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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 44:4 They had not gone far from the city when Joseph told his steward, "Pursue the men at once, and when you overtake them, ask, 'Why have you repaid good with evil?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/44-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/01_Gen_44_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 44:4 - Benjamin and the Silver Cup" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/44-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/44-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/44.htm">Chapter 44</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/44-3.htm" title="Genesis 44:3">◄</a> Genesis 44:4 <a href="/genesis/44-5.htm" title="Genesis 44:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/genesis/44.htm">New International Version</a> They had not gone far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, &#8220Go after those men at once, and when you catch up with them, say to them, &#8216Why have you repaid good with evil? <a href="/nlt/genesis/44.htm">New Living Translation</a> But when they had gone only a short distance and were barely out of the city, Joseph said to his palace manager, “Chase after them and stop them. When you catch up with them, ask them, ‘Why have you repaid my kindness with such evil? <a href="/esv/genesis/44.htm">English Standard Version</a> They had gone only a short distance from the city. Now Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? <a href="/bsb/genesis/44.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> They had not gone far from the city when Joseph told his steward, “Pursue the men at once, and when you overtake them, ask, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? <a href="/kjv/genesis/44.htm">King James Bible</a> And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? <a href="/nkjv/genesis/44.htm">New King James Version</a> When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Get up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? <a href="/nasb_/genesis/44.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> They had just left the city, and were not far away, when Joseph said to his house steward, “Up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? <a href="/nasb/genesis/44.htm">NASB 1995</a> They had just gone out of the city, and were not far off, when Joseph said to his house steward, &#8220Up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, &#8216Why have you repaid evil for good? <a href="/nasb77/genesis/44.htm">NASB 1977 </a> They had just gone out of the city, and were not far off, when Joseph said to his house steward, “Up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? <a href="/lsb/genesis/44.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now they had just gone out of the city and were not far off when Joseph said to his house steward, “Arise, pursue the men; you shall overtake them and say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? <a href="/amp/genesis/44.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When they had left the city, and were not yet far away, Joseph said to his steward, “Get up, follow after the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil [to us] for good [paid to you]? <a href="/csb/genesis/44.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> They had not gone very far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, “Get up. Pursue the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? <a href="/hcsb/genesis/44.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> They had not gone very far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, &#8220Get up. Pursue the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, &#8216Why have you repaid evil for good? <a href="/asv/genesis/44.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when they were gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? <a href="/cev/genesis/44.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But they had not gone far from the city when Joseph told the servant, "Go after those men! When you catch them, say, 'My master has been good to you. So why have you stolen his silver cup? <a href="/erv/genesis/44.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when they were gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? <a href="/gwt/genesis/44.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They had not gone far from the city when Joseph said to the man in charge of his house, "Go after those men at once, and when you catch up with them, say to them, 'Why have you paid me back with evil when I was good to you? <a href="/gnt/genesis/44.htm">Good News Translation</a> When they had gone only a short distance from the city, Joseph said to the servant in charge of his house, "Hurry after those men. When you catch up with them, ask them, 'Why have you paid back evil for good? <a href="/isv/genesis/44.htm">International Standard Version</a> They had not traveled far from the city when Joseph ordered his palace manager, "Get up, follow those men, and when you've caught up with them, ask them, 'Why did you repay evil for good? <a href="/msb/genesis/44.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> They had not gone far from the city when Joseph told his steward, ?Pursue the men at once, and when you overtake them, ask, ?Why have you repaid good with evil? <a href="/net/genesis/44.htm">NET Bible</a> They had not gone very far from the city when Joseph said to the servant who was over his household, "Pursue the men at once! When you overtake them, say to them, 'Why have you repaid good with evil? <a href="/nheb/genesis/44.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When they were far from the city, Joseph said to his manager, "Up, go after the men, and when you overtake them, ask them, 'Why have you repaid evil for good? <a href="/wbt/genesis/44.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, Arise, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say to them, Why have ye rewarded evil for good? <a href="/web/genesis/44.htm">World English Bible</a> When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men. When you overtake them, ask them, ‘Why have you rewarded evil for good? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/44.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> they have gone out of the city—they have not gone far off—and Joseph has said to him who [is] over his house, “Rise, pursue after the men; and you have overtaken them, and you have said to them: Why have you repaid evil for good? <a href="/ylt/genesis/44.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> they have gone out of the city -- they have not gone far off -- and Joseph hath said to him who is over his house, 'Rise, pursue after the men; and thou hast overtaken them, and thou hast said unto them, Why have ye recompensed evil for good? <a href="/slt/genesis/44.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> They came forth out of the city, they were not far off, and Joseph said to him over his house, Arise, pursue after the men, and having overtaken them, and say to them, For what did ye requite evil for good?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/44.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when they were now departed out of the city, and had gone forward a little way; Joseph sendingfor the steward of his house, said: Arise, and pursue after the men: and when thou hast overtaken them, say to them: Why have you returned evil for good? <a href="/cpdv/genesis/44.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And now they had departed from the city and had set out a short distance. Then Joseph, sending for the steward of his house, said: “Rise up and pursue the men. And when you have overtaken them, say: ‘Why have you returned evil for good? <a href="/nabre/genesis/44.htm">New American Bible</a> They had not gone far out of the city when Joseph said to his steward: “Go at once after the men! When you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why did you repay good with evil? Why did you steal my silver goblet? <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/44.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When they had gone only a short distance from the city, Joseph said to his steward, “Go, follow after the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you returned evil for good? Why have you stolen my silver cup?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/44.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when they were gone out of the city, but not yet far off, Joseph said to the steward, Arise, pursue the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, Why have you returned evil for good? <a href="/hpbt/genesis/44.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> They went out from the city and had not gone far, and Yoseph said to his Custodian, “Arise, chase after the men and overtake them and say to them, ‘Why have you paid evil in place of good?<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/44.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And when they were gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward: 'Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them: Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? <a href="/sep/genesis/44.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And when they had gone out of the city, and were not far off, then Joseph said to his steward, Arise, and pursue after the men; and thou shalt overtake them, and say to them, Why have ye returned evil for good? <a href="/parallel/genesis/44-4.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=11434" 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> …3At daybreak, the men were sent on their way with their donkeys. 4<a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">They</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">had not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣə·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">gone</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/7368.htm" title="7368: hir·ḥî·qū (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp) -- To be or become far or distant. A primitive root; to widen, i.e. recede or remove.">far</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">from the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: wə·yō·w·sêp̄ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">when Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">told</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: la·’ă·šer (Prep-l:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">his steward,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bê·ṯōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: rə·ḏōp̄ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">“Pursue</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: qūm (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">at once,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5381.htm" title="5381: wə·hiś·śaḡ·tām (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2ms:: 3mp) -- To reach, overtake. A primitive root; to reach.">and when you overtake them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">ask,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">‘Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/7999.htm" title="7999: šil·lam·tem (V-Piel-Perf-2mp) -- A primitive root; to be safe; figuratively, to be completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate.">have you repaid</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇāh (N-fs) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">with evil?</a> 5Is this not the cup my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wicked!’ ”…<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/42-25.htm">Genesis 42:25-28</a> 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, / and they loaded the grain on their donkeys and departed. / 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. ... <a href="/genesis/43-18.htm">Genesis 43:18</a> 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.” <a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28</a> So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. <a href="/genesis/42-35.htm">Genesis 42:35</a> As they began emptying their sacks, there in each man’s sack was his bag of silver! And when they and their father saw the bags of silver, they were dismayed. <a href="/genesis/45-3.htm">Genesis 45:3</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. <a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a> As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. <a href="/exodus/1-8.htm">Exodus 1:8-10</a> Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. / “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. / Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” <a href="/exodus/12-33.htm">Exodus 12:33-36</a> And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. “For otherwise,” they said, “we are all going to die!” / So the people took their dough before it was leavened, carrying it on their shoulders in kneading bowls wrapped in clothing. / Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. ... <a href="/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28</a> Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!” <a href="/2_kings/5-26.htm">2 Kings 5:26</a> But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? <a href="/psalms/105-17.htm">Psalm 105:17-22</a> He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. / They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, / until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right. ... <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a> There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10</a> I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ <a href="/jeremiah/29-11.htm">Jeremiah 29:11</a> For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when you do overtake them, say to them, Why have you rewarded evil for good?Up.<a href="/deuteronomy/2-16.htm">Deuteronomy 2:16</a> So it came to pass, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people,Wherefore.<a href="/1_samuel/24-17.htm">1 Samuel 24:17</a> And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.<a href="/2_chronicles/20-11.htm">2 Chronicles 20:11</a> Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.<a href="/psalms/35-12.htm">Psalm 35:12</a> They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/43-13.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/genesis/41-48.htm">City</a> <a href="/genesis/44-2.htm">Cup</a> <a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Distance</a> <a href="/genesis/43-6.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/27-39.htm">Far</a> <a href="/genesis/41-31.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/genesis/43-29.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/44-1.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/44-2.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/43-11.htm">Little</a> <a href="/genesis/43-13.htm">Once</a> <a href="/genesis/19-19.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/colossians/3-25.htm">Repaid</a> <a href="/genesis/30-18.htm">Rewarded</a> <a href="/genesis/42-5.htm">Short</a> <a href="/genesis/44-2.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/genesis/44-1.htm">Steward</a> <a href="/genesis/40-15.htm">Stolen</a> <a href="/genesis/44-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/genesis/43-6.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/12-31.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/exodus/22-6.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/genesis/44-13.htm">City</a> <a href="/genesis/44-5.htm">Cup</a> <a href="/genesis/48-7.htm">Distance</a> <a href="/genesis/44-5.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/44-7.htm">Far</a> <a href="/exodus/11-8.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/genesis/45-16.htm">Good</a> <a href="/genesis/44-8.htm">House</a> <a href="/genesis/44-14.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/44-20.htm">Little</a> <a href="/exodus/10-17.htm">Once</a> <a href="/genesis/44-34.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Repaid</a> <a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Rewarded</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-5.htm">Short</a> <a href="/genesis/44-8.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/genesis/44-12.htm">Steward</a> <a href="/exodus/22-2.htm">Stolen</a> <a href="/genesis/45-21.htm">Way</a> <a href="/genesis/44-7.htm">Wherefore</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>They had not gone far from the city This phrase indicates the urgency and immediacy of the situation. The city referred to is likely ancient Egypt's capital, where Joseph held a high position. The quick pursuit suggests a premeditated plan by Joseph to test his brothers. The geographical context highlights the proximity to the city, emphasizing the brothers' vulnerability and the control Joseph had over the situation.when Joseph told his steward Joseph's steward plays a crucial role as an intermediary. In ancient Egyptian culture, stewards were trusted servants responsible for managing household affairs. Joseph's use of a steward reflects his authority and the structured hierarchy of his household. This delegation also mirrors the way God often uses intermediaries, such as prophets, to communicate His will.“Pursue the men at once The command to pursue indicates a sense of urgency and purpose. This pursuit is not merely a chase but a strategic move by Joseph to bring about a confrontation. Theologically, this can be seen as a parallel to how God pursues humanity, seeking reconciliation and truth. The pursuit also foreshadows the relentless nature of divine justice and mercy.and when you overtake them The overtaking signifies an inevitable encounter. It reflects the inescapable nature of divine justice and the certainty of God's plans. In a broader biblical context, this can be compared to the way God's purposes are ultimately fulfilled, regardless of human actions. The brothers' inability to escape mirrors the futility of trying to evade divine will.ask, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? This question is central to the narrative, highlighting themes of justice, morality, and repentance. It echoes the biblical principle of reaping what one sows, as seen in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>. The accusation of repaying good with evil is a test of the brothers' integrity and a reflection of their past actions against Joseph. It also serves as a type of Christ, who was similarly betrayed despite doing good, pointing to the ultimate redemption and forgiveness found in Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> The governor of Egypt, who is testing his brothers to see if they have changed since they sold him into slavery. 2. <a href="/topical/j/joseph's_steward.htm">Joseph's Steward</a> The servant tasked with carrying out Joseph's orders, including the pursuit of his brothers. 3. <a href="/topical/j/joseph's_brothers.htm">Joseph's Brothers</a> The sons of Jacob, who are returning to Canaan after buying grain in Egypt, unaware of the test Joseph has set for them. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_city.htm">The City</a> Refers to the Egyptian city where Joseph resides and governs, likely Memphis or another major city of the time. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_pursuit.htm">The Pursuit</a> The event where Joseph's steward is sent to confront the brothers about the alleged theft of Joseph's silver cup.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/testing_and_transformation.htm">Testing and Transformation</a> Joseph's actions are a test to see if his brothers have changed. God often allows tests in our lives to reveal our character and growth. <a href="/topical/r/repaying_good_with_evil.htm">Repaying Good with Evil</a> The accusation against the brothers serves as a reminder to examine our own lives for ways we might be repaying good with evil, whether intentionally or unintentionally. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Joseph's account is a testament to God's ability to use human actions, even those meant for harm, to fulfill His divine purposes. <a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_reconciliation.htm">Forgiveness and Reconciliation</a> Joseph's ultimate goal is reconciliation with his brothers, teaching us the importance of forgiveness and restoring broken relationships.<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_genesis_44_align_with_earlier_chapters.htm">How do the events in Genesis 44 fit coherently with earlier chapters in Genesis, given the discrepancies in character motivations and the sudden moral tension introduced by Joseph’s actions?</a> <a href="/q/could_large_silver_returns_go_unnoticed.htm">(Genesis 43:12) How plausible is it that large amounts of silver were secretly returned without raising alarms among Egyptian authorities or the local population?</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/how_did_cain_build_a_city_alone.htm">Genesis 4:17: How could Cain build a city with so few people existing at the time?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/genesis/44-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>They הֵ֠ם (hêm) Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They had not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no gone יָֽצְא֣וּ (yā·ṣə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim far הִרְחִיקוּ֒ (hir·ḥî·qū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7368.htm">Strong's 7368: </a> To be or become far or distant from the city הָעִיר֮ (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement when Joseph וְיוֹסֵ֤ף (wə·yō·w·sêp̄) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites told אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say his steward, לַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר (la·’ă·šer) Preposition-l | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that “Pursue רְדֹ֖ף (rə·ḏōp̄) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> To pursue, chase, persecute the men הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֑ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person at once, ק֥וּם (qūm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand and when you overtake them, וְהִשַּׂגְתָּם֙ (wə·hiś·śaḡ·tām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5381.htm">Strong's 5381: </a> To reach, overtake ask, וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘Why לָ֛מָּה (lām·māh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what have you repaid שִׁלַּמְתֶּ֥ם (šil·lam·tem) Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7999.htm">Strong's 7999: </a> To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate good טוֹבָֽה׃ (ṭō·w·ḇāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good with evil? רָעָ֖ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/44-4.htm">Genesis 44:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/44-4.htm">Genesis 44:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/44-4.htm">Genesis 44:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/44-4.htm">Genesis 44:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/44-4.htm">Genesis 44:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/44-4.htm">Genesis 44:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/44-4.htm">Genesis 44:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/44-4.htm">Genesis 44:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/44-4.htm">Genesis 44:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/44-4.htm">Genesis 44:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/44-4.htm">OT Law: Genesis 44:4 When they had gone out (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/44-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 44:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 44:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/44-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 44:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 44:5" /></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>