Genesis 44:7

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 44:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Genesis 44:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 44

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7And 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.

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 they said unto him, wherefore saith my lord these words? etc.] One of them, in the name of the rest, perhaps Judah, made answer, as astonished at the charge laid against them, suggesting that there was not the least foundation for it, and were quite surprised to hear anything of this kind alleged against them: God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing; expressing the utmost detestation of such a fact, as being what they could never be guilty of.”
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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