New International VersionIsn’t this the cup my master drinks from and also uses for divination? This is a wicked thing you have done.’”
New Living TranslationWhy have you stolen my master’s silver cup, which he uses to predict the future? What a wicked thing you have done!’”
English Standard VersionIs it not from this that my lord drinks, and by this that he practices divination? You have done evil in doing this.’”
Berean Standard BibleIs this not the cup my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wicked!’”
King James BibleIs not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.
New King James VersionIs not this the one from which my lord drinks, and with which he indeed practices divination? You have done evil in so doing.’ ”
New American Standard BibleIs this not that from which my lord drinks, and which he indeed uses for divination? You have done wrong in doing this!’”
NASB 1995‘Is not this the one from which my lord drinks and which he indeed uses for divination? You have done wrong in doing this.’”
NASB 1977‘Is not this the one from which my lord drinks, and which he indeed uses for divination? You have done wrong in doing this.’”
Legacy Standard BibleIs not this the one from which my lord drinks and which he indeed uses to interpret omens? You have done evil in doing this.’”
Amplified BibleIs this not my lord’s drinking cup and the one which he uses for divination? You have done [a great and unforgivable] wrong in doing this.’”
Christian Standard BibleIsn’t this the cup that my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wrong! ’ ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleIsn’t this the cup that my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wrong!’”
American Standard VersionIs not this that in which my lord drinketh, and whereby he indeed divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.
Contemporary English VersionNot only does he drink from his cup, but he also uses it to learn about the future. You have done a terrible thing.'"
English Revised VersionIs not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby he indeed divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIsn't this the cup that my master drinks from and that he uses for telling the future? What you have done is evil!'"
Good News TranslationWhy did you steal my master's silver cup? It is the one he drinks from, the one he uses for divination. You have committed a serious crime!'"
International Standard VersionDon't you have the cup that my master uses to drink from and also uses to practice divination? You're wrong to have done this.'"
NET BibleDoesn't my master drink from this cup and use it for divination? You have done wrong!'"
New Heart English BibleWhy have you stolen my silver cup? Isn’t it from this that my lord drinks and by which he indeed uses for divination? You have done evil in doing this.'"
Webster's Bible TranslationIs not this the cup in which my lord drinketh, and by which indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIs this not the cup my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wicked!’”
World English BibleIsn’t this that from which my lord drinks, and by which he indeed divines? You have done evil in so doing.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIs this not that with which my lord drinks? And he observes diligently with it; you have done evil [in] that which you have done.”
Young's Literal Translation Is not this that with which my lord drinketh? and he observeth diligently with it; ye have done evil in that which ye have done.'
Smith's Literal TranslationIs it not this which my lord will drink in it, and divining he will divine in it? ye were evil in which ye did. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe cup which you have stolen is that in which my lord drinketh, and in which he is wont to divine: you have done a very evil thing.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThe cup that you have stolen, it is that from which my lord drinks, and in which he is accustomed to discern signs. You have done a very sinful thing.’ ”
New American BibleIs it not the very one from which my master drinks and which he uses for divination? What you have done is wrong.’ ”
New Revised Standard VersionIs it not from this that my lord drinks? Does he not indeed use it for divination? You have done wrong in doing this.’” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThis is the cup from which my lord drinks, and by which indeed he divines. You have done evil in so doing.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedThis is the cup in which my Lord drinks, also truly he divines with it; you have done evil in that which you have done.’” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby he indeed divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationWhy have ye stolen my silver cup? is it not this out of which my lord drinks? and he divines augury with it; ye have accomplished evil in that which ye have done.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Benjamin and the Silver Cup… 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 cupmy masterdrinks fromand uses for divination?Whatyou have doneis wicked!’”6When the steward overtook them, he relayed these words to them.…
Cross References Genesis 42:15-16And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. / Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be confined so that the truth of your words may be tested. If they are untrue, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!”
Genesis 43:18But 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.”
Exodus 4:2-4And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. / “Throw it on the ground,” said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it. / “Stretch out your hand and grab it by the tail,” the LORD said to Moses, who reached out his hand and caught the snake, and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
Exodus 7:10-12So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD had commanded. Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent. / But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. / Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs.
Exodus 8:19“This is the finger of God,” the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
Exodus 14:16And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.
Numbers 22:31-35Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown. / The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you, because your way is perverse before me. / The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, then by now I would surely have killed you and let her live.” ...
1 Kings 13:4-6Now when King Jeroboam, who was at the altar in Bethel, heard the word that the man of God had cried out against it, he stretched out his hand and said, “Seize him!” But the hand he stretched out toward him withered, so that he could not pull it back. / And the altar was split apart, and the ashes poured out, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD. / Then the king responded to the man of God, “Intercede with the LORD your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored to him as it was before.
2 Kings 6:17-20Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. / As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. / And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria. ...
Daniel 2:27-28Daniel answered the king, “No wise man, enchanter, medium, or magician can explain to the king the mystery of which he inquires. / But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the latter days. Your dream and the visions that came into your mind as you lay on your bed were these:
Daniel 4:9“O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery baffles you. So explain to me the visions I saw in my dream, and their interpretation.
Matthew 2:1-2After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
Matthew 12:24But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “Only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, does this man drive out demons.”
Matthew 26:48-50Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. / “Friend,” Jesus replied, “do what you came for.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested Him.
Mark 6:49-50but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost— / for they all saw Him and were terrified. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Treasury of Scripture Is not this it in which my lord drinks, and whereby indeed he divines? you have done evil in so doing. divineth. Genesis 44:15 And Joseph said unto them, What deedis this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine? Genesis 30:27 And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes,tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. Leviticus 19:26 Ye shall not eatany thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times. Jump to Previous CupDiligentlyDivinationDivinethDrinkethDrinksEvilFutureGetsIndeedMasterObservethUsesWherebyWickedWineWrongJump to Next CupDiligentlyDivinationDivinethDrinkethDrinksEvilFutureGetsIndeedMasterObservethUsesWherebyWickedWineWrongGenesis 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.Is this not the cup my master drinks fromThis phrase refers to a specific cup belonging to Joseph, who is the master in question. In the context of ancient Egypt, a cup used by a high-ranking official like Joseph would be a valuable and significant item, often made of precious materials. The cup symbolizes Joseph's authority and status. The act of drinking from a cup can also be seen as a sign of fellowship or covenant, as seen in other biblical contexts such as the Last Supper ( Matthew 26:27-28). and uses for divination?
Divination was a common practice in ancient cultures, including Egypt, where it was used to seek guidance from the divine or predict the future. Although Joseph is portrayed as a man of God who interprets dreams through divine revelation (Genesis 41:16), this phrase suggests that the cup was perceived by others as a tool for divination. This could be a strategic move by Joseph to maintain his Egyptian identity and authority while testing his brothers. The Bible generally condemns divination (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), highlighting the tension between Joseph's public persona and his private faith. What you have done is wicked!’”
This accusation of wickedness is directed at Joseph's brothers, who are unaware that the cup was planted in Benjamin's sack as part of Joseph's test. The term "wicked" underscores the severity of the alleged crime, reflecting the moral and legal standards of the time. In the broader narrative, this moment is pivotal in revealing the brothers' character and repentance, as they are forced to confront their past actions against Joseph. This echoes themes of justice and reconciliation found throughout Scripture, such as in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe governor of Egypt, who orchestrates the test of his brothers by placing his silver cup in Benjamin's sack. 2. Joseph's BrothersThe sons of Jacob, who are returning to Canaan with grain and are unaware of the cup in Benjamin's sack. 3. BenjaminThe youngest brother, in whose sack the cup is found, creating a crisis for the brothers. 4. EgyptThe land where Joseph has risen to power and where the events of this chapter unfold. 5. The Silver CupA symbol of Joseph's authority and a tool used in his test of his brothers' integrity and loyalty. Teaching Points Integrity and TestingJoseph's test of his brothers highlights the importance of integrity. Believers are often tested in their faith and character, and these tests reveal true intentions and growth. Divine ProvidenceJoseph's use of the cup for divination, though not condoned, serves God's greater plan. It reminds us that God can use even imperfect means to fulfill His purposes. Repentance and RedemptionThe brothers' reaction to the accusation and their willingness to stand by Benjamin show their growth and repentance from past sins. True repentance leads to redemption and restoration. God's SovereigntyThe unfolding events demonstrate God's sovereignty in orchestrating circumstances for His purposes. Trusting in God's plan is crucial, even when situations seem dire. Brotherly Love and SacrificeJudah's willingness to take Benjamin's place (later in the chapter) exemplifies sacrificial love, pointing to Christ's ultimate sacrifice for humanity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 44:5?
2.How does Genesis 44:5 illustrate God's sovereignty in Joseph's plan for his brothers?
3.What role does the silver cup play in revealing the brothers' hearts?
4.How does Genesis 44:5 connect to God's justice and mercy throughout Scripture?
5.How can we discern God's purpose in challenging situations, like Joseph's brothers faced?
6.What lessons on repentance and forgiveness can we apply from Genesis 44:5?
7.Why did Joseph use divination in Genesis 44:5 if it's condemned elsewhere in the Bible?
8.How does Genesis 44:5 align with God's prohibition of sorcery and divination?
9.What is the significance of the silver cup in Genesis 44:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 44?
11.What is the significance of Joseph's divination cup?
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.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.What are the devil's deceptive strategies?What Does Genesis 44:5 Mean Is this not the cup my master drinks from• Joseph’s steward highlights the cup’s intimacy with his master, underlining its value and personal significance (Genesis 44:2). • The brothers would instantly recall seeing Joseph drink from it during their feast (Genesis 43:34), intensifying the accusation. • Taking what belongs to a ruler carried severe implications; compare Pharaoh’s cupbearer’s responsibility inGenesis 40:11. • Scripture often connects a ruler’s cup with his authority (Psalm 116:13;Matthew 20:22), so stealing it symbolically strikes at Joseph’s standing.
and uses for divination?• The steward’s claim taps into Egyptian beliefs that officials read omens from special vessels. • Joseph, however, consistently attributes his insight to God alone (Genesis 41:16; 41:38), so the “divination” charge functions as part of his deliberate test. – By adopting Egyptian language, Joseph maintains his disguise (Genesis 42:8). – He presses the brothers to confront truth, echoing later prohibitions against sorcery (Leviticus 19:26;Deuteronomy 18:10) but without actually practicing it. • The mention of divination raises the stakes, making the alleged theft appear not just criminal but sacrilegious in an Egyptian context.
What you have done is wicked!’• The steward moves from question to verdict, labeling their act “wicked,” mirroring the moral weight Joseph wants them to feel (Genesis 42:21). • Judah’s forthcoming confession—“God has uncovered your servants’ iniquity” (Genesis 44:16)—shows the accusation lodging in their consciences. • The word “wicked” anticipatesIsaiah 5:20’s warning against calling evil good and underscores that concealed sin eventually surfaces (Numbers 32:23;Proverbs 28:13). • Joseph’s purpose is restorative: exposing hidden guilt, leading toward repentance, and preparing for reconciliation (Genesis 45:4-5).
summaryThe steward’s statement, crafted by Joseph, uses the stolen cup to press his brothers toward repentance. Emphasizing the cup’s personal value, invoking alleged divination, and pronouncing their deed “wicked” all heighten the moral gravity of the test. Joseph remains faithful to God while skillfully employing Egyptian conventions to awaken his brothers’ consciences and pave the way for forgiveness and family restoration.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Is this notהֲל֣וֹא(hă·lō·w)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nothe cup thatאֲשֶׁ֨ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatmy masterאֲדֹנִי֙(’ă·ḏō·nî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113:Sovereign, controllerdrinks fromיִשְׁתֶּ֤ה(yiš·teh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8354:To imbibeand uses for divination?נַחֵ֥שׁ(na·ḥêš)Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 5172:To hiss, whisper a, spell, to prognosticateWhatאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatyou have doneעֲשִׂיתֶֽם׃(‘ă·śî·ṯem)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makeis wicked!’”הֲרֵעֹתֶ֖ם(hă·rê·‘ō·ṯem)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7489:To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad
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OT Law: Genesis 44:5 Isn't this that from which my lord (Gen. Ge Gn) |
