Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But Joseph said, “Far be it from me to do such a thing! Only the man who was found to have the cup will become my slave. The rest of you, go back to your father in peace.” New Living Translation “No,” Joseph said. “I would never do such a thing! Only the man who stole the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may go back to your father in peace.” English Standard Version But he said, “Far be it from me that I should do so! Only the man in whose hand the cup was found shall be my servant. But as for you, go up in peace to your father.” Berean Standard Bible But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.” Berean Literal Bible And he said, “Far be it to me from doing this; the man in whose hand the cup was found, he shall be to me a servant. And you⁺, go up in peace to your⁺ father.” King James Bible And he said, God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father. New King James Version But he said, “Far be it from me that I should do so; the man in whose hand the cup was found, he shall be my slave. And as for you, go up in peace to your father.” New American Standard Bible But he said, “Far be it from me to do this. The man in whose possession the cup has been found, he shall be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.” NASB 1995 But he said, “Far be it from me to do this. The man in whose possession the cup has been found, he shall be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.” NASB 1977 But he said, “Far be it from me to do this. The man in whose possession the cup has been found, he shall be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.” Legacy Standard Bible But he said, “Far be it from me to do this. The man in whose possession the cup has been found, he shall be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.” Amplified Bible But Joseph said, “Far be it from me that I should do that; but the man in whose hand the cup has been found, he will be my servant; and as for [the rest of] you, get up and go in peace to your father.” Berean Annotated Bible But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you⁺ may return to your⁺ father in peace. Christian Standard Bible Then Joseph said, “I swear that I will not do this. The man in whose possession the cup was found will be my slave. The rest of you can go in peace to your father.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Joseph said, “I swear that I will not do this. The man in whose possession the cup was found will be my slave. The rest of you can go in peace to your father.” American Standard Version And he said, Far be it from me that I should do so: the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my bondman; but as for you, get you up in peace unto your father. Contemporary English Version Joseph told them, "I would never punish all of you. Only the one who was caught with the cup will become my slave. The rest of you are free to go home to your father." English Revised Version And he said, God forbid that I should do so: the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my bondman; but as for you, get you up in peace unto your father. GOD'S WORD® Translation But Joseph said, "I would never think of doing that! Only the man who had the cup will be my slave. The rest of you can go back to your father in peace." Good News Translation Joseph said, "Oh, no! I would never do that! Only the one who had the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may go back safe and sound to your father." International Standard Version "Far be it from me to do this," Joseph responded. "The man in whose possession the cup was discovered will be my slave, but the rest of you may leave in peace to be with your father." NET Bible But Joseph said, "Far be it from me to do this! The man in whose hand the cup was found will become my slave, but the rest of you may go back to your father in peace." New Heart English Bible But he said, "Far be it from me that I should do so. The man in whose possession the cup was found, he will be my slave. But as for you, go up to your father in peace." Webster's Bible Translation And he said, Far be it from me that I should do so: the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, go in peace to your father. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.” World English Bible He said, “Far be it from me that I should do so. The man in whose hand the cup is found, he will be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he says, “Far be it from me to do this; the man in whose hand the cup has been found, he becomes my servant; and you, go up in peace to your father.” Berean Literal Bible And he said, “Far be it to me from doing this; the man in whose hand the cup was found, he shall be to me a servant. And you⁺, go up in peace to your⁺ father.” Young's Literal Translation and he saith, 'Far be it from me to do this; the man in whose hand the cup hath been found, he becometh my servant; and ye, go ye up in peace unto your father.' Smith's Literal Translation And he will say, Far be it for me to do this: the man in whose band the cup being found, he shall be servant to me; and ye, go ye up in peace to your father. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleJoseph answered: God forbid that should do so: he that stole the cup, he shall be my bondman: and go you away free to your father. Catholic Public Domain Version Joseph responded: “Far be it from me that I should act in this way. He who stole the cup, he will be my servant. But you may go away free to your father.” New American Bible Joseph said, “Far be it from me to act thus! Only the one in whose possession the goblet was found shall become my slave; the rest of you may go back unharmed to your father.” New Revised Standard Version But he said, “Far be it from me that I should do so! Only the one in whose possession the cup was found shall be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to them, Far be it from me that I should do such a thing; only the man with whom the cup has been found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, go up in peace to your father. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He said to them, “God forbid me that I would do this; the man with whom the cup was found he shall be to me a Servant, and you go up in peace to your father.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said: 'Far be it from me that I should do so; the man in whose hand the goblet is found, he shall be my bondman; but as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joseph said, Far be it from me to do this thing; the man with whom the cup has been found, he shall be my servant; but do ye go up with safety to your father. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Benjamin and the Silver Cup…16“What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed the iniquity of your servants. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one who was found with the cup.” 17But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.” Cross References But Joseph replied, Genesis 45:3 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. Genesis 50:19 But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? Genesis 42:7 And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.” “Far be it from me to do this. 2 Samuel 23:17 saying, “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?” So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. 1 Samuel 24:6 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” 1 Samuel 26:11 But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” The man who was found with the cup Exodus 22:4 If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double. Genesis 31:32 If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. Joshua 7:18 And he had the family of Zabdi come forward man by man, and Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was selected. will be my slave. Exodus 22:3 But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft. Deuteronomy 15:12 If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. Leviticus 25:39 If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.” Genesis 45:9 Now return quickly to my father and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay. Genesis 28:21 so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God. 1 Samuel 1:17 “Go in peace,” Eli replied, “and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him.” Genesis 42:18-20 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. Treasury of Scripture And he said, God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace to your father. God forbid. Genesis 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Genesis 42:18 And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God: 2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. he shall. Genesis 44:10 And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless. in peace. Genesis 26:29 That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent thee away in peace: thou art now the blessed of the LORD. Genesis 37:32,33 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no… Jump to Previous Bondman Bondservant Cup Far Forbid Found Goblet Hand Joseph Peace Possession Rest Servant SlaveJump to Next Bondman Bondservant Cup Far Forbid Found Goblet Hand Joseph Peace Possession Rest Servant SlaveGenesis 44 1. Joseph's policy to stay his brothers.6. The silver cup is found in Benjamin's sack. 14. They are brought before Joseph. 18. Judah's humble supplication to Joseph. But Joseph replied Joseph, now a powerful figure in Egypt, is speaking to his brothers. This moment is part of a larger narrative where Joseph tests his brothers' integrity and repentance. His position as a ruler contrasts with his earlier life when he was sold into slavery by these same brothers. Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace. Persons / Places / Events 1. Joseph- The governor of Egypt, who is testing his brothers to see if they have changed since they sold him into slavery. 2. Judah - One of Joseph's brothers, who steps forward to plead for Benjamin's release, showing leadership and responsibility. 3. Benjamin - The youngest brother, who is accused of stealing Joseph's silver cup, though he is innocent. 4. Egypt - The land where Joseph has risen to power and where the events of this chapter take place. 5. The Silver Cup - A symbol of Joseph's authority and the object used to test his brothers' integrity. Teaching Points Integrity and RepentanceJoseph's test reveals whether his brothers have changed. True repentance involves a change of heart and actions. Leadership and Responsibility Judah's willingness to take responsibility for Benjamin highlights the importance of stepping up in times of crisis. God's Sovereignty Despite human actions, God's plan is unfolding. Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership is a testament to God's control over circumstances. Forgiveness and Reconciliation Joseph's eventual forgiveness of his brothers is a powerful example of reconciliation and the healing of broken relationships. Testing and Growth Trials and tests can reveal character and lead to spiritual growth, as seen in the transformation of Joseph's brothers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 44:17?2. How does Genesis 44:17 demonstrate Joseph's wisdom in testing his brothers' integrity? 3. What does Judah's response reveal about his character and leadership qualities? 4. How can we apply Joseph's approach to discernment in our daily decisions? 5. Connect Genesis 44:17 to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation. 6. How does this verse challenge us to prioritize family unity over personal gain? 7. Why does Joseph refuse to punish all brothers in Genesis 44:17? 8. How does Genesis 44:17 reflect Joseph's understanding of justice and mercy? 9. What theological implications arise from Joseph's decision in Genesis 44:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 44? 11. 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? 12. In Genesis 44:1-5, what historical or archeological evidence supports an Egyptian official using a personal silver cup for divination, and is there any record of such a practice outside the Bible? 13. Genesis 44:14-17 paints Joseph as fully in control of the situation; is there any external evidence of a Hebrew slave rising to such high-ranking authority in ancient Egypt so quickly? 14. 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? What Does Genesis 44:17 Mean But Joseph repliedJoseph, now governor over Egypt, personally addresses his brothers rather than leaving the matter to his steward. After years of silence, his direct speech underscores the seriousness of the moment (Genesis 42:9; 44:14–15). He stands as an authority figure who will render judgment, yet he is also their brother whose hidden identity drives the unfolding test. Far be it from me to do this Joseph’s first words signal moral clarity. He refuses any option that would compromise justice. • He distances himself from collective punishment, echoing the principle that “the judges…shall justify the righteous and condemn the wicked” (Deuteronomy 25:1). • His statement mirrors Proverbs 17:15—acquitting the guilty or condemning the innocent are both detestable. Joseph will do neither; he will act righteously while exposing hearts. The man who was found with the cup Benjamin is singled out because the silver cup was discovered in his sack (Genesis 44:12). Joseph is pressing the principle of personal accountability. • Numbers 32:23 reminds us, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” • Each brother must now decide whether to abandon Benjamin or stand with him, a reversal of their former callousness toward Joseph (Genesis 37:23–28). • The spotlight on Benjamin mirrors our own experience before God: guilt cannot be hidden, and each person will “bear his own load” (Galatians 6:5). Will be my slave Joseph prescribes a punishment that matches the alleged crime: the supposed thief becomes a servant. • This mirrors Joseph’s own sale into slavery (Genesis 37:28), forcing the brothers to confront their past. • Exodus 21:16 highlights the severity of kidnapping; here, Joseph’s demand appears lenient compared to Egyptian law, yet it is weighty enough to probe repentance. • Spiritually, slavery is a vivid picture of sin’s bondage (John 8:34). Joseph’s pronouncement invites the brothers to consider substitution—will someone step in for Benjamin? The rest of you may return to your father in peace An unexpected offer of freedom heightens the test. • Judah had pledged himself for Benjamin’s safety (Genesis 43:9). Will he now fulfill that vow? • The brothers can walk away guilt-free—externally. Yet returning without Benjamin would shatter Jacob, recalling the decades-long grief over Joseph. • The offer points to God’s mercy: judgment on the guilty, peace offered to the repentant (Psalm 85:8; Luke 15:20). Joseph longs for reconciliation but waits for evidence of transformed hearts. summary Genesis 44:17 showcases Joseph’s righteous discernment and strategic mercy. By isolating Benjamin for punishment while releasing the others, he recreates the circumstances of his own betrayal to test whether his brothers have truly changed. The verse affirms personal responsibility, the necessity of justice, and the possibility of peace. Ultimately, it frames the gospel pattern: guilt exposed, a substitute sought, and reconciliation offered to all who choose sacrificial love over self-preservation. Hebrew But Joseph replied,וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Far be it from me חָלִ֣ילָה (ḥā·lî·lāh) Interjection | third person feminine singular Strong's 2486: For, a profaned thing, far be it! to do מֵעֲשׂ֖וֹת (mê·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 6213: To do, make this. זֹ֑את (zōṯ) Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, The man הָאִ֡ישׁ (hā·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person who אֲשֶׁר֩ (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that was found נִמְצָ֨א (nim·ṣā) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present with בְּיָד֗וֹ (bə·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand the cup הַגָּבִ֜יעַ (hag·gā·ḇî·a‘) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1375: A goblet, the calyx of a, flower will be יִהְיֶה־ (yih·yeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be my slave. עָ֔בֶד (‘ā·ḇeḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant The rest of you וְאַתֶּ֕ם (wə·’at·tem) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you may return עֲל֥וּ (‘ă·lū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to your father אֲבִיכֶֽם׃ (’ă·ḇî·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father in peace.” לְשָׁל֖וֹם (lə·šā·lō·wm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace Links Genesis 44:17 NIVGenesis 44:17 NLT Genesis 44:17 ESV Genesis 44:17 NASB Genesis 44:17 KJV Genesis 44:17 BibleApps.com Genesis 44:17 Biblia Paralela Genesis 44:17 Chinese Bible Genesis 44:17 French Bible Genesis 44:17 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 44:17 He said Far be it from me (Gen. 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