Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold?

GENESIS 44:8KJV
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Genesis 44:8 (KJV)

What does Genesis 44:8 mean?

Genesis 44:8 shows Joseph’s brothers insisting they are not thieves, pointing out that they had already returned the money they once found in their sacks, so it would make no sense for them to steal silver or gold from Joseph’s house. They are defending themselves against the accusation of theft by appealing to their past honesty.

In this verse, Joseph’s brothers are speaking to the steward of Joseph’s house in Egypt after being accused of stealing a valuable cup. The brothers remind the steward that when they previously found money in their sacks, they brought it back from Canaan (the land they came from), showing their good character. Their argument is that if they were honest enough to return money before, it would be illogical for them to now steal something even more valuable.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 44:8

  • The word for "money" is כֶּסֶף (kesef), which can mean both "silver" and "money" in Hebrew. This double meaning is important because the accusation involves both silver and gold, and the brothers use the same word to highlight their honesty with valuables.
  • The word for "steal" is גָּנַב (ganav), which directly means "to steal." The brothers use this strong term to firmly deny any wrongdoing, making their defense clear and emphatic.
  • "Sacks" is אַמְתַּחַת (amtachat), referring to the bags they used for carrying grain. Mentioning the "mouths" (פֶּה, peh) of the sacks highlights the specific place where the money was found, showing attention to detail in their explanation.

Why Genesis 44:8 matters

  • Genesis 44:8 emphasizes the brothers’ honesty and integrity, which is a key theme as Joseph tests their character to see if they have changed since selling him years earlier.
  • The verse clarifies that the brothers are not trying to deceive Joseph or his household, but are genuinely confused and distressed by the accusation.
  • This defense sets up the emotional tension in the story, leading to Joseph’s eventual revelation and reconciliation with his brothers.

Where else these words appear

“sacks'” Hebrew H572 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 42:27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth.
  • Genesis 43:18 And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses.
  • Genesis 44:1 And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth.

“steal” Hebrew H1589 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
  • Exodus 22:1 If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest,(for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not.

“Canaan” Hebrew H3667 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 9:18 And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.
  • Genesis 45:25 And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father,
  • Numbers 35:14 Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.