can we say to you, sir?" Judah answered. "How can we argue? How can we clear ourselves? God has uncovered our guilt. All of us are now your slaves and not just the one with whom the cup was found." <a href="/isv/genesis/44.htm">International Standard Version</a> "What can we say, Your Excellency?" Judah replied. "How can we explain this or justify ourselves? God has discovered the sin of your servants, and now we've become slaves to you, Your Excellency, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been discovered." <a href="/msb/genesis/44.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?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.? <a href="/net/genesis/44.htm">NET Bible</a> Judah replied, "What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? How can we clear ourselves? God has exposed the sin of your servants! We are now my lord's slaves, we and the one in whose possession the cup was found." <a href="/nheb/genesis/44.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Judah said, "What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? And how can we clear ourselves? God has uncovered the guilt of your servants. Look, we are my lord?s slaves, both we, and the one in whose possession the cup was found." <a href="/wbt/genesis/44.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Judah said, What shall we say to 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. <a href="/web/genesis/44.htm">World English Bible</a> Judah said, “What will we tell my lord? What will we speak? How will we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants. Behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and he also in whose hand the cup is found.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/44.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Judah says, “What do we say to my lord? What do we speak? And how do we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we [are] servants to my lord, both we, and he in whose hand the cup has been found”; <a href="/ylt/genesis/44.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And 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;' <a href="/slt/genesis/44.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Judah will say to him, What shall we say to my lord? what shall we speak? and how shall we be justified? God found the iniquity of thy servants: behold we are servants to my lord, also we, also him the cup being found in his hand.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/44.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Juda said to him: What shall we answer my lord? or what shall we say, or be able justly to allege? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are all bondmen to my lord, both we, and he with whom the cup was found. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/44.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Judah said to him, “What could we answer to my lord? And what would we be able to say, or to justly claim? God has discovered the iniquity of your servants. See, we have all become servants to my lord, both we, and he with whom the cup was found.” <a href="/nabre/genesis/44.htm">New American Bible</a> Judah replied: “What can we say to my lord? How can we plead or how try to prove our innocence? God has uncovered your servants’ guilt. Here we are, then, the slaves of my lord—the rest of us no less than the one in whose possession the goblet was found.” <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/44.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? How can we clear ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants; here we are then, my lord’s slaves, both we and also the one in whose possession the cup has been found.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/44.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Judah said, What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/44.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yehuda said, “What will we say to my Lord, and what will we speak, and in what will we be innocent before God? Sin was found with your Servants; behold we are Servants to my Lord, even we and he in whose hand the cup was found.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/44.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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 bondmen, both we, and he also in whose hand the cup is found.' <a href="/sep/genesis/44.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Judas said, What shall we answer to our lord, or what shall we say, or wherein should we be justified? whereas God has discovered the unrighteousness of thy servants; behold, we are slaves to our lord, both we and he with whom the cup has been found. <a href="/parallel/genesis/44-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=11522" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/44.htm">Benjamin and the Silver Cup</a> …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<a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">can we say</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: la·ḏō·nî (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">to my lord?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: nō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“How</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: nə·ḏab·bêr (V-Piel-Imperf-1cp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">can we plead?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·mah- (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">How</a> <a href="/hebrew/6663.htm" title="6663: niṣ·ṭad·dāq (V-Hitpael-Imperf-1cp) -- To be just or righteous. A primitive root; to be right.">can we justify ourselves?</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: mā·ṣā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">has exposed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5771.htm" title="5771: ‘ă·wōn (N-csc) -- Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity. Or oavown; from avah; perversity, i.e. evil.">the iniquity</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">of your servants.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hin·nen·nū (Interjection:: 3ms) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">We are now</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: la·ḏō·nî (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">my lord’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm (N-mp) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">slaves—</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">both</a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·naḥ·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">we</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">the one</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: nim·ṣā (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">who was found</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/1375.htm" title="1375: hag·gā·ḇî·a‘ (Art:: N-ms) -- A cup, bowl. From an unused root; a goblet; by analogy, the calyx of a flower.">the cup.”</a> 17But 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18-28</a> Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. / “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” ... <a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Genesis 42:21-22</a> Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” / And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!” <a href="/genesis/43-9.htm">Genesis 43:9</a> I will guarantee his safety. You may hold me personally responsible. If I do not bring him back and set him before you, then may I bear the guilt before you all my life. <a href="/genesis/45-3.htm">Genesis 45:3-5</a> Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence. / Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. <a href="/genesis/50-15.htm">Genesis 50:15-18</a> When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” / So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, / ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. ... <a href="/exodus/10-16.htm">Exodus 10:16-17</a> Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “I have sinned against the LORD your God and against you. / Now please forgive my sin once more and appeal to the LORD your God, that He may remove this death from me.” <a href="/1_samuel/12-19.htm">1 Samuel 12:19</a> They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.” <a href="/2_samuel/24-10.htm">2 Samuel 24:10</a> After David had numbered the troops, his conscience was stricken and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.” <a href="/1_kings/8-46.htm">1 Kings 8:46-50</a> When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to his own land, whether far or near, / and when they come to their senses in the land to which they were taken, and they repent and plead with You in the land of their captors, saying, ‘We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly,’ / and when they return to You with all their heart and soul in the land of the enemies who took them captive, and when they pray to You in the direction of the land that You gave to their fathers, the city You have chosen, and the house I have built for Your Name, ... <a href="/job/9-20.htm">Job 9:20</a> Even if I were righteous, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would declare me guilty. <a href="/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4-5</a> “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. / I have spoken once, but I have no answer—twice, but I have nothing to add.” <a href="/psalms/51-3.htm">Psalm 51:3-4</a> For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. / Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. <a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a> Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” <a href="/jeremiah/3-25.htm">Jeremiah 3:25</a> Let us lie down in our shame; let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers; from our youth even to this day we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.” <a href="/daniel/9-5.htm">Daniel 9:5-8</a> we have sinned and done wrong. We have acted wickedly and rebelled. We have turned away from Your commandments and ordinances. / We have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, leaders, fathers, and all the people of the land. / To You, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, and all Israel near and far, in all the countries to which You have driven us because of our unfaithfulness to You. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Judah said, What shall we say to my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants: behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found.Judah.<a href="/genesis/44-32.htm">Genesis 44:32</a> For 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.<a href="/genesis/43-8.htm">Genesis 43:8,9</a> And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones… What shall we say.<a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Deuteronomy 25:1</a> If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.<a href="/ezra/9-10.htm">Ezra 9:10,15</a> And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments, … <a href="/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4</a> Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.God hath.<a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18-28</a> And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him… <a href="/genesis/42-21.htm">Genesis 42:21,22</a> And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us… <a href="/numbers/32-23.htm">Numbers 32:23</a> But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.iniquity.<a href="/genesis/43-9.htm">Genesis 43:9</a> I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:<a href="/isaiah/27-9.htm">Isaiah 27:9</a> By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up.<a href="/daniel/9-7.htm">Daniel 9:7</a> O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.behold.<a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Genesis 44:9</a> With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen.<a href="/genesis/37-7.htm">Genesis 37:7,9</a> For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Bondservants</a> <a href="/genesis/42-23.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/genesis/44-12.htm">Cup</a> <a href="/genesis/44-12.htm">Found</a> <a href="/genesis/43-26.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/19-15.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/genesis/44-14.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/galatians/3-8.htm">Justify</a> <a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/genesis/43-7.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/genesis/44-7.htm">Speak</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/45-16.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-21.htm">Bondservants</a> <a href="/genesis/48-10.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/genesis/44-17.htm">Cup</a> <a href="/genesis/44-17.htm">Found</a> <a href="/genesis/44-17.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/exodus/20-5.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/genesis/44-18.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Justify</a> <a href="/genesis/44-18.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/numbers/13-33.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/genesis/44-19.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/47-21.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/genesis/44-18.htm">Speak</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 44</div>1. <a href="/genesis/44-1.htm">Joseph's policy to stay his brothers.</a> 6. <a href="/genesis/44-6.htm">The silver cup is found in Benjamin's sack.</a> 14. <a href="/genesis/44-14.htm">They are brought before Joseph.</a> 18. <a href="/genesis/44-18.htm">Judah's humble supplication to Joseph.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/44.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/44.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. Judah's address to Joseph as "my lord" reflects the hierarchical social structure of ancient Egypt, where Joseph held a high position as the governor. This phrase indicates Judah's recognition of Joseph's authority and power. The use of "my lord" is also a sign of respect and submission, which is crucial in the context of their desperate situation. Judah's leadership among his brothers is evident here, as he steps forward to speak on their behalf.“How can we plead? Judah's rhetorical question suggests a sense of helplessness and acknowledgment of their inability to defend themselves. This reflects the gravity of the situation, as they are accused of theft, a serious crime. The brothers are aware that they have no evidence or argument to prove their innocence, which parallels the human condition of sinfulness and the inability to justify oneself before God without divine intervention.How can we justify ourselves? This phrase highlights the theme of human inadequacy in achieving righteousness through one's own efforts. It echoes the biblical principle that justification cannot be attained by works but is a gift from God (<a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20-24</a>). Judah's admission of their inability to justify themselves foreshadows the New Testament teaching on justification by faith.God has exposed the iniquity of your servants. Judah attributes their predicament to divine intervention, acknowledging that God has revealed their guilt. This confession may refer to their past sin of selling Joseph into slavery, suggesting a belief in divine justice and retribution. The concept of God exposing sin is consistent with biblical teachings on God's omniscience and the eventual uncovering of hidden sins (<a href="/numbers/32-23.htm">Numbers 32:23</a>, <a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Hebrews 4:13</a>).We are now my lord’s slaves— Judah's declaration of their willingness to become slaves reflects the severity of their situation and their submission to Joseph's authority. This statement is significant in the broader narrative of Genesis, as it contrasts with their earlier actions of selling Joseph into slavery. It also prefigures the concept of spiritual slavery to sin and the need for redemption (<a href="/john/8-34.htm">John 8:34-36</a>).both we and the one who was found with the cup.” Judah includes all the brothers in the punishment, not just Benjamin, who was found with the cup. This act of solidarity and willingness to share in the consequences demonstrates a transformation in the brothers' character, particularly Judah's, who had previously suggested selling Joseph. This change is a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting themes of repentance, unity, and sacrificial love, which are central to the message of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a> One of the twelve sons of Jacob, Judah emerges as a leader among his brothers. In <a href="/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16</a>, he speaks on behalf of his brothers, acknowledging their guilt and expressing their helplessness before Joseph, whom they do not yet recognize as their brother. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> The governor of Egypt, who is actually their brother, tests his brothers' integrity by placing a silver cup in Benjamin's sack. Joseph's actions are part of a larger plan to reveal his identity and test his brothers' repentance. 3. <a href="/topical/b/benjamin.htm">Benjamin</a> The youngest brother, who is accused of stealing Joseph's silver cup. His situation becomes the focal point of the brothers' test of character and loyalty. 4. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land where Joseph has risen to power and where the events of this chapter unfold. It serves as a place of both physical and spiritual testing for Joseph's brothers. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_silver_cup.htm">The Silver Cup</a> A symbol of Joseph's authority and a tool used to test his brothers' honesty and integrity. Its discovery in Benjamin's sack is a pivotal moment in the account.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/acknowledgment_of_sin.htm">Acknowledgment of Sin</a> Judah's confession, "God has uncovered your servants' guilt," highlights the importance of recognizing and admitting our wrongdoings before God. <a href="/topical/i/intercession_and_leadership.htm">Intercession and Leadership</a> Judah steps forward to speak for his brothers, demonstrating the role of a leader who intercedes on behalf of others, a foreshadowing of Christ's intercession for humanity. <a href="/topical/t/testing_and_integrity.htm">Testing and Integrity</a> The situation with the silver cup serves as a test of the brothers' integrity, reminding us that our character is often revealed in times of trial. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> The unfolding events show God's hand at work, using even difficult circumstances to bring about His purposes and reconciliation. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_redemption.htm">Repentance and Redemption</a> The account encourages us to seek genuine repentance and trust in God's redemptive plan, as seen in the eventual reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_44.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 44</a> <a href="/q/how_does_christ_surpass_the_old_covenant.htm">How does Christ fulfill and surpass the old covenant?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_genesis_38_fit_biblical_ethics.htm">In Genesis 38 overall, how does this morally complex story align with the broader biblical narrative on sexual ethics and lineage preservation?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_joseph_use_deception_in_genesis_44.htm">How does the elaborate scheme in Genesis 44:6–13 align with ethical principles, and why would a righteous figure like Joseph resort to deception rather than straightforward communication? </a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_forbid_prayer_in_jeremiah_7_16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16: Why would God forbid prayer for the people here, contradicting other scriptures urging intercession?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/genesis/44-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“What מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what can we say וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to my lord?” לַֽאדֹנִ֔י (la·ḏō·nî) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller Judah יְהוּדָ֗ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites replied. נֹּאמַר֙ (nō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “How מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what can we plead? נְּדַבֵּ֖ר (nə·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue How וּמַה־ (ū·mah-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what can we justify ourselves? נִּצְטַדָּ֑ק (niṣ·ṭad·dāq) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6663.htm">Strong's 6663: </a> To be just or righteous God הָאֱלֹהִ֗ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative has exposed מָצָא֙ (mā·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present the iniquity עֲוֺ֣ן (‘ă·wōn) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5771.htm">Strong's 5771: </a> Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity of your servants. עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant We are now הִנֶּנּ֤וּ (hin·nen·nū) Interjection | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> Lo! behold! my lord’s לַֽאדֹנִ֔י (la·ḏō·nî) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller slaves— עֲבָדִים֙ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant both גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and we אֲנַ֕חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> We and גַּ֛ם (gam) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and the one אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that who was found נִמְצָ֥א (nim·ṣā) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present with בְּיָדֽוֹ׃ (bə·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand the cup.” הַגָּבִ֖יעַ (hag·gā·ḇî·a‘) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1375.htm">Strong's 1375: </a> A goblet, the calyx of a, flower <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/44-16.htm">Genesis 44:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/44-16.htm">OT Law: Genesis 44:16 Judah said What will we tell my (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/44-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 44:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 44:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/44-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 44:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 44:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>