Genesis 44:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Joseph's steward accuses the brothers of stealing his master's divining cup.
The Context of Genesis 44:5
The steward describes the cup as Joseph's divining vessel.
What Does Genesis 44:5 Mean?
The steward frames the cup as both a drinking vessel and a divining tool—an instrument Joseph uses in his governance of Egypt. Such cups were actual objects used in ancient Near Eastern practices; this detail establishes Joseph's authority and makes the theft seem not merely a common crime but an affront to his position.
The accusation carries weight in Egyptian society: stealing a ruler's divining cup was not just theft but a violation of sacred authority. By using this language, the steward makes the offense seem severe, though the actual crime has been fabricated to test whether the brothers will respond with justice and integrity.
Genesis 44:5 in the Original Language
divineth (נִחְשׁ) — to practice divination; Joseph, as a ruler, would use such ritual objects to consult and govern.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 44:5
What does Genesis 44:5 mean?
Joseph's steward accuses the brothers of stealing his master's divining cup.
What is the context of Genesis 44:5?
The steward describes the cup as Joseph's divining vessel.