Genesis 44:12

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 44:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he searched, [and] began at the eldest, and left off at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin`s sack.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he searched, [and] began at the eldest, and left off at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin`s sack.
Genesis 44:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 44

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12And he searched, [and] began at the eldest, and left off at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin`s sack.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he searched, etc.] To the bottom of them, not content to look into the mouth of them being opened, but rummaged them, and searched deeply into them to find the cup, which was the thing charged upon them he was solicitous to find; as for the money in the sack’s mouth he took no notice of that, nor is there any mention of it: [and] began at the oldest; at Reuben, as the Targum of Jonathan expresses it: the steward might know their different ages in course, by the order in which they were placed at Joseph’s table when they dined with him: and left off at the youngest; at Benjamin, he ended his scrutiny with him; this method he took partly to hold them in fear as long as he could, and partly…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- The Ten Brothers Were Tested Joseph has had the satisfaction of seeing his brother Benjamin safe and well. He has heard his brothers acknowledging their guilt concerning himself. He resolves to put their attachment to Benjamin, and the genuineness of their change of disposition, to a test that will at the same time expose Benjamin to no hazard. Genesis 44:1-5 And my cup. - Besides returning each man’s money as before, a silver cup of Joseph’s is put in Benjamin’s bag, after which, when daylight comes, they are dismissed. They are scarcely out of the town when Joseph’s steward is ordered to overtake them, and charge them with stealing the cup. “And whereby indeed he divineth.” Divining by…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification