Genesis 44:7 - 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!
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What does "Genesis 44:7" mean?
This verse from Genesis 44:7 is part of a larger story about Joseph testing his brothers. Here's a breakdown of what it means in that context:
Context: Joseph, who his brothers sold into slavery years earlier, is now a powerful official in Egypt. He recognizes his brothers when they come to buy grain during a famine, but they don't recognize him. He devises a plan to test their character and see if they've changed since they betrayed him. He accuses them of stealing a silver cup from his tent.
"They said to him, 'Why does my lord speak such words as these?'": This is the brothers' initial reaction to Joseph's accusation. They are shocked and indignant. They are asking, "Why would you even suggest such a thing? We are honest people!"
"Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing!": This is a strong denial. "Far be it" is an idiom that means "God forbid!" or "It's unthinkable that we would ever do such a thing!" They are vehemently asserting their innocence and emphasizing how unlikely it is that they would commit such a crime. They are appealing to Joseph's sense of justice and reason. They have previously acted in good faith, so why would they turn around and steal something?
Significance: This verse reveals the brothers' immediate response to accusation. It shows:
Their apparent innocence: They seem genuinely shocked and offended by the accusation.
Their desire to appear honest and trustworthy: They are trying to convince Joseph of their integrity.
Their potential fear and confusion: They don't understand why they are being accused of something so serious.
Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the rest of Joseph's test, which will reveal the true nature of his brothers' hearts. Have they learned from their past sins, and are they willing to protect each other now, especially Benjamin?
Genesis 44:7 - 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!
What does "Genesis 44:7" mean?
This verse from Genesis 44:7 is part of a larger story about Joseph testing his brothers. Here's a breakdown of what it means in that context:
Context: Joseph, who his brothers sold into slavery years earlier, is now a powerful official in Egypt. He recognizes his brothers when they come to buy grain during a famine, but they don't recognize him. He devises a plan to test their character and see if they've changed since they betrayed him. He accuses them of stealing a silver cup from his tent.
"They said to him, 'Why does my lord speak such words as these?'": This is the brothers' initial reaction to Joseph's accusation. They are shocked and indignant. They are asking, "Why would you even suggest such a thing? We are honest people!"
"Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing!": This is a strong denial. "Far be it" is an idiom that means "God forbid!" or "It's unthinkable that we would ever do such a thing!" They are vehemently asserting their innocence and emphasizing how unlikely it is that they would commit such a crime. They are appealing to Joseph's sense of justice and reason. They have previously acted in good faith, so why would they turn around and steal something?
Significance: This verse reveals the brothers' immediate response to accusation. It shows:
Their apparent innocence: They seem genuinely shocked and offended by the accusation.
Their desire to appear honest and trustworthy: They are trying to convince Joseph of their integrity.
Their potential fear and confusion: They don't understand why they are being accused of something so serious.
Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the rest of Joseph's test, which will reveal the true nature of his brothers' hearts. Have they learned from their past sins, and are they willing to protect each other now, especially Benjamin?