Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They had not gone far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, “Go after those men at once, and when you catch up with them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? New Living Translation But when they had gone only a short distance and were barely out of the city, Joseph said to his palace manager, “Chase after them and stop them. When you catch up with them, ask them, ‘Why have you repaid my kindness with such evil? English Standard Version They had gone only a short distance from the city. Now Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Berean Standard Bible They 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? Berean Literal Bible They had gone out of the city, they had not gone far, and Joseph said to the one over his house, “Get up, pursue after the men, and you shall overtake them, and you shall say to them, ‘Why have you⁺ repaid evil for good? King James Bible And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? New King James Version When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Get up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? New American Standard Bible They had just left the city, and were not far away, when Joseph said to his house steward, “Up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? NASB 1995 They had just gone out of the city, and were not far off, when Joseph said to his house steward, “Up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? NASB 1977 They had just gone out of the city, and were not far off, when Joseph said to his house steward, “Up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Legacy Standard Bible Now they had just gone out of the city and were not far off when Joseph said to his house steward, “Arise, pursue the men; you shall overtake them and say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Amplified Bible When they had left the city, and were not yet far away, Joseph said to his steward, “Get up, follow after the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil [to us] for good [paid to you]? Berean Annotated Bible They had not gone far from the city when Joseph (YHWH has added) told his steward, “Pursue the men at once, and when you overtake them, ask, ‘Why have you⁺ repaid good with evil? [Why have you stolen my silver cup?] Christian Standard Bible They had not gone very far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, “Get up. Pursue the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Holman Christian Standard Bible They had not gone very far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, “Get up. Pursue the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? American Standard Version And when they were gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? Contemporary English Version But they had not gone far from the city when Joseph told the servant, "Go after those men! When you catch them, say, 'My master has been good to you. So why have you stolen his silver cup? English Revised Version And when they were gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? GOD'S WORD® Translation They had not gone far from the city when Joseph said to the man in charge of his house, "Go after those men at once, and when you catch up with them, say to them, 'Why have you paid me back with evil when I was good to you? Good News Translation When they had gone only a short distance from the city, Joseph said to the servant in charge of his house, "Hurry after those men. When you catch up with them, ask them, 'Why have you paid back evil for good? International Standard Version They had not traveled far from the city when Joseph ordered his palace manager, "Get up, follow those men, and when you've caught up with them, ask them, 'Why did you repay evil for good? NET Bible They had not gone very far from the city when Joseph said to the servant who was over his household, "Pursue the men at once! When you overtake them, say to them, 'Why have you repaid good with evil? New Heart English Bible When they were far from the city, Joseph said to his manager, "Up, go after the men, and when you overtake them, ask them, 'Why have you repaid evil for good? Webster's Bible Translation And when they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, Arise, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say to them, Why have ye rewarded evil for good? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey 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? World English Bible When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men. When you overtake them, ask them, ‘Why have you rewarded evil for good? Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthey have gone out of the city—they have not gone far off—and Joseph has said to him who [is] over his house, “Rise, pursue after the men; and you have overtaken them, and you have said to them: Why have you repaid evil for good? Berean Literal Bible They had gone out of the city, they had not gone far, and Joseph said to the one over his house, “Get up, pursue after the men, and you shall overtake them, and you shall say to them, ‘Why have you⁺ repaid evil for good? Young's Literal Translation they have gone out of the city -- they have not gone far off -- and Joseph hath said to him who is over his house, 'Rise, pursue after the men; and thou hast overtaken them, and thou hast said unto them, Why have ye recompensed evil for good? Smith's Literal Translation They came forth out of the city, they were not far off, and Joseph said to him over his house, Arise, pursue after the men, and having overtaken them, and say to them, For what did ye requite evil for good? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when they were now departed out of the city, and had gone forward a little way; Joseph sendingfor the steward of his house, said: Arise, and pursue after the men: and when thou hast overtaken them, say to them: Why have you returned evil for good? Catholic Public Domain Version And now they had departed from the city and had set out a short distance. Then Joseph, sending for the steward of his house, said: “Rise up and pursue the men. And when you have overtaken them, say: ‘Why have you returned evil for good? New American Bible They had not gone far out of the city when Joseph said to his steward: “Go at once after the men! When you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why did you repay good with evil? Why did you steal my silver goblet? New Revised Standard Version When they had gone only a short distance from the city, Joseph said to his steward, “Go, follow after the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you returned evil for good? Why have you stolen my silver cup? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when they were gone out of the city, but not yet far off, Joseph said to the steward, Arise, pursue the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, Why have you returned evil for good? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated They went out from the city and had not gone far, and Yoseph said to his Custodian, “Arise, chase after the men and overtake them and say to them, ‘Why have you paid evil in place of good? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when they were gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward: 'Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them: Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? Brenton Septuagint Translation And when they had gone out of the city, and were not far off, then Joseph said to his steward, Arise, and pursue after the men; and thou shalt overtake them, and say to them, Why have ye returned evil for good? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Benjamin and the Silver Cup…3At daybreak, the men were sent on their way with their donkeys. 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 cup my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wicked!’ ”… Cross References They had not gone far from the city 1 Samuel 9:27 As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I will reveal to you the word of God.” So the servant went on. 2 Samuel 15:17 So the king set out with all the people following him. He stopped at the last house, Joshua 2:7 So the king’s men set out in pursuit of the spies along the road to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as they had gone out, the gate was shut. when Joseph told his steward, Genesis 24:2 So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh, Genesis 39:4 Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned. Luke 12:42 And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? “Pursue the men at once, 1 Samuel 30:8 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” Exodus 14:9 The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi-hahiroth, opposite Baal-zephon. Genesis 31:23 So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead. and when you overtake them, Genesis 31:25 Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well. Deuteronomy 28:45 All these curses will come upon you. They will pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, since you did not obey the LORD your God and keep the commandments and statutes He gave you. ask, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? Jeremiah 18:20 Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them. 1 Samuel 24:17 and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. Psalm 35:12 They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul. Genesis 42:25-28 Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to return each man’s silver to his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. This order was carried out, / and they loaded the grain on their donkeys and departed. / At the place where they lodged for the night, one of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey, and he saw his silver in the mouth of the sack. … Genesis 43:18 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.” Treasury of Scripture And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when you do overtake them, say to them, Why have you rewarded evil for good? Up. Deuteronomy 2:16 So it came to pass, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people, Wherefore. 1 Samuel 24:17 And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. 2 Chronicles 20:11 Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. Psalm 35:12 They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. Jump to Previous Arise Catch City Cup Distance Evil Far Follow Good House Joseph Little Once Overtake Repaid Rewarded Short Silver Steward Stolen Way WhereforeJump to Next Arise Catch City Cup Distance Evil Far Follow Good House Joseph Little Once Overtake Repaid Rewarded Short Silver Steward Stolen Way WhereforeGenesis 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. They had not gone far from the city This phrase indicates the urgency and immediacy of the situation. The city referred to is likely ancient Egypt's capital, where Joseph held a high position. The quick pursuit suggests a premeditated plan by Joseph to test his brothers. The geographical context highlights the proximity to the city, emphasizing the brothers' vulnerability and the control Joseph had over the situation. when Joseph told his steward “Pursue the men at once and when you overtake them ask, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe governor of Egypt, who is testing his brothers to see if they have changed since they sold him into slavery. 2. Joseph's Steward The servant tasked with carrying out Joseph's orders, including the pursuit of his brothers. 3. Joseph's Brothers The sons of Jacob, who are returning to Canaan after buying grain in Egypt, unaware of the test Joseph has set for them. 4. The City Refers to the Egyptian city where Joseph resides and governs, likely Memphis or another major city of the time. 5. The Pursuit The event where Joseph's steward is sent to confront the brothers about the alleged theft of Joseph's silver cup. Teaching Points Testing and TransformationJoseph's actions are a test to see if his brothers have changed. God often allows tests in our lives to reveal our character and growth. Repaying Good with Evil The accusation against the brothers serves as a reminder to examine our own lives for ways we might be repaying good with evil, whether intentionally or unintentionally. God's Sovereignty Joseph's account is a testament to God's ability to use human actions, even those meant for harm, to fulfill His divine purposes. Forgiveness and Reconciliation Joseph's ultimate goal is reconciliation with his brothers, teaching us the importance of forgiveness and restoring broken relationships. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 44:4?2. How does Genesis 44:4 demonstrate God's sovereignty in Joseph's brothers' journey? 3. What role does divine providence play in the events of Genesis 44:4? 4. How does Genesis 44:4 connect with Joseph's earlier dreams in Genesis 37? 5. How can we trust God's plan when facing unexpected challenges like in Genesis 44:4? 6. What lessons on repentance and forgiveness can we learn from Genesis 44:4? 7. Why did Joseph accuse his brothers of stealing in Genesis 44:4? 8. What is the significance of the silver cup in Genesis 44:4? 9. How does Genesis 44:4 reflect Joseph's relationship with his brothers? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 44? 11. How do the events in Genesis 44 fit coherently with earlier chapters in Genesis, given the discrepancies in character motivations and the sudden moral tension introduced by Joseph’s actions? 12. (Genesis 43:12) How plausible is it that large amounts of silver were secretly returned without raising alarms among Egyptian authorities or the local population? 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. Genesis 4:17: How could Cain build a city with so few people existing at the time? What Does Genesis 44:4 Mean They had not gone far from the city• The brothers have just left Egypt laden with grain, unaware that Joseph’s silver cup is now in Benjamin’s sack (Genesis 44:1–3). • This little time-marker shows Joseph acting swiftly—before they are out of reach, yet far enough that a public scene in the city is avoided. Similar strategic timing appears when Abraham’s servant “arose and went” the moment Rebekah agreed to leave (Genesis 24:61) and when the two angels urged Lot to leave Sodom “at dawn” (Genesis 19:15). • God often works in the in-between moments, arranging circumstances so that nothing is accidental (Romans 8:28). Joseph’s careful timing underscores God’s hidden hand directing events toward reconciliation. When Joseph told his steward • Joseph delegates the task, mirroring Pharaoh’s earlier trust in him (Genesis 41:40). Leadership and authority flow down in orderly fashion (Exodus 18:25–26). • The steward has witnessed Joseph’s integrity and now obeys without hesitation, much like Eliezer carrying out Abraham’s instructions (Genesis 24:2–9). • Joseph’s steward functions as Joseph’s mouthpiece, just as Moses would later speak for God before Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1–2). The pattern highlights the truth that God often speaks and acts through appointed servants. Pursue the men at once • “At once” indicates urgency. Joseph is orchestrating a test, not vengeance (Genesis 44:15–17). Quick pursuit prevents the brothers from dispersing and underscores the seriousness of the matter, echoing Joshua’s immediate pursuit of Achan after the sin at Ai (Joshua 7:22–25). • The pursuit pictures the way God lovingly but firmly pursues His people when sin threatens the covenant (Psalm 23:6; Hebrews 12:6). • By commanding pursuit, Joseph ensures that the brothers will face the truth together, revealing whether they have truly repented of past jealousy and betrayal (cf. Genesis 37:18–28). When you overtake them • The steward is not told to confront from a distance; he must physically catch up, ensuring the evidence is displayed before their eyes. In Scripture, confrontation typically happens face-to-face for maximum clarity (2 Samuel 12:7; Galatians 2:11). • “Overtake” carries the idea of inevitable encounter. Just as Joseph’s steward cannot fail, God’s own purposes cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2). • The brothers’ sense of security is about to be interrupted—an echo of how God interrupts our complacency to expose hidden issues (Psalm 32:3–5). Ask, “Why have you repaid good with evil?” • The steward’s single question summarizes the charge: betrayal of grace. Joseph had shown them favor—returning their money (Genesis 42:25; 43:23) and feeding them lavishly (Genesis 43:34)—yet they appear to have stolen from him. • The wording mirrors God’s lament over Israel’s ingratitude—“What have I done to you? How have I wearied you?” (Micah 6:3). It also foreshadows Jesus’ anguish over Judas’ betrayal after receiving bread from His hand (John 13:26–27). • Joseph is setting a moral mirror before his brothers. Years earlier they sold him into slavery despite his kindness; now the question forces them to face that history. Genuine repentance requires acknowledging how evil repays good (Romans 2:4). • By framing it as a question, Joseph invites confession rather than delivering immediate judgment, reflecting God’s heart that goodness should lead to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). summary Genesis 44:4 records Joseph’s calculated, compassionate test. He sends his steward to overtake his brothers quickly, confront them with a piercing question, and expose the contrast between grace received and evil returned. The verse reveals God’s sovereignty over timing, the proper use of delegated authority, the loving pursuit that exposes sin, and the ultimate aim of bringing sinners to genuine repentance and restored fellowship. Hebrew Theyהֵ֠ם (hêm) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They had not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no gone יָֽצְא֣וּ (yā·ṣə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim far הִרְחִיקוּ֒ (hir·ḥî·qū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7368: To be or become far or distant from the city הָעִיר֮ (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement when Joseph וְיוֹסֵ֤ף (wə·yō·w·sêp̄) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites told אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say his steward, לַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר (la·’ă·šer) Preposition-l | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that “Pursue רְדֹ֖ף (rə·ḏōp̄) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute the men הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֑ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person at once, ק֥וּם (qūm) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand and when you overtake them, וְהִשַּׂגְתָּם֙ (wə·hiś·śaḡ·tām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 5381: To reach, overtake ask, וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Why לָ֛מָּה (lām·māh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what have you repaid שִׁלַּמְתֶּ֥ם (šil·lam·tem) Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate good טוֹבָֽה׃ (ṭō·w·ḇāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good with evil? רָעָ֖ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil Links Genesis 44:4 NIVGenesis 44:4 NLT Genesis 44:4 ESV Genesis 44:4 NASB Genesis 44:4 KJV Genesis 44:4 BibleApps.com Genesis 44:4 Biblia Paralela Genesis 44:4 Chinese Bible Genesis 44:4 French Bible Genesis 44:4 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 44:4 When they had gone out (Gen. Ge Gn) |
    |