Genesis 44:7
New International Version
But they said to him, “Why does my lord say such things? Far be it from your servants to do anything like that!

New Living Translation
“What are you talking about?” the brothers responded. “We are your servants and would never do such a thing!

English Standard Version
They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!

Berean Standard Bible
“Why does my lord say these things?” they asked. “Your servants could not possibly do such a thing.

King James Bible
And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing:

New King James Version
And they said to him, “Why does my lord say these words? Far be it from us that your servants should do such a thing.

New American Standard Bible
And they said to him, “Why does my lord say such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!

NASB 1995
They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing.

NASB 1977
And they said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing.

Amplified Bible
They said to him, “Why does my lord speak these things? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!

Christian Standard Bible
They said to him, “Why does my lord say these things? Your servants could not possibly do such a thing.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They said to him, “Why does my lord say these things? Your servants could not possibly do such a thing.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
But they replied, "Sir, why do you say such things? We would never do anything like that!

English Revised Version
And they said unto him, Wherefore speaketh my lord such words as these? God forbid that thy servants should do such a thing.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They answered him, "Sir, how can you say such things? We would never think of doing anything like that!

Good News Translation
They answered him, "What do you mean, sir, by talking like this? We swear that we have done no such thing.

International Standard Version
"Your Excellency," they replied, "Why do you speak like this? Far be it from your servants to act like this.

Majority Standard Bible
?Why does my lord say these things?? they asked. ?Your servants could not possibly do such a thing.

NET Bible
They answered him, "Why does my lord say such things? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!

New Heart English Bible
But they said to him, "Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they said to him, Why saith my lord these words? Far be it from us that thy servants should do according to this thing:

World English Bible
They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing!
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they say to him, “Why does my lord speak according to these words? Far be it from your servants to do according to this word;

Young's Literal Translation
and they say unto him, 'Why doth my lord speak according to these words? far be it from thy servants to do according to this word;

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will say to him, For what will my lord speak according to these words? far be it for thy servants to do according to this word.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they answered: Why doth our lord speak so, as though thy servants had committed so heinous a fact?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they responded: “Why does our lord speak in this way, as though your servants had committed such a shameful act?

New American Bible
they said to him: “Why does my lord say such things? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing!

New Revised Standard Version
They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
They said to him, Let not our lord speak such words. Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
They were saying to him, “Our Lord should not say these words. God forbid that your Servants would do this thing.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they said to him, Why does our lord speak according to these words? far be it from thy servants to do according to this word.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Benjamin and the Silver Cup
6When the steward overtook them, he relayed these words to them. 7“Why does my lord say these things?” they asked. “Your servants could not possibly do such a thing. 8We even brought back to you from the land of Canaan the silver we found in the mouths of our sacks. Why would we steal silver or gold from your master’s house?…

Cross References
Genesis 42:18-22
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. ...

Genesis 43:18-22
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.” / So they approached Joseph’s steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house. / “Please, sir,” they said, “we really did come down here the first time to buy food. ...

Exodus 20:16
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Exodus 23:7
Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.

Deuteronomy 19:16-19
If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. / The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, ...

1 Samuel 24:9-11
and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? / Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ / See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.

2 Samuel 16:17-19
“Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” / “Not at all,” Hushai answered. “For the one chosen by the LORD, by this people, and by all the men of Israel—his I will be, and with him I will remain. / Furthermore, whom should I serve if not his son? As I served in your father’s presence, so also I will serve in yours.”

1 Kings 8:31-32
When a man sins against his neighbor and is required to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before Your altar in this temple, / then may You hear from heaven and act. May You judge Your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing down on his own head what he has done, and justifying the righteous man by rewarding him according to his righteousness.

Job 22:5-6
Is not your wickedness great? Are not your iniquities endless? / For you needlessly demanded security from your brothers and deprived the naked of their clothing.

Psalm 7:3-5
O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, / if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, / then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah

Psalm 26:6-7
I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD, / to raise my voice in thanksgiving and declare all Your wonderful works.

Proverbs 17:15
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—both are detestable to the LORD.

Isaiah 53:9
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth.

Jeremiah 2:35
you say, ‘I am innocent. Surely His anger will turn from me.’ Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.


Treasury of Scripture

And they said to him, Why said my lord these words? God forbid that your servants should do according to this thing:

Genesis 34:25-31
And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males…

Genesis 35:22
And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

Genesis 37:18-32
And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him…

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Far Forbid Servants Speak Speaketh Wherefore Word Words
Genesis 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.














Why does my lord say these things?
This phrase reflects the bewilderment and innocence of Joseph's brothers when confronted with the accusation of theft. The term "lord" here is a respectful address, acknowledging Joseph's authority as the governor of Egypt. In Hebrew, the word for "lord" is "adon," which signifies a master or ruler, indicating the brothers' recognition of Joseph's high status. This respectful address also highlights the cultural norms of the time, where hierarchy and authority were deeply respected. The brothers' question is rhetorical, expressing their shock and disbelief at the accusation, and it sets the stage for the unfolding drama of reconciliation and revelation.

they replied
The response of the brothers is immediate, showing their collective unity and shared sense of injustice. The Hebrew root for "replied" is "anah," which means to answer or respond. This indicates a direct and earnest communication, emphasizing their sincerity and the urgency of their defense. The brothers' reply is not just a defense of their actions but also a plea for understanding and justice, reflecting the human desire for truth and fairness in the face of false accusations.

Far be it from your servants
This phrase is a strong declaration of innocence. The expression "far be it" is a Hebrew idiom, "chalilah," which conveys a sense of abhorrence or detestation of the act in question. It is a vehement denial, underscoring the brothers' integrity and moral standing. The term "servants" is "ebed" in Hebrew, denoting a position of humility and submission. By referring to themselves as "your servants," the brothers are not only showing respect but also emphasizing their loyalty and the improbability of them committing such a betrayal against someone they serve.

to do such a thing
This concluding phrase reinforces the brothers' denial of the accusation. The Hebrew word for "thing" is "dabar," which can mean word, matter, or thing. It implies the seriousness of the accusation and the moral weight of the alleged crime. The brothers' statement is a testament to their character transformation since their earlier betrayal of Joseph. It reflects a deep sense of morality and a commitment to righteousness, which is central to the narrative of redemption and forgiveness that unfolds in the subsequent chapters. This phrase encapsulates the theme of integrity and the importance of maintaining one's honor and truthfulness in the face of false allegations.

Verses 7-10. - And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do (literally, for be thy seesaws from doing) according to s thing: behold, the money (literally, the silver), which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan (this was an irrefragable proof of their honesty): how then should we steal out of my lord's house silver or gold? They were even so confident of their innocence that they ventured on a rash proposition. With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen - literally, for servants to my lord. And he (the steward) said, Now also let it be according to your words. So LXX., Vulgate, and commentators generally; but Kalisch reads it as an interrogation, "Is it right according to your words?" meaning that strict justice demanded only the punishment of the thief, as he explained. He with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye (i.e. the others of you) shall be blameless.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Why
לָ֚מָּה (lām·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

does my lord
אֲדֹנִ֔י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

say
יְדַבֵּ֣ר (yə·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

these
הָאֵ֑לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

things?”
כַּדְּבָרִ֖ים (kad·də·ḇā·rîm)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

they asked.
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Your servants
לַעֲבָדֶ֔יךָ (la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

could not possibly
חָלִ֙ילָה֙ (ḥā·lî·lāh)
Interjection | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2486: For, a profaned thing, far be it!

do
מֵעֲשׂ֖וֹת (mê·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

such
הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

a thing.
כַּדָּבָ֥ר (kad·dā·ḇār)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause


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OT Law: Genesis 44:7 They said to him Why does my (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 44:6
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