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Far be it from your servants to do anything like that!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/44.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“What are you talking about?” the brothers responded. “We are your servants and would never do such a thing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/44.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/44.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Why does my lord say these things?” they asked. “Your servants could not possibly do such a thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/44.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/44.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And they said to him, “Why does my lord say these words? Far be it from us that your servants should do such a thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/44.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And they said to him, “Why does my lord say such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/44.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They said to him, &#8220Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/44.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/44.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And they said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/44.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They said to him, “Why does my lord speak these things? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/44.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They said to him, “Why does my lord say these things? Your servants could not possibly do such a thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/44.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They said to him, &#8220Why does my lord say these things? Your servants could not possibly do such a thing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/44.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they said unto him, Wherefore speaketh my lord such words as these? Far be it from thy servants that they should do such a thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/44.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But they replied, "Sir, why do you say such things? We would never do anything like that! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/44.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they said unto him, Wherefore speaketh my lord such words as these? God forbid that thy servants should do such a thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/44.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They answered him, "Sir, how can you say such things? We would never think of doing anything like that!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/44.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They answered him, "What do you mean, sir, by talking like this? We swear that we have done no such thing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/44.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Your Excellency," they replied, "Why do you speak like this? Far be it from your servants to act like this. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/44.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Why does my lord say these things?? they asked. ?Your servants could not possibly do such a thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/44.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They answered him, "Why does my lord say such things? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/44.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/44.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they said to him, Why saith my lord these words? Far be it from us that thy servants should do according to this thing:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/44.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/44.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they say to him, “Why does my lord speak according to these words? Far be it from your servants to do according to this word;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/44.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and 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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/44.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will say to him, For what will my lord speak according to these words? far be it for thy servants to do according to this word.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/44.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they answered: Why doth our lord speak so, as though thy servants had committed so heinous a fact? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/44.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they responded: “Why does our lord speak in this way, as though your servants had committed such a shameful act?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/44.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />they said to him: “Why does my lord say such things? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/44.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />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!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/44.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They said to him, Let not our lord speak such words. Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/44.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They were saying to him, “Our Lord should not say these words. God forbid that your Servants would do this thing.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/44.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they said unto him: 'Wherefore speaketh my lord such words as these? Far be it from thy servants that they should do such a thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/44.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they said to him, Why does our lord speak according to these words? far be it from thy servants to do according to this word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/44-7.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=11455" 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">6</span>When the steward overtook them, he relayed these words to them. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: ’ă·ḏō·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">does my lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: yə·ḏab·bêr (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">say</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">these</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: kad·də·ḇā·rîm (Prep-k, Art:: N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">things?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they asked.</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">“Your servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/2486.htm" title="2486: ḥā·lî·lāh (Interjection:: 3fs) -- Far be it! Or chalilah; a directive from chalal; literal for a profaned thing; used Far be it!">could not possibly</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: mê·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">do</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">such</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: kad·dā·ḇār (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">a thing.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>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?…<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/42-18.htm">Genesis 42:18-22</a></span><br />and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live: / If you are honest, leave one of your brothers in custody while the rest of you go and take back grain to relieve the hunger of your households. / Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/43-18.htm">Genesis 43:18-22</a></span><br />But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. “They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” / So they approached Joseph’s steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house. / “Please, sir,” they said, “we really did come down here the first time to buy food. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a></span><br />You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Exodus 23:7</a></span><br />Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">Deuteronomy 19:16-19</a></span><br />If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. / The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">1 Samuel 24:9-11</a></span><br />and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? / Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ / See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-17.htm">2 Samuel 16:17-19</a></span><br />“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” / “Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain. / Furthermore, whom should I serve if not his son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-31.htm">1 Kings 8:31-32</a></span><br />When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple, / then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/22-5.htm">Job 22:5-6</a></span><br />Is not your wickedness great? Are not your iniquities endless? / For you needlessly demanded security from your brothers and deprived the naked of their clothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-3.htm">Psalm 7:3-5</a></span><br />O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, / if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, / then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/26-6.htm">Psalm 26:6-7</a></span><br />I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD, / to raise my voice in thanksgiving and declare all Your wonderful works.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm">Proverbs 17:15</a></span><br />Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—both are detestable to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-9.htm">Isaiah 53:9</a></span><br />He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-35.htm">Jeremiah 2:35</a></span><br />you say, ‘I am innocent. Surely His anger will turn from me.’ Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11-12</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they said to him, Why said my lord these words? God forbid that your servants should do according to this thing:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/34-25.htm">Genesis 34:25-31</a></b></br> And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard <i>it</i>. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Genesis 37:18-32</a></b></br> And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/44-4.htm">Far</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">Forbid</a> <a href="/genesis/42-13.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/43-19.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/genesis/44-6.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/genesis/44-4.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/genesis/44-2.htm">Word</a> <a href="/genesis/44-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/44-17.htm">Far</a> <a href="/genesis/44-17.htm">Forbid</a> <a href="/genesis/44-9.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/genesis/44-16.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/genesis/45-12.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/genesis/47-19.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/genesis/44-18.htm">Word</a> <a href="/genesis/44-10.htm">Words</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>“Why does my lord say these things?”</b><br>In this phrase, the brothers of Joseph are addressing the steward of Joseph's house, who has accused them of stealing Joseph's silver cup. The term "my lord" reflects the social hierarchy and respect for authority in ancient Egypt, where Joseph held a high position. This question indicates their confusion and distress, as they are unaware of the planted evidence. The brothers' response can be seen as a plea for justice and truth, echoing the biblical theme of innocence being falsely accused, similar to Joseph's own experience in <a href="/genesis/39.htm">Genesis 39</a> when he was wrongfully imprisoned.<p><b>“Your servants could not possibly do such a thing.”</b><br>Here, the brothers assert their integrity and innocence. The phrase "your servants" shows their submission and acknowledgment of the steward's authority. This declaration of innocence is significant in the narrative, as it highlights the transformation in the brothers' character since their earlier betrayal of Joseph. Their insistence on honesty contrasts with their past deceit, suggesting a moral and spiritual growth. This moment also foreshadows the ultimate revelation and reconciliation with Joseph, paralleling themes of redemption and forgiveness found throughout Scripture, such as in the parable of the Prodigal Son (<a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a></b><br>- The governor of Egypt, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to power. He orchestrates a test for his brothers to see if they have changed.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a></b><br>- The sons of Jacob, who previously sold Joseph into slavery. They are now in Egypt to buy grain during a famine.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/benjamin.htm">Benjamin</a></b><br>- The youngest brother, who is favored by Jacob after Joseph's presumed death. Joseph's test involves Benjamin to see how the brothers will react.<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/t/the_steward.htm">The Steward</a></b><br>- Joseph's servant who is instructed to place Joseph's silver cup in Benjamin's sack and later confronts the brothers about the alleged theft.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_and_repentance.htm">Integrity and Repentance</a></b><br>The brothers' response to the accusation reveals their changed hearts. True repentance involves a transformation of character and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/testing_and_growth.htm">Testing and Growth</a></b><br>God often allows tests in our lives to reveal our character and promote spiritual growth. Joseph's test of his brothers is a divine opportunity for them to demonstrate their integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite human actions, God's plan prevails. Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership in Egypt illustrates God's sovereign control over circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_reconciliation.htm">Forgiveness and Reconciliation</a></b><br>Joseph's eventual forgiveness of his brothers is a powerful example of reconciliation, which is central to Christian teaching.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a></b><br>Even in difficult situations, we can trust that God is working for our good, as seen in Joseph's life.<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/bible's_view_on_disrespect.htm">What are the Bible's teachings on disrespect?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_isaiah_45_7_contradict_evil's_origin.htm">If Isaiah 45:7 claims God creates both light and darkness, does this contradict other passages suggesting evil originates solely from humanity or Satan?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_consistent_that_only_god_reveals_motives.htm">In 1 Corinthians 4:5, is it historically consistent to believe that God alone can reveal hidden motives, given the multiple divine claims in ancient cultures?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_joshua_23_14_align_with_later_prophecies.htm">How does Joshua 23:14's statement that all God's promises were fulfilled reconcile with later prophetic books that foresee unfulfilled promises?</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 7-10.</span> - A<span class="cmt_word">nd they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do</span> (literally, <span class="accented">for be thy seesaws from doing</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>according to s thing: behold, the money</span> (literally, the <span class="accented">silver</span>)<span class="accented">, <span class="cmt_word"></span>which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan</span> (this was an irrefragable proof of their honesty): <span class="cmt_word">how then should we steal out of my lord's house silver or gold?</span> They were even so confident of their innocence that they ventured on a rash proposition. <span class="cmt_word">With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen</span> - literally, <span class="accented">for servants to my lord</span>. <span class="cmt_word">And he</span> (the steward) <span class="cmt_word">said, Now also let it be according to your words.</span> So LXX., Vulgate, and commentators generally; but Kalisch reads it as an interrogation, "<span class="accented">Is</span> it right according to your words?" meaning that strict justice demanded only the punishment of the thief, as he explained. <span class="cmt_word">He with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye</span> (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> the others of you) <span class="cmt_word">shall be blameless.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/44-7.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">“Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֚מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">does my lord</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sovereign, controller</span><br /><br /><span class="word">say</span><br /><span class="heb">יְדַבֵּ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">these</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֵ֑לֶּה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><br /><span class="word">things?”</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּדְּבָרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(kad·də·ḇā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they asked.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Your servants</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲבָדֶ֔יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">could not possibly</span><br /><span class="heb">חָלִ֙ילָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·lî·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2486.htm">Strong's 2486: </a> </span><span class="str2">For, a profaned thing, far be it!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעֲשׂ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">such</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a thing.</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּדָּבָ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(kad·dā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/44-7.htm">Genesis 44:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/44-7.htm">Genesis 44:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/44-7.htm">Genesis 44:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/44-7.htm">Genesis 44:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/44-7.htm">Genesis 44:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/44-7.htm">Genesis 44:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/44-7.htm">Genesis 44:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/44-7.htm">Genesis 44:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/44-7.htm">Genesis 44:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/44-7.htm">Genesis 44:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/44-7.htm">OT Law: Genesis 44:7 They said to him Why does my (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/44-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 44:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 44:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/44-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 44:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 44:8" /></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>