Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They had not gone far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, “Go after those men at once, and when you catch up with them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? New Living Translation But when they had gone only a short distance and were barely out of the city, Joseph said to his palace manager, “Chase after them and stop them. When you catch up with them, ask them, ‘Why have you repaid my kindness with such evil? English Standard Version They had gone only a short distance from the city. Now Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Berean Standard Bible They had not gone far from the city when Joseph told his steward, “Pursue the men at once, and when you overtake them, ask, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? King James Bible And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? New King James Version When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Get up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? New American Standard Bible They had just left the city, and were not far away, when Joseph said to his house steward, “Up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? NASB 1995 They had just gone out of the city, and were not far off, when Joseph said to his house steward, “Up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? NASB 1977 They had just gone out of the city, and were not far off, when Joseph said to his house steward, “Up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Legacy Standard Bible Now they had just gone out of the city and were not far off when Joseph said to his house steward, “Arise, pursue the men; you shall overtake them and say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Amplified Bible When they had left the city, and were not yet far away, Joseph said to his steward, “Get up, follow after the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil [to us] for good [paid to you]? Christian Standard Bible They had not gone very far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, “Get up. Pursue the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Holman Christian Standard Bible They had not gone very far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, “Get up. Pursue the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? American Standard Version And when they were gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? Contemporary English Version But they had not gone far from the city when Joseph told the servant, "Go after those men! When you catch them, say, 'My master has been good to you. So why have you stolen his silver cup? English Revised Version And when they were gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? GOD'S WORD® Translation They had not gone far from the city when Joseph said to the man in charge of his house, "Go after those men at once, and when you catch up with them, say to them, 'Why have you paid me back with evil when I was good to you? Good News Translation When they had gone only a short distance from the city, Joseph said to the servant in charge of his house, "Hurry after those men. When you catch up with them, ask them, 'Why have you paid back evil for good? International Standard Version They had not traveled far from the city when Joseph ordered his palace manager, "Get up, follow those men, and when you've caught up with them, ask them, 'Why did you repay evil for good? NET Bible They had not gone very far from the city when Joseph said to the servant who was over his household, "Pursue the men at once! When you overtake them, say to them, 'Why have you repaid good with evil? New Heart English Bible When they were far from the city, Joseph said to his manager, "Up, go after the men, and when you overtake them, ask them, 'Why have you repaid evil for good? Webster's Bible Translation And when they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, Arise, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say to them, Why have ye rewarded evil for good? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey had not gone far from the city when Joseph told his steward, “Pursue the men at once, and when you overtake them, ask, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? World English Bible When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men. When you overtake them, ask them, ‘Why have you rewarded evil for good? Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthey have gone out of the city—they have not gone far off—and Joseph has said to him who [is] over his house, “Rise, pursue after the men; and you have overtaken them, and you have said to them: Why have you repaid evil for good? Young's Literal Translation they have gone out of the city -- they have not gone far off -- and Joseph hath said to him who is over his house, 'Rise, pursue after the men; and thou hast overtaken them, and thou hast said unto them, Why have ye recompensed evil for good? Smith's Literal Translation They came forth out of the city, they were not far off, and Joseph said to him over his house, Arise, pursue after the men, and having overtaken them, and say to them, For what did ye requite evil for good? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when they were now departed out of the city, and had gone forward a little way; Joseph sendingfor the steward of his house, said: Arise, and pursue after the men: and when thou hast overtaken them, say to them: Why have you returned evil for good? Catholic Public Domain Version And now they had departed from the city and had set out a short distance. Then Joseph, sending for the steward of his house, said: “Rise up and pursue the men. And when you have overtaken them, say: ‘Why have you returned evil for good? New American Bible They had not gone far out of the city when Joseph said to his steward: “Go at once after the men! When you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why did you repay good with evil? Why did you steal my silver goblet? New Revised Standard Version When they had gone only a short distance from the city, Joseph said to his steward, “Go, follow after the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you returned evil for good? Why have you stolen my silver cup? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when they were gone out of the city, but not yet far off, Joseph said to the steward, Arise, pursue the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, Why have you returned evil for good? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated They went out from the city and had not gone far, and Yoseph said to his Custodian, “Arise, chase after the men and overtake them and say to them, ‘Why have you paid evil in place of good? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when they were gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward: 'Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them: Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? Brenton Septuagint Translation And when they had gone out of the city, and were not far off, then Joseph said to his steward, Arise, and pursue after the men; and thou shalt overtake them, and say to them, Why have ye returned evil for good? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Benjamin and the Silver Cup…3At daybreak, the men were sent on their way with their donkeys. 4They had not gone far from the city when Joseph told his steward, “Pursue the men at once, and when you overtake them, ask, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? 5Is this not the cup my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wicked!’ ”… Cross References Genesis 42:25-28 Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to return each man’s silver to his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. This order was carried out, / and they loaded the grain on their donkeys and departed. / At the place where they lodged for the night, one of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey, and he saw his silver in the mouth of the sack. ... Genesis 43:18 But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. “They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” Genesis 37:28 So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. Genesis 42:35 As they began emptying their sacks, there in each man’s sack was his bag of silver! And when they and their father saw the bags of silver, they were dismayed. 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 50:20 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 1:8-10 Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. / “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. / Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” Exodus 12:33-36 And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. “For otherwise,” they said, “we are all going to die!” / So the people took their dough before it was leavened, carrying it on their shoulders in kneading bowls wrapped in clothing. / Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. ... 1 Samuel 17:28 Now when David’s oldest brother Eliab heard him speaking to the men, his anger burned against David. “Why have you come down here?” he asked. “And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and wickedness of heart—you have come down to see the battle!” 2 Kings 5:26 But Elisha questioned him, “Did not my spirit go with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, menservants and maidservants? Psalm 105:17-22 He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. / They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, / until his prediction came true and the word of the LORD proved him right. ... Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. Isaiah 46:10 I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Treasury of Scripture And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when you do overtake them, say to them, Why have you rewarded evil for good? Up. Deuteronomy 2:16 Wherefore. 1 Samuel 24:17 2 Chronicles 20:11 Psalm 35:12 Jump to Previous Arise Catch City Cup Distance Evil Far Follow Good House Joseph Little Once Overtake Repaid Rewarded Short Silver Steward Stolen Way WhereforeJump to Next Arise Catch City Cup Distance Evil Far Follow Good House Joseph Little Once Overtake Repaid Rewarded Short Silver Steward Stolen Way WhereforeGenesis 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. They had not gone far from the city This phrase indicates the urgency and immediacy of the situation. The city referred to is likely ancient Egypt's capital, where Joseph held a high position. The quick pursuit suggests a premeditated plan by Joseph to test his brothers. The geographical context highlights the proximity to the city, emphasizing the brothers' vulnerability and the control Joseph had over the situation. when Joseph told his steward “Pursue the men at once and when you overtake them ask, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe governor of Egypt, who is testing his brothers to see if they have changed since they sold him into slavery. 2. Joseph's Steward The servant tasked with carrying out Joseph's orders, including the pursuit of his brothers. 3. Joseph's Brothers The sons of Jacob, who are returning to Canaan after buying grain in Egypt, unaware of the test Joseph has set for them. 4. The City Refers to the Egyptian city where Joseph resides and governs, likely Memphis or another major city of the time. 5. The Pursuit The event where Joseph's steward is sent to confront the brothers about the alleged theft of Joseph's silver cup. Teaching Points Testing and TransformationJoseph's actions are a test to see if his brothers have changed. God often allows tests in our lives to reveal our character and growth. Repaying Good with Evil The accusation against the brothers serves as a reminder to examine our own lives for ways we might be repaying good with evil, whether intentionally or unintentionally. God's Sovereignty Joseph's account is a testament to God's ability to use human actions, even those meant for harm, to fulfill His divine purposes. Forgiveness and Reconciliation Joseph's ultimate goal is reconciliation with his brothers, teaching us the importance of forgiveness and restoring broken relationships. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 44How 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? (Genesis 43:12) How plausible is it that large amounts of silver were secretly returned without raising alarms among Egyptian authorities or the local population? 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? Genesis 4:17: How could Cain build a city with so few people existing at the time? Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Theyהֵ֠ם (hêm) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They had not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no gone יָֽצְא֣וּ (yā·ṣə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim far הִרְחִיקוּ֒ (hir·ḥî·qū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7368: To be or become far or distant from the city הָעִיר֮ (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement when Joseph וְיוֹסֵ֤ף (wə·yō·w·sêp̄) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites told אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say his steward, לַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר (la·’ă·šer) Preposition-l | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that “Pursue רְדֹ֖ף (rə·ḏōp̄) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute the men הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֑ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person at once, ק֥וּם (qūm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand and when you overtake them, וְהִשַּׂגְתָּם֙ (wə·hiś·śaḡ·tām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 5381: To reach, overtake ask, וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Why לָ֛מָּה (lām·māh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what have you repaid שִׁלַּמְתֶּ֥ם (šil·lam·tem) Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate good טוֹבָֽה׃ (ṭō·w·ḇāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good with evil? רָעָ֖ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil Links Genesis 44:4 NIVGenesis 44:4 NLT Genesis 44:4 ESV Genesis 44:4 NASB Genesis 44:4 KJV Genesis 44:4 BibleApps.com Genesis 44:4 Biblia Paralela Genesis 44:4 Chinese Bible Genesis 44:4 French Bible Genesis 44:4 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 44:4 When they had gone out (Gen. 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