Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “What can we say? How can we prove our innocence? God has uncovered your servants’ guilt. We are now my lord’s slaves—we ourselves and the one who was found to have the cup.” New Living Translation Judah answered, “Oh, my lord, what can we say to you? How can we explain this? How can we prove our innocence? God is punishing us for our sins. My lord, we have all returned to be your slaves—all of us, not just our brother who had your cup in his sack.” English Standard Version And Judah said, “What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how can we clear ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we and he also in whose hand the cup has been found.” Berean Standard Bible “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.” Berean Literal Bible And Judah said, “What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? And how shall we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants. Behold, we are to my lord as servants, both we and also he with whom the cup was found.” King James Bible And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found. New King James Version Then Judah said, “What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; here we are, my lord’s slaves, both we and he also with whom the cup was found.” New American Standard Bible So Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What words can we speak? And how can we justify ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” NASB 1995 So Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? And how can we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” NASB 1977 So Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? And how can we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” Legacy Standard Bible So Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? And how can we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” Amplified Bible So Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we reply? Or how can we clear ourselves, since God has exposed the sin and guilt of your servants? Behold, we are my lord’s slaves, the rest of us as well as he with whom the cup is found.” Berean Annotated Bible “What can we say to my lord? Judah (praised) replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God {Elohim} 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. Christian Standard Bible “What can we say to my lord? ” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed your servants’ iniquity. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one in whose possession the cup was found.” Holman Christian Standard Bible What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed your servants’ iniquity. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one in whose possession the cup was found.” American Standard Version And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord's bondmen, both we, and he also in whose hand the cup is found. Contemporary English Version "Sir, what can we say?" Judah replied. "How can we say we are innocent, when God has shown we are guilty? And now all of us are your slaves, especially the one who had the cup." English Revised Version And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord's bondmen, both we, and he also in whose hand the cup is found. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Sir, what can we say to you?" Judah asked. "How else can we explain it? How can we prove we're innocent? God has uncovered our guilt. Now all of us are your slaves, including the one who had the cup." Good News Translation "What can we say to you, sir?" Judah answered. "How can we argue? How can we clear ourselves? God has uncovered our guilt. All of us are now your slaves and not just the one with whom the cup was found." International Standard Version "What can we say, Your Excellency?" Judah replied. "How can we explain this or justify ourselves? God has discovered the sin of your servants, and now we've become slaves to you, Your Excellency, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been discovered." NET Bible Judah replied, "What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? How can we clear ourselves? God has exposed the sin of your servants! We are now my lord's slaves, we and the one in whose possession the cup was found." New Heart English Bible Then Judah said, "What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? And how can we clear ourselves? God has uncovered the guilt of your servants. Look, we are my lord’s slaves, both we, and the one in whose possession the cup was found." Webster's Bible Translation And Judah said, What shall we say to my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“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.” World English Bible Judah said, “What will we tell my lord? What will we speak? How will we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants. Behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and he also in whose hand the cup is found.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Judah says, “What do we say to my lord? What do we speak? And how do we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we [are] servants to my lord, both we, and he in whose hand the cup has been found”; Berean Literal Bible And Judah said, “What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? And how shall we justify ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants. Behold, we are to my lord as servants, both we and also he with whom the cup was found.” Young's Literal Translation And Judah saith, 'What do we say to my lord? what do we speak? and what -- do we justify ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants; lo, we are servants to my lord, both we, and he in whose hand the cup hath been found;' Smith's Literal Translation And Judah will say to him, What shall we say to my lord? what shall we speak? and how shall we be justified? God found the iniquity of thy servants: behold we are servants to my lord, also we, also him the cup being found in his hand. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Juda said to him: What shall we answer my lord? or what shall we say, or be able justly to allege? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are all bondmen to my lord, both we, and he with whom the cup was found. Catholic Public Domain Version And Judah said to him, “What could we answer to my lord? And what would we be able to say, or to justly claim? God has discovered the iniquity of your servants. See, we have all become servants to my lord, both we, and he with whom the cup was found.” New American Bible Judah replied: “What can we say to my lord? How can we plead or how try to prove our innocence? God has uncovered your servants’ guilt. Here we are, then, the slaves of my lord—the rest of us no less than the one in whose possession the goblet was found.” New Revised Standard Version And Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? How can we clear ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants; here we are then, my lord’s slaves, both we and also the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Judah said, What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yehuda said, “What will we say to my Lord, and what will we speak, and in what will we be innocent before God? Sin was found with your Servants; behold we are Servants to my Lord, even we and he in whose hand the cup was found.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Judah said: 'What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants; behold, we are my lord's bondmen, both we, and he also in whose hand the cup is found.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Judas said, What shall we answer to our lord, or what shall we say, or wherein should we be justified? whereas God has discovered the unrighteousness of thy servants; behold, we are slaves to our lord, both we and he with whom the cup has been found. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Benjamin and the Silver Cup…15“What is this deed you have done?” Joseph declared. “Do you not know that a man like me can surely divine the truth?” 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 “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. Job 40:4 “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. Job 9:15 For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy. Romans 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. “How can we plead? Job 9:14 How then can I answer Him or choose my arguments against Him? Job 23:4 I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. Psalm 130:3 If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand? How can we justify ourselves? Job 25:4 How then can a man be just before God? How can one born of woman be pure? Job 9:2 “Yes, I know that it is so, but how can a mortal be righteous before God? Romans 3:20 Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. God has exposed the iniquity of your servants. Psalm 90:8 You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence. Numbers 32:23 But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out. Luke 12:2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. We are now my lord’s slaves— Genesis 50:18-21 His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” / But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? / As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. … 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. Joshua 9:8 “We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. Then Joshua asked them, “Who are you and where have you come from?” both we and the one who was found with the cup.” Joshua 7:18-21 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. / So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” / “It is true,” Achan replied, “I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I did: … Treasury of Scripture And Judah said, What shall we say to my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants: behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found. Judah. Genesis 44:32 For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever. Genesis 43:8,9 And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones… What shall we say. Deuteronomy 25:1 If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked. Ezra 9:10,15 And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments, … Job 40:4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. God hath. Genesis 37:18-28 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him… Genesis 42:21,22 And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us… Numbers 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. iniquity. Genesis 43:9 I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever: Isaiah 27:9 By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up. Daniel 9:7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. behold. Genesis 44:9 With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen. Genesis 37:7,9 For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf… Jump to Previous Bondmen Bondservants Clear Cup Found Hand Iniquity Judah Justify Lord's Ourselves Servants Slaves SpeakJump to Next Bondmen Bondservants Clear Cup Found Hand Iniquity Judah Justify Lord's Ourselves Servants Slaves SpeakGenesis 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. “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. Judah's address to Joseph as "my lord" reflects the hierarchical social structure of ancient Egypt, where Joseph held a high position as the governor. This phrase indicates Judah's recognition of Joseph's authority and power. The use of "my lord" is also a sign of respect and submission, which is crucial in the context of their desperate situation. Judah's leadership among his brothers is evident here, as he steps forward to speak on their behalf. “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.” Persons / Places / Events 1. JudahOne of the twelve sons of Jacob, Judah emerges as a leader among his brothers. In Genesis 44:16, he speaks on behalf of his brothers, acknowledging their guilt and expressing their helplessness before Joseph, whom they do not yet recognize as their brother. 2. Joseph The governor of Egypt, who is actually their brother, tests his brothers' integrity by placing a silver cup in Benjamin's sack. Joseph's actions are part of a larger plan to reveal his identity and test his brothers' repentance. 3. Benjamin The youngest brother, who is accused of stealing Joseph's silver cup. His situation becomes the focal point of the brothers' test of character and loyalty. 4. Egypt The land where Joseph has risen to power and where the events of this chapter unfold. It serves as a place of both physical and spiritual testing for Joseph's brothers. 5. The Silver Cup A symbol of Joseph's authority and a tool used to test his brothers' honesty and integrity. Its discovery in Benjamin's sack is a pivotal moment in the account. Teaching Points Acknowledgment of SinJudah's confession, "God has uncovered your servants' guilt," highlights the importance of recognizing and admitting our wrongdoings before God. Intercession and Leadership Judah steps forward to speak for his brothers, demonstrating the role of a leader who intercedes on behalf of others, a foreshadowing of Christ's intercession for humanity. Testing and Integrity The situation with the silver cup serves as a test of the brothers' integrity, reminding us that our character is often revealed in times of trial. God's Sovereignty The unfolding events show God's hand at work, using even difficult circumstances to bring about His purposes and reconciliation. Repentance and Redemption The account encourages us to seek genuine repentance and trust in God's redemptive plan, as seen in the eventual reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 44:16?2. How does Judah's response in Genesis 44:16 demonstrate accountability and repentance? 3. What can we learn about humility from Judah's words, "God has uncovered"? 4. How does Genesis 44:16 connect to the theme of divine justice in Scripture? 5. In what ways can we apply Judah's acknowledgment of guilt to our own lives? 6. How does Judah's leadership in Genesis 44:16 foreshadow Christ's sacrificial role? 7. How does Genesis 44:16 reflect on human guilt and responsibility before God? 8. What does Judah's response in Genesis 44:16 reveal about leadership and accountability? 9. How does Genesis 44:16 illustrate the theme of divine justice and mercy? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 44? 11. How does Christ fulfill and surpass the old covenant? 12. In Genesis 38 overall, how does this morally complex story align with the broader biblical narrative on sexual ethics and lineage preservation? 13. 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? 14. Jeremiah 7:16: Why would God forbid prayer for the people here, contradicting other scriptures urging intercession? What Does Genesis 44:16 Mean What can we say to my lord?Judah opens with a question that signals immediate submission. Standing before the powerful Egyptian governor (Joseph, though still unrecognized), he senses the weight of authority and judgment. • Like Job before the LORD—“I am unworthy—how can I reply to You?” (Job 40:4)—Judah’s words die on his lips. • Romans 3:19 reminds us that “every mouth may be silenced,” a truth already acting on Judah’s conscience. • The silence he anticipates is not weakness but recognition that, before righteous judgment, excuses evaporate. How can we plead? Judah is searching for any grounds on which to appeal, yet he knows none exist. • In Luke 18:13 the tax collector “would not even lift up his eyes to heaven,” begging only for mercy. Judah adopts the same posture. • Titus 3:5 underscores that salvation rests “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy.” Judah is inching toward that realization; the only plea left is mercy, not merit. How can we justify ourselves? This third question drives the nail home: self-justification is impossible. • Isaiah 64:6 says, “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags,” echoing Judah’s inability to declare innocence. • Romans 3:23-24 states that all have sinned and are “justified freely by His grace.” Judah senses the first part—his own sin—though he does not yet grasp the full grace that Joseph (and ultimately God) will reveal. God has exposed the iniquity of your servants Judah interprets the crisis as divine exposure, not mere coincidence. • Numbers 32:23 warns, “Be sure your sin will find you out,” a principle now unfolding. • Psalm 90:8 affirms, “You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence.” Judah realizes that the long-buried sin of selling Joseph is surfacing. • 1 Corinthians 4:5 promises that the Lord “will bring to light what is hidden in darkness,” a foreshadowing already fulfilled in this courtroom-like setting. We are now my lord’s slaves—both we and the one who was found with the cup Judah offers collective servitude, refusing to let Benjamin bear the penalty alone. • In Genesis 44:33-34 he later begs to substitute himself for Benjamin, a self-sacrificing gesture that anticipates the greater Substitute, Christ (John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”). • His solidarity echoes Galatians 6:2, “Carry one another’s burdens,” illustrating covenant family responsibility. • Judah’s proposal, while sincere, cannot resolve guilt; only forgiveness from the offended party (Joseph) can. Still, the willingness to share Benjamin’s fate marks true repentance and a transformed heart. summary Genesis 44:16 captures the moment Judah’s conscience breaks open. Three rapid questions confess that he has no defense, no plea, no self-justification. He recognizes God’s hand in exposing their hidden sin and willingly accepts shared punishment. This pivotal confession paves the way for Joseph’s gracious revelation and models the gospel pattern: conviction, confession, and mercy leading to reconciliation. Hebrew “Whatמַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what can we say וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to my lord?” לַֽאדֹנִ֔י (la·ḏō·nî) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller Judah יְהוּדָ֗ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites replied. נֹּאמַר֙ (nō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “How מַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what can we plead? נְּדַבֵּ֖ר (nə·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue How וּמַה־ (ū·mah-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what can we justify ourselves? נִּצְטַדָּ֑ק (niṣ·ṭad·dāq) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 6663: To be just or righteous God הָאֱלֹהִ֗ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative has exposed מָצָא֙ (mā·ṣā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present the iniquity עֲוֺ֣ן (‘ă·wōn) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity of your servants. עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant We are now הִנֶּנּ֤וּ (hin·nen·nū) Interjection | third person masculine singular Strong's 2005: Lo! behold! my lord’s לַֽאדֹנִ֔י (la·ḏō·nî) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller slaves— עֲבָדִים֙ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5650: Slave, servant both גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and we אֲנַ֕חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural Strong's 587: We and גַּ֛ם (gam) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and the one אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that who was found נִמְצָ֥א (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 בְּיָדֽוֹ׃ (bə·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand the cup.” הַגָּבִ֖יעַ (hag·gā·ḇî·a‘) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1375: A goblet, the calyx of a, flower Links Genesis 44:16 NIVGenesis 44:16 NLT Genesis 44:16 ESV Genesis 44:16 NASB Genesis 44:16 KJV Genesis 44:16 BibleApps.com Genesis 44:16 Biblia Paralela Genesis 44:16 Chinese Bible Genesis 44:16 French Bible Genesis 44:16 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 44:16 Judah said What will we tell my (Gen. 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