What does Genesis 44:9 mean?
Jacob's sons are defending themselves from accusations they have stolen a valuable silver cup (Genesis 44:1–8). They don't realize the accusations are coming from their estranged brother (Genesis 42:7–8), or that they are part of a deliberate test. The men have strongly claimed innocence.Now, they foolishly go too far. Rashly, without fully understanding what is happening, they vow that if anyone is found with the cup, he can be executed, and the rest of the men made slaves. What the brothers don't know, of course, is that the steward himself has placed the cup in the sack of the youngest brother Benjamin. Joseph's brothers have played right into his scheme. The purpose of that plan will become clearer in the following verses.