Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 44:9
With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord’s bondmen.
9. With whomsoever ] Joseph’s brethren propose the harshest possible penalty, death for the thief, and slavery for all the company. Cf. Jacob’s proposal in Gen 31:32.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
This overdaring offer proceeded from hence, that they were all conscious of their own innocency, and did not suspect any fraud or artifice in the matter.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
With whomsoever of thy servants it be found,…. The silver cup:
both let him die; which was rashly said, since they might have thought the cup might be put in one of their sacks unknown to them, as their money had been before; and besides, death was a punishment too severe for such a crime, and therefore is by the steward himself moderated; but this they said the more strongly to express their innocence:
and we also will be my lord’s bondmen; his servants, as long as they lived: this was likewise carrying the matter too far, and exceeding all bounds of justice, which could only require satisfaction of the offender.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
9. Let him die Their words on the occasion show the intensity of their feeling and excitement, and their entire action evinced their consciousness of innocency as to the charge of stealing the cup .
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Gen 44:9 With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord’s bondmen.
Ver. 9. With whomsoever it be found, &c. ] Innocency is bold, but withal had need to be wise, for fear of further inconvenience. See Trapp on “ Gen 31:32 “
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
let him die. This was the penalty in the Code of Khammurabi, with which they were acquainted in Canaan (6); death for stealing from a palace. Property more sacred than life.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
both: Gen 31:32, Job 31:38-40, Psa 7:3-5, Act 25:11
and we: Gen 43:18
Reciprocal: Gen 42:10 – General Gen 44:16 – behold