Definition: And he said, God forbid that I should do so: [but] the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 44:17. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan to protect Noah. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling Noah that he needs to be protected and kept safe. He’s giving Noah a job – a very important one – and promising him protection if things go wrong. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And he said…” : This tells us God is speaking directly to Noah. “…God forbid that I should do so:” : This is a warning! It means that God doesn't want Noah to do something bad or dangerous . He’s setting a boundary and protecting him from harm. Think of it like saying, "Don't do this – it could be disastrous." “[but] the man in whose hand the cup is found:” : This is where the crucial part comes in. God is telling Noah that someone has found a special cup. It’s not just any cup; it’s a very important one. “…he shall be my servant; and as for you, get up in peace unto your father.” : This is the really significant part. God is saying: “Now, this person – whoever found the cup – must be my servant. And he needs to be allowed to go back to his father’s house, peacefully.” What does it mean? Basically, God is entrusting Noah with a crucial task: to keep safe and not allow anyone to harm him or his family. The person who found the cup has a responsibility to protect Noah and his people. It’s a pledge of protection and safety. Why is this important? This verse is one of the key events that leads to the flood story in Genesis. God's choice to send the flood was partly motivated by needing to protect humanity from a massive disaster. It demonstrates God’s love, care, and willingness to intervene when things are dangerous. In short: God has chosen Noah as his protector and is giving him a task – to be a servant – to ensure safety for everyone. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to other stories or themes in the Bible?