Genesis 23 11

Genesis 23:11 kjv

Nay, my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that is therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the sons of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead.

Genesis 23:11 nkjv

"No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field and the cave that is in it; I give it to you in the presence of the sons of my people. I give it to you. Bury your dead!"

Genesis 23:11 niv

"No, my lord," he said. "Listen to me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead."

Genesis 23:11 esv

"No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the sight of the sons of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead."

Genesis 23:11 nlt

"No, my lord," he said to Abraham, "please listen to me. I will give you the field and the cave. Here in the presence of my people, I give it to you. Go and bury your dead."

Genesis 23 verses

Genesis 23 11 meaning

Genesis 23:11 records Ephron's initial response to Abraham's request to purchase a burial site. Ephron, a Hittite, graciously offers to give Abraham both the field and the cave within it as a gift. This public declaration, made before his people, serves as a common ancient Near Eastern negotiation tactic, presenting an exaggerated act of generosity that sets the stage for Abraham to insist on paying a high price for the property.

Genesis 23 11 Context

Genesis chapter 23 recounts the death of Sarah, Abraham’s wife, in Kirjath-arba (Hebron). Abraham, as a sojourner and resident alien in the land of Canaan, required a burial place for her. He approached the local inhabitants, the Hittites (sons of Heth), seeking to acquire a plot of land. Verse 11 captures Ephron’s response to Abraham's plea in Genesis 23:9, where Abraham had explicitly requested to purchase the cave of Machpelah "at the full price." This interaction takes place publicly, at the city gate, a customary location for official and commercial dealings in the ancient Near East, ensuring witnesses to the transaction. This episode represents the very first documented acquisition of land by Abraham in the Promised Land, marking a physical foothold for God’s chosen people, despite it being only a burial ground for generations.

Genesis 23 11 Word analysis

• No (לוֹ, lo): This is a dative particle, not the usual negative "no." It is a deferential and polite way to address Abraham, indicating agreement or acquiescence, almost like "Indeed, my lord." It prefaces a highly polite, yet strategically rhetorical, act of generosity. In ancient Near Eastern negotiations, especially among the Hittites, an initial extravagant offer or "gift" was a common tactic to begin a transaction for a highly valued item, setting the stage for a higher price.
• my lord (אֲדֹנִי, adoniy): A standard term of respect and deference. Ephron acknowledges Abraham’s high status and perhaps his position as a tribal patriarch, ensuring the conversation begins on a polite and honorable footing.
• hear me (שְׁמָעֵנִי, shema'eni): An imperative verb, "listen to me!" or "pay attention to what I am about to say." It emphasizes the earnestness and importance of Ephron’s declaration, urging Abraham to consider his generous offer.
• I give you (נָתַתִּי לָּךְ, natatiy lach): This phrase, utilizing the Hebrew perfect tense, denotes a completed action: "I have given to you" or "I am giving it to you now." It implies an immediate and gratuitous transfer. The repetition of this phrase (in "I give you the field" and "I give it to you" again at the end of the verse) underlines the emphasis on his magnanimous "gift," serving to formalize his offer within the context of the public negotiation.
• the field (הַשָּׂדֶה, hassadeh): Refers to the entire agricultural field belonging to Ephron, signifying a larger plot than just the cave itself. Offering the whole field indicates a grander gesture, encompassing the cave within it.
• and the cave that is in it (וְהַמְּעָרָה אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ, vehamma'arah asher-bo): Specific mention of the desired cave, located within the field. This clarity ensures there is no misunderstanding about the specific property Abraham desires, showing Ephron's full comprehension of the request.
• in the presence of the sons of my people (לְעֵינֵי בְנֵי־עַמִּי, le'eyney bene-ammiy): This phrase is critical for the legal and social context. The public nature of the declaration, before the community (Hittites), ensures witnesses for the proposed transfer of property. In ancient societies, especially concerning land, public witness validated ownership and transactions, making them legally binding and indisputable. This public pronouncement signals that Ephron considers this a serious offer and a formal commencement of the land transfer process.

• Words-Group: "No, my lord, hear me; I give you...": This opening sets a tone of elaborate politeness and strategic generosity typical of ancient Near Eastern bargaining. Ephron is not genuinely refusing payment but initiating a formal, public negotiation where he offers a "gift" (at immense personal cost to him) which would then make it impossible for Abraham to not offer a compensatory sum for this "gift" greater than he otherwise would. It is a carefully worded, high-stakes opening move.
• Words-Group: "I give you the field and the cave... in the presence of the sons of my people. I give it to you.": The repeated emphasis on "I give you" coupled with the vital "in the presence of the sons of my people" highlights both the outward show of generosity and the crucial legal formality. Ephron is creating a public record of his offer, forcing Abraham's hand to respond with equivalent or greater generosity (i.e., paying the high price he would soon demand). This secures the deal under communal witness.

Genesis 23 11 Bonus section

The purchase of the cave of Machpelah by Abraham for a burial plot, as initiated in this verse, holds profound theological significance. It becomes the sole piece of the Promised Land that Abraham legally possessed during his lifetime, serving as a down payment or "earnest money" for the much larger inheritance promised by God. This transaction demonstrates Abraham's unwavering faith that God's promise would indeed come to pass, as he invested in permanent property in a land he did not yet fully own. The cave became the patriarchs' burial place – Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah – serving as a physical anchor for God's covenant with His people and their future claim to the entire land of Canaan, ultimately connecting future generations to the Abrahamic promise of a permanent home. It underscores that God's plan unfolds through both miraculous intervention and ordinary, legal, human transactions, showing divine sovereignty operating within human customs.

Genesis 23 11 Commentary

Genesis 23:11 depicts Ephron’s skilled engagement in the ancient Near Eastern custom of land negotiation. His seemingly generous offer to "give" the field and cave was not a true gift but a polite yet firm opening to secure the highest possible price for his property, observed and validated by the community. Abraham, fully understanding this societal practice, did not accept the offer as a gift, for it would not have legally guaranteed ownership or proper recognition among the Hittites. Instead, his insistence on paying "full price" ensured a clear, incontestable, and honorable acquisition, marking the first possession of the promised land for the covenant family, albeit only as a burial plot. This act established a legitimate claim and ensured Abraham's heirs had a secure and perpetual resting place for generations, solidifying their spiritual connection to the promised inheritance even before full possession.