Genesis 23 17

Genesis 23:17 kjv

And the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure

Genesis 23:17 nkjv

So the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, which were within all the surrounding borders, were deeded

Genesis 23:17 niv

So Ephron's field in Machpelah near Mamre?both the field and the cave in it, and all the trees within the borders of the field?was deeded

Genesis 23:17 esv

So the field of Ephron in Machpelah, which was to the east of Mamre, the field with the cave that was in it and all the trees that were in the field, throughout its whole area, was made over

Genesis 23:17 nlt

So Abraham bought the plot of land belonging to Ephron at Machpelah, near Mamre. This included the field itself, the cave that was in it, and all the surrounding trees.

Genesis 23 verses

Genesis 23 17 meaning

Genesis 23:17 describes the legal transfer of Ephron's field, including the cave of Machpelah, all its trees, and surrounding borders, to Abraham as a confirmed, permanent possession. This meticulous process ensures undeniable ownership for Abraham and his descendants, establishing his first true landed inheritance in the land God had promised. The transaction marked the securing of a family burial site, but also served as a tangible down payment on the future, broader fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant regarding the Promised Land.

Genesis 23 17 Context

Genesis 23 marks a significant transition in Abraham's life: the death of his beloved wife, Sarah, at Kiriath Arba (Hebron). As a sojourner in the land God promised him, Abraham did not own a burial plot. This chapter details his public, legal negotiation with the Hittites, specifically Ephron, to purchase the Cave of Machpelah. Abraham's insistence on paying full price, despite initial offers of a gift, demonstrates his desire for undeniable, permanent ownership of this first piece of the Promised Land. The preceding verses (Gen 23:14-16) describe Ephron naming the price (400 shekels of silver) and Abraham paying it. Verse 17 then serves as the official confirmation and legal declaration that the entire property, not just the cave, was deeded to Abraham as his possession, setting the stage for Sarah's burial and later, Abraham's and other patriarchs' burials.

Genesis 23 17 Word analysis

• So (וַיָּקָם, vayyaqom): A conjunctive waw indicating sequence, here specifically consequence or confirmation. While meaning "and it arose/stood," in legal contexts, it implies establishment or confirmation of a transaction, making it legally binding and enduring. It signifies the result of the prior negotiation and payment.
• the field (שְׂדֵה, s’deih): Refers to an open field, often for cultivation. Here, it denotes the entire land parcel, not just a small plot for a grave. It emphasizes the scope of the purchase as a property.
• of Ephron (עֶפְרוֹן, ‘ephrôn): Identifies the former owner, validating the chain of ownership and establishing his authority to sell. Ephron's name is repeated multiple times throughout the chapter to emphasize the legitimacy of the transfer from him.
• which was in Machpelah (אֲשֶׁר בַּמַּכְפֵּלָה, ’asher bamMachpelah): Defines the location and identifies the specific property. Machpelah (מַכְפֵּלָה, makhpelah, possibly "double portion" or "double cave") describes the unique feature and name of the plot, which would become the patriarchal burial site.
• which was before Mamre (אֲשֶׁר עַל-פְּנֵי מַמְרֵא, ’asher al-penei Mamre’): Provides a precise geographical anchor. Mamre (מַמְרֵא, mamre’), an oak grove near Hebron, was a well-known landmark, further legitimizing the transaction's public knowledge and certainty of location.
• the field and the cave which was in it (הַשָּׂדֶה וְהַמְּעָרָה אֲשֶׁר-בּוֹ, ha-ssadeh v'ha-m'arah ’asher-bo): Specificity in ancient contracts was paramount. This reiterates that the entire field, and the specific cave within it, are being transferred.
• and all the trees that were in the field, that were within all the borders all around (וְכָל-הָעֵץ אֲשֶׁר בַּשָּׂדֶה אֲשֶׁר בְּכָל-גְּבֻלוֹ סָבִיב, v’kol-ha-‘etz ’asher ba-ssadeh ’asher b’khol-gvulo saviv): An exhaustive inventory typical of ancient property deeds. This ensured that no valuable asset (like timber or fruit trees) within the boundary could be later disputed as not included in the sale. "Borders all around" defines the precise extent of the property.
• were deeded (וַיָּקָם, vayyaqom): As mentioned, this verb implies legal standing and establishment. It means the property became Abraham’s in an irrefutable legal sense, confirmed by witnesses and payment.
• to Abraham (לְאַבְרָהָם, l’Avraham): Clearly identifies the new owner.
• as a possession (לַאֲחֻזַּת קִנְיָן, la’akhuzzath qinyan):
  • possession (אֲחֻזָּה, ’akhuzzah): A strong biblical term denoting a permanent holding, an inherited estate, or a lasting property, often used for tribal allotments in Canaan. It emphasizes full and enduring ownership.
  • k_inyan_ (קִנְיָן, qinyan): Derived from the root "to acquire," "to buy." This emphasizes that the possession was acquired by purchase, securing an indisputable title. It wasn't a gift that could be revoked.
  This phrase strongly conveys Abraham's absolute and perpetual right to the property through legal purchase.

Genesis 23 17 Bonus section

• A Legal Masterpiece: This verse, and indeed the entire chapter, is lauded by scholars as reflecting precise ancient Near Eastern legal and land tenure customs, validating its historical authenticity. The meticulous detailing of boundaries, features, and parties ensures the transfer is undeniable.
• First Private Property in the Promised Land: While Abraham sojourned throughout Canaan, this field and cave constitute the very first private, legally purchased property that Abraham and his descendants possessed in the Land of Promise.
• Covenant Anticipation: This acquisition, seemingly small for such a vast promise, acts as an anticipation of the covenant's full realization. It’s a physical manifestation of Abraham's trust that God’s promise of land for his descendants would indeed come true, beginning with this secure burial place for his family.
• Strategic Location: The site near Mamre (Hebron) was historically significant, associated with Abraham’s earlier interactions with God and strategically located, further underscoring its long-term importance.

Genesis 23 17 Commentary

Genesis 23:17 stands as a cornerstone verse in the unfolding narrative of God's promise to Abraham. Following Abraham's purchase of the field of Machpelah, this verse serves as the legal conclusion, cementing his undeniable, permanent possession of the land. It’s a detailed, almost legalistic, statement enumerating every component—field, cave, trees, borders—underscoring the thoroughness and permanence of the transaction. For Abraham, who had journeyed as a sojourner, owning nothing in the land promised to him, this was his first tangible foothold. It’s a remarkable act of faith: Abraham purchases a burial ground for Sarah, and for himself and his lineage, before possessing the vast land promised to him by God. This small, specific plot of purchased ground symbolizes the earnest down payment on God's expansive promise, signifying that God's covenant entails real, physical land for a real, physical people, yet still hinting at a future, more complete fulfillment.