Genesis 44:8

8 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks’ mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan; how then should we steal out of thy lord’s house silver or gold?

Genesis 44:8 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 44:8

Behold, the money which we found in our sacks mouths;
&c.] Upon their return from Egypt, the first time they went thither for corn: we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan;
which was a full proof of their honesty: they might have kept it until it was called for and demanded of them, but of themselves they brought it with them, as being money not their own; and they did not wait to be examined about it when they came to Egypt again, but of their own accord related the story of it, and offered the money to this same man the steward they were now speaking to, which he could not deny: yea, they brought it to him out of the land of Canaan, a foreign country at a considerable distance, and out of the jurisdiction of Egypt, and where they were not liable to be called to an account for it: how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold?
that is, vessels of silver or vessels of gold, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan; it could not be reasonably thought they would, for if they would not retain the governor's money when in their own land and out of his reach, much less would they steal anything out his house, which they might conclude would soon be missed, and they easily apprehended and committed to prison, and suffer for it.

Genesis 44:8 In-Context

6 When he overtook them, he spoke unto them these same words.

7 And they said unto him, Why saith my lord these words? In no wise should thy slaves do according to this thing.

8 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks’ mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan; how then should we steal out of thy lord’s house silver or gold?

9 With whoever of thy slaves it is found, both let him die and we also will be my lord’s bond slaves.

10 And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words; he with whom it is found shall be my slave, and ye shall be blameless.