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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 44:3 At daybreak, the men were sent on their way with their donkeys.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/44-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/01_Gen_44_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 44:3 - Benjamin and the Silver Cup" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="At daybreak, the men were sent on their way with their donkeys." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/44.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/44.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />As morning dawned, the men were sent on their way with their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/44.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The brothers were up at dawn and were sent on their journey with their loaded donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/44.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away with their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/44.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />At daybreak, the men were sent on their way with their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/44.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/44.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />As soon as the morning dawned, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/44.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />As soon as it was light, the men were sent away, they with their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/44.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />As soon as it was light, the men were sent away, they with their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/44.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />As soon as it was light, the men were sent away, they with their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/44.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />As the morning light <i>broke</i>, the men were sent away, they with their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/44.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/44.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />At morning light, the men were sent off with their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/44.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />At morning light, the men were sent off with their donkeys. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/44.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/44.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Early the next morning, the men were sent on their way with their donkeys. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/44.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/44.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />At dawn the men were sent on their way with their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/44.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Early in the morning the brothers were sent on their way with their donkeys. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/44.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Early the next morning, the men were sent on their way, along with their donkeys. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/44.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />At daybreak, the men were sent on their way with their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/44.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When morning came, the men and their donkeys were sent off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/44.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />As soon as the morning dawned, the men were sent off along with their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/44.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they, and their asses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/44.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/44.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The morning is bright, and the men have been sent away, they and their donkeys—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/44.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The morning is bright, and the men have been sent away, they and their asses -- <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/44.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The morning shone, and the men were sent away, they and their asses.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/44.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when the morning arose, they were sent away with their asses. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/44.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when morning arose, they were sent away with their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/44.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />At daybreak the men and their donkeys were sent off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/44.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away with their donkeys.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/44.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As soon as the morning was light, the men started on their way, together with their asses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/44.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And when it was dawn, the men had started to go, they and their donkeys.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/44.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/44.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The morning dawned, and the men were sent away, they and their asses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/44-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=11430" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/44.htm">Benjamin and the Silver Cup</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>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. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1242.htm" title="1242: hab·bō·qer (Art:: N-ms) -- Morn- ing. From baqar; properly, dawn; generally, morning.">At daybreak,</a> <a href="/hebrew/215.htm" title="215: ’ō·wr (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be or become light. A primitive root; to be luminous."></a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: wə·hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šul·lə·ḥū (V-Pual-Perf-3cp) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">were sent on their way</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm·māh (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2543.htm" title="2543: wa·ḥă·mō·rê·hem (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- A male ass. Or chamor; from chamar; a male ass.">with their donkeys.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>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?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/42-25.htm">Genesis 42:25</a></span><br />Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to return each man’s silver to his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. This order was carried out,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/43-16.htm">Genesis 43:16</a></span><br />When Joseph saw Benjamin with his brothers, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my house. Slaughter an animal and prepare it, for they shall dine with me at noon.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/43-24.htm">Genesis 43:24</a></span><br />And the steward took the men into Joseph’s house, gave them water to wash their feet, and provided food for their donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-1.htm">Genesis 45:1-2</a></span><br />Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me!” So none of them were with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. / But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household soon heard of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/42-27.htm">Genesis 42:27-28</a></span><br />At the place where they lodged for the night, one of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey, and he saw his silver in the mouth of the sack. / “My silver has been returned!” he said to his brothers. “It is here in my sack.” Their hearts sank, and trembling, they turned to one another and said, “What is this that God has done to us?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/43-2.htm">Genesis 43:2</a></span><br />So when Jacob’s sons had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-14.htm">Genesis 45:14-15</a></span><br />Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept as they embraced. / Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept over them. And afterward his brothers talked with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-17.htm">Genesis 50:17-18</a></span><br />‘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. / His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/12-35.htm">Exodus 12:35-36</a></span><br />Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-16.htm">1 Kings 3:16-28</a></span><br />At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. / One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. / On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/5-23.htm">2 Kings 5:23</a></span><br />But Naaman insisted, “Please, take two talents.” And he urged Gehazi to accept them. Then he tied up two talents of silver in two bags along with two sets of clothing and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them ahead of Gehazi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39-42</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; / if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; / and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a></span><br />For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-30.htm">Luke 6:30-38</a></span><br />Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back. / Do to others as you would have them do to you. / If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses.</p><p class="hdg">no references listed for this verse </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/43-24.htm">Asses</a> <a href="/revelation/22-16.htm">Bright</a> <a href="/genesis/32-26.htm">Dawn</a> <a href="/genesis/19-15.htm">Dawned</a> <a href="/genesis/43-24.htm">Donkeys</a> <a href="/genesis/1-18.htm">Light</a> <a href="/genesis/41-8.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/genesis/42-7.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/genesis/43-7.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/44-13.htm">Asses</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-2.htm">Bright</a> <a href="/exodus/14-27.htm">Dawn</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-2.htm">Dawned</a> <a href="/genesis/44-13.htm">Donkeys</a> <a href="/exodus/2-14.htm">Light</a> <a href="/genesis/49-27.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/genesis/44-4.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 44</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/44-1.htm">Joseph's policy to stay his brothers.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/44-6.htm">The silver cup is found in Benjamin's sack.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/44-14.htm">They are brought before Joseph.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/44-18.htm">Judah's humble supplication to Joseph.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>At daybreak</b><br>The timing of events in biblical narratives often holds significance. Daybreak symbolizes a new beginning or revelation. In the context of Genesis, it marks the start of a crucial moment in Joseph's dealings with his brothers. Biblically, daybreak is a time of divine intervention or new opportunities, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/psalms/30-5.htm">Psalm 30:5</a>, where joy comes in the morning.<p><b>the men were sent on their way</b><br>This phrase indicates a transition and a test. Joseph's brothers are unknowingly part of a larger plan orchestrated by Joseph to test their integrity and repentance. The act of sending them away mirrors earlier biblical narratives where individuals are sent on journeys that lead to significant spiritual or personal growth, such as Abraham's journey in <a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12</a>.<p><b>with their donkeys</b><br>Donkeys were common pack animals in ancient Near Eastern cultures, used for transportation and carrying goods. Their mention here emphasizes the normalcy and routine of the brothers' departure, contrasting with the extraordinary events that are about to unfold. In biblical symbolism, donkeys can represent humility and service, as seen in Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (<a href="/matthew/21-5.htm">Matthew 21:5</a>), foreshadowing themes of servitude and redemption.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>- The governor of Egypt, who orchestrates the test of his brothers by placing his silver cup in Benjamin's sack.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a></b><br>- The sons of Jacob, who are returning to Canaan after purchasing grain in Egypt. They are unaware of the test Joseph has set for them.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/benjamin.htm">Benjamin</a></b><br>- The youngest brother, favored by Jacob, and the one in whose sack Joseph's cup is hidden.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>- The land where Joseph has risen to power and where the events of this chapter take place.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a></b><br>- The homeland of Jacob and his sons, to which the brothers are returning.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_testing.htm">God's Sovereignty in Testing</a></b><br>Just as Joseph tested his brothers, God allows tests in our lives to reveal our character and refine our faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_integrity.htm">The Importance of Integrity</a></b><br>The brothers' response to the test reveals their growth in integrity and responsibility, especially Judah's willingness to take responsibility for Benjamin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_forgiveness.htm">Reconciliation and Forgiveness</a></b><br>Joseph's actions ultimately lead to reconciliation with his brothers, reminding us of the power of forgiveness and the restoration of broken relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a></b><br>The unfolding of events in Joseph's life demonstrates the importance of trusting God's timing and purposes, even when they are not immediately clear.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_providence.htm">The Role of Providence</a></b><br>The account highlights God's providential care and guidance, as He works through human actions to fulfill His divine plan.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_44.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 44</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_a_church_handle_pastor_gossip.htm">What defines toxic masculinity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_sin_definition__women_vs._men.htm">How does the Bible define sin in women vs. men?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_the_serpent_speak_to_eve.htm">How could a serpent physically speak to Eve (Genesis 3:1)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob_see_god_and_live.htm">How could Jacob wrestle with God (Gen. 32:24-30) when Exodus 33:20 states no one can see God and live?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/44.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 3-5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As soon as the morning was light</span> (literally, <span class="accented">the morning became bright</span>)<span class="accented">, <span class="cmt_word"></span>the men</span> (literally, and the men) <span class="cmt_word">were sent away, they and their asses.</span> That Joseph did not make himself known to his brothers at the repast was not due to unnatural callousness which caused his heart to remain cold and steeled (Kalisch), or to a fear lest he should thereby destroy the character of his mission which made him the medium of retribution for his brothers (Kalisch), but to the fact that in his judgment either his brothers had not been sufficiently tested, or the time did not appear convenient for the disclosure of his secret. <span class="cmt_word">And when they were gone out of the city</span> (literally, <span class="accented">they went forth out of the city</span>)<span class="accented">, <span class="cmt_word"></span>and not yet far off</span> (literally, they <span class="accented">had not gone far</span>)<span class="accented">, <span class="cmt_word"></span>Joseph</span> (literally, and <span class="accented">Joseph</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>said unto his steward</span> (or man over his house), <span class="cmt_word">Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them</span> (literally, <span class="accented">and overtake them, and say</span> to them), <span class="cmt_word">Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good</span>? The interpolation at this point of the words, "Why did you steal my silver goblet?" (LXX., Vulgate, Syriac) is superfluous. <span class="cmt_word">Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth?</span> - literally, <span class="accented">and divining he divineth</span>, or maketh trial, <span class="accented">in it</span>, the verb <span class="hebrew">נָחַשׁ</span> (from which is derived <span class="accented">nachash</span>, a serpent: <span class="accented">vide <a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1</a>) originally signifying to hiss or whisper, and hence to mutter incantations, to practice ophiomancy, and generally to divine. The special form of divination here referred to (<span class="greek">κυλικομαντεία</span>, or divining out of cups) was practiced by the ancient Egyptians (Hengstenberg's 'Egypt and the Books of Moses,' p. 39). "Small pieces of gold or silver, together with precious stones, marked with strange figures and signs, were thrown into the vessel; after which certain incantations were pronounced, and the evil demon was invoked; the latter was then supposed to give the answer either by intelligible words, or by pointing to some of the characters on the precious stones, or in some other more mysterious manner. Sometimes the goblet was filled with pure water, upon which the sun was allowed to play; and the figures which were thus formed, or which a lively imagination fancied it saw, were interpreted as the desired omen" (Kalisch). Traces of this ancient practice of soothsaying have been detected by some writers in the magnificent vase of turquoise belonging to Jam-shoed, the Solomon of Persia. Like Merlin's cup, described by Spenser ('Faery Queens,' 3:2, 19) - <p><span class="accented">"It vertue had to show in perfect sight<br />Whatever thing was in the world contained<br />Betwixt the lowest earth and heven's hight,<br />So that it to the looker appertaynd."</span> A similar account is given by Homer of the cup of Nestor; and Alexander the Great is reported to have possessed a mystic goblet of a like kind. It is said that in the storming of Seringapatam the unfortunate Tippeo Saib retired to gaze on his divining cup, and that after standing awhile absorbed in it he returned to the fight and fell (vide Kitto's 'Cyclopedia,' art. Divination). <span class="cmt_word">Ye have done evil in so doing.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/44-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">At daybreak,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבֹּ֖קֶר</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bō·qer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1242.htm">Strong's 1242: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dawn, morning</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the men</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·’ă·nā·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> </span><span class="str2">Man, mankind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were sent on their way</span><br /><span class="heb">שֻׁלְּח֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(šul·lə·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with their donkeys.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַחֲמֹרֵיהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(wa·ḥă·mō·rê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2543.htm">Strong's 2543: </a> </span><span class="str2">A male ass</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/44-3.htm">Genesis 44:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/44-3.htm">Genesis 44:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/44-3.htm">Genesis 44:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/44-3.htm">Genesis 44:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/44-3.htm">Genesis 44:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/44-3.htm">Genesis 44:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/44-3.htm">Genesis 44:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/44-3.htm">Genesis 44:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/44-3.htm">Genesis 44:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/44-3.htm">Genesis 44:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/44-3.htm">OT Law: Genesis 44:3 As soon as the morning was light (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/44-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 44:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 44:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/44-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 44:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 44:4" /></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>