With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord’s bondmen.
If any of your servants has it, let that person die, and the rest of us will become your slaves.
The brothers are making a rash promise, saying that whoever stole the cup should die and they'll all become slaves.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and later rose to power as Egypt's second-in-command during a devastating famine, his brothers traveled to Egypt to buy grain without recognizing him. Joseph tested their character by secretly placing his silver cup in his brother Benjamin's sack, leading to a confrontation when they were accused of theft. The brothers' response in this verse reflects their desperation to prove their innocence amid the ongoing family tensions and the harsh realities of ancient Near Eastern customs regarding honor and punishment.
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