Genesis 23 13

Genesis 23:13 kjv

And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee money for the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there.

Genesis 23:13 nkjv

and he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, "If you will give it, please hear me. I will give you money for the field; take it from me and I will bury my dead there."

Genesis 23:13 niv

and he said to Ephron in their hearing, "Listen to me, if you will. I will pay the price of the field. Accept it from me so I can bury my dead there."

Genesis 23:13 esv

And he said to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, "But if you will, hear me: I give the price of the field. Accept it from me, that I may bury my dead there."

Genesis 23:13 nlt

and he replied to Ephron as everyone listened. "No, listen to me. I will buy it from you. Let me pay the full price for the field so I can bury my dead there."

Genesis 23 verses

Genesis 23 13 meaning

Genesis 23:13 describes Abraham's firm and polite response to Ephron the Hittite concerning the purchase of a burial plot for Sarah. In the presence of local witnesses, Abraham reiterates his intention to buy the cave and the field surrounding it, stating clearly that he will pay money for it. This was to secure undisputed ownership of the property for burying his deceased wife and as a permanent family tomb.

Genesis 23 13 Context

Genesis chapter 23 begins with the death of Sarah, Abraham's beloved wife, in Kiriath-arba (Hebron). This event necessitates a burial place, as Abraham is a sojourner in the land of Canaan, which God has promised him but of which he possesses no personal plot. Abraham approaches the local inhabitants, the sons of Heth (Hittites), requesting to buy a permanent burial site. The Hittites respect Abraham, calling him a "prince of God," and initially offer him the pick of their burial places as a gift. However, Abraham, understanding the importance of secure, legal ownership for this ancestral tomb, politely insists on purchasing a specific field, the field of Ephron, which contains the cave of Machpelah. Verse 13 is Abraham's direct response to Ephron, who initially offered to give him the land, ensuring that the transaction proceeds as a clear and public sale rather than an ambiguous gift. This establishes Abraham's first permanent land acquisition in the Promised Land.

Genesis 23 13 Word analysis

• And he spoke: This refers to Abraham. It highlights his intentional and active engagement in the negotiation, driving the transaction toward a clear purchase.

• to Ephron: Ephron was the Hittite landowner. Abraham addresses him directly to confirm the terms.

• in the hearing of: Hebrew: בְּאָזְנֵי (bə-'oznê), literally "in the ears of." This phrase signifies that the declaration was made publicly and overtly, ensuring that the transaction was witnessed by the assembled community. This was critical for the legal validity and permanency of ancient Near Eastern land deeds.

• the people of the land: Hebrew: עַם הָאָרֶץ (ʿam hāʾāreṣ). In this context, these are the local inhabitants, representatives, or elders who would serve as formal witnesses to the agreement, thereby solidifying the legal nature of the transaction. Their presence validated the deed.

• saying: Introduces Abraham's direct speech.

• Indeed, if you will give it: Abraham acknowledges Ephron's earlier offer but subtly reframes it. This polite phrasing sets up Abraham's firm insistence on payment, clarifying that his desire is for a purchase, not a gift.

• I pray you, hear me: A courteous but determined plea for Ephron to listen to his counter-proposal. It shows Abraham's persistence and desire for the specific, legally binding arrangement he intends.

• I will give you money for the field: Hebrew: כֶּסֶף (keseph), which typically refers to silver, the common form of currency, measured by weight. This is Abraham's direct and unambiguous offer of purchase. He explicitly rejects the "gift" offer to establish absolute, incontestable ownership.

• take it from me: This reinforces Abraham's intention for a direct, immediate, and full transfer of funds, sealing the transaction on the spot.

• and I will bury my dead there: States the precise purpose of the purchase – a permanent, undisputed burial place for his family. This immediate use anchors his first piece of inherited land in God's promised land to a tangible, personal need, demonstrating both his faith and practical intention.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "in the hearing of the people of the land": This phrase underscores the legal gravity and public transparency of the transaction. It's not a private deal, but one established openly before the community, ensuring no future dispute over ownership. It speaks to ancient Near Eastern legal customs where public witnesses were paramount for land sales, especially important for foreigners acquiring property.
  • "I will give you money for the field; take it from me": This grouping highlights Abraham's steadfastness and integrity. He is determined to establish clear, rightful ownership through legitimate purchase, avoiding any ambiguities that might arise from accepting a gift (which could imply lesser rights or tribute). It showcases his desire for an unconditional and enduring title deed.
  • "I will bury my dead there": This phrase brings profound significance. The act of purchasing a burial site is a tangible act of faith. Despite being a sojourner, Abraham secures a permanent place for his family within the promised land, foreshadowing God's ultimate fulfillment of His covenant to give the land as an inheritance. It’s the first real estate Abraham fully "possesses" in Canaan, symbolizing the foothold of the covenant people.

Genesis 23 13 Bonus section

The concept of purchasing a burial site as the first "physical" possession in a promised land carries deep symbolic meaning. It connects death and the afterlife with the ongoing covenantal promise, implying that the faithful who die in the land remain bound to its future inheritance and resurrection. This echoes throughout scripture where ancestors buried in a specific land signify belonging and continuity for future generations. The repeated emphasis on witnesses and specific monetary terms highlights the sophisticated legal and social practices of the time, demonstrating that Abraham operated within the framework of prevailing custom while remaining steadfast to God's ultimate plan. This purchase also serves as a prototype for God's people engaging in the world justly, negotiating honorably even for sacred purposes, and securing a future through tangible actions guided by faith.

Genesis 23 13 Commentary

Genesis 23:13 is a pivotal moment for Abraham, embodying his unwavering faith and his integrity in the face of bereavement. His insistence on purchasing the cave of Machpelah and the surrounding field for "money" (silver) signifies far more than a simple transaction. Firstly, it ensures an undisputed and inheritable claim to a portion of the Promised Land, serving as a tangible down payment on God's covenantal pledge to his descendants. This acts as a powerful statement of faith; Abraham believed so fully in the divine promise that he would pay a hefty sum to secure even a small piece of the land destined for his lineage, confirming his intention to establish roots there. Secondly, Abraham's rejection of Ephron's offer of a gift and his demand for a sale underscores his integrity and foresight. In ancient Near Eastern legal customs, a gift might not confer full title or could obligate the recipient to future subservience. By insisting on a purchase witnessed publicly, Abraham established clear, sovereign ownership, ensuring his family's perpetual right to this land. This commitment to just and legal dealings reflects Abraham's character as a righteous man (Gen 18:19) and sets a precedent for lawful possession within the biblical narrative, laying the groundwork for Israel's future inheritance. This site would become the revered burial place for Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah, connecting generations to the land of promise.