King James Version

What Does Genesis 44:5 Mean?

Genesis 44:5 in the King James Version says “Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing. divineth: or, m...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing. divineth: or, maketh trial?”

Genesis 44:5 · KJV

Context

3

As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their asses.

4

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?

5

Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing. divineth: or, maketh trial?

6

And he overtook them, and he spake unto them these same words.

7

And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing:

Read Genesis 44 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so do... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הֲל֣וֹא1 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

זֶ֗ה2 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִשְׁתֶּ֤ה4 of 13

“drinketh”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

אֲדֹנִי֙5 of 13

“Is not this it in which my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

בּ֔וֹ6 of 13
H0
וְה֕וּא7 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יְנַחֵ֖שׁ8 of 13

“and whereby indeed”

H5172

properly, to hiss, i.e., whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate

יְנַחֵ֖שׁ9 of 13

“and whereby indeed”

H5172

properly, to hiss, i.e., whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate

בּ֑וֹ10 of 13
H0
הֲרֵֽעֹתֶ֖ם11 of 13

“ye have done evil”

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עֲשִׂיתֶֽם׃13 of 13

“in so doing”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 44:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 44:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 30:27Leviticus 19:262 Kings 21:6Deuteronomy 18:10-14Genesis 44:151 Kings 20:33

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