Genesis 23:8 kjv

And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,

Genesis 23:8 nkjv

And he spoke with them, saying, "If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me,

Genesis 23:8 niv

He said to them, "If you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf

Genesis 23:8 esv

And he said to them, "If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me Ephron the son of Zohar,

Genesis 23:8 nlt

and said, "Since you are willing to help me in this way, be so kind as to ask Ephron son of Zohar

Genesis 23 verses

Genesis 23 8 Meaning

Genesis 23:8 describes Abraham's address to the Hittites concerning the burial of Sarah. After acknowledging their respect, he explicitly requests their aid in his negotiation to acquire a burial site. He asks them to use their influence or intercede on his behalf with Ephron, the son of Zohar, to obtain a piece of land suitable for burying his deceased wife. This verse reveals Abraham's courteous and diplomatic approach as a sojourner seeking to honor his dead within a foreign land.

Genesis 23 8 Context

Genesis chapter 23 focuses entirely on the death and burial of Sarah, Abraham's wife. It marks the first recorded land acquisition by Abraham in the land of Canaan, which God had promised to him and his descendants. Although Abraham had been promised the entire land, he owns nothing within it apart from a temporary tent dwelling. When Sarah dies in Kirjath-arba (Hebron), Abraham, despite his divine promise, still acts as a "sojourner and resident" (Gen 23:4) and must respectfully negotiate with the local inhabitants, the sons of Heth, for a burial place. The chapter meticulously details the transaction for the Cave of Machpelah, highlighting Abraham's politeness, the cultural complexities of bargaining in the ancient Near East, and God's sovereign hand in even the mundane act of land purchase, as it secures the first piece of the promised land for Abraham’s descendants as an ancestral burial ground. Verse 8 occurs during Abraham's initial request to the Hittites, seeking their assistance in obtaining a specific burial site.

Genesis 23 8 Word analysis

• And he communed with them (וַיְדַבֵּר אִתָּם - waydabber ittam): The Hebrew word dabar (דָּבַר) means "to speak" or "to say." It often implies more than a casual conversation, suggesting a formal, deliberate address or serious discussion, consistent with the gravity of the matter (a funeral and land negotiation). Abraham, as the respected patriarch, initiates the dialogue formally with the local leadership.
• saying (le'mor לֵאמֹר): A common Hebrew construct used to introduce direct speech.
• If it be your mind (אִם־יֵשׁ אֶת־נַפְשְׁכֶם - ʾim-yesh ʾet-napheshkhem): Nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ) literally means "soul" or "life." Here, it signifies will, desire, or intention. Abraham respectfully asks if it is their collective will or pleasure to grant his request. This is a deferential and diplomatic way of opening a negotiation. It acknowledges their authority and seeks their agreement.
• that I should bury (לִקְבֹּר - likbor): From qabar (קָבַר), meaning "to bury." This is the immediate, practical goal: securing a place for Sarah's burial. Proper burial was profoundly important in ancient cultures, signifying respect for the deceased and allowing the living to move forward.
• my dead (מֵתִי - meti): From meth (מֵת), meaning "dead" or "deceased." Here, specifically Sarah. The reference is simple and direct.
• out of my sight (מִפָּנַי - mippanai): Literally "from my face" or "from before me/my presence." This idiom suggests removing the deceased from the living space, indicating the need for a final resting place separate from the common areas of the living. It implies the profound sorrow and need for closure when the dead remain visible.
• hear me (שְׁמָעוּנִי - shema'uni): From shema (שָׁמַע), meaning "to hear," but also "to listen attentively," and often implies "to obey" or "to heed." Abraham seeks not just auditory attention but receptive listening and a willingness to act on his words.
• and intreat for me (וּפִגְעוּ־לִי - uphig'u-li): From paga' (פָּגַע), which means "to meet," "to encounter," and specifically "to intercede," "to entreat," or "to make petition on behalf of." Abraham is asking them to use their influence or good offices with Ephron, their fellow countryman, to facilitate his acquisition of the burial site. This highlights Abraham's understanding of their communal and legal systems.
• to Ephron the son of Zohar (אֶל־עֶפְרוֹן בֶּן־צֹחַר - 'el 'Ephron ben Tzohar): Identifying the specific individual Abraham needs to deal with. This direct mention indicates that Abraham might have already known who owned the suitable land, or perhaps he was advised by the general assembly of the Hittites present. This personalization is crucial for negotiation.

Word-Group Analysis:

• "And he communed with them, saying": Sets a formal and respectful tone for Abraham's request. It’s a deliberate, thoughtful address to the leaders/assembly.
• "If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight": This phrase functions as a polite preamble to the direct request. Abraham assumes their collective approval or shared cultural value for dignified burial. It acknowledges the distressing nature of having a deceased loved one in the living quarters and the cultural imperative for proper internment.
• "hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar": This is the core of Abraham's immediate request. It indicates that the assembly of Hittites acts as intermediaries or respected figures whose word would carry weight with Ephron. Abraham recognizes the socio-political structure and uses it strategically to achieve his objective, moving beyond a general plea for land to a specific request for assistance in a particular transaction.

Genesis 23 8 Bonus section

The Hebrew word paga' (פָּגַע), translated as "intreat" here, has a fascinating range of meanings, from "to meet" (as in "encounter" or "touch") to "to attack" (violently encounter) and "to intercede" (to "come upon" or "approach" someone on behalf of another). In this context, it highlights the polite, formal, and persuasive "coming upon" or appeal to Ephron through the intermediaries of the assembly. This reflects a key aspect of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy and transactional customs. It illustrates Abraham’s careful observance of established societal protocols and his embodiment of the principles of a good neighbor, despite being an outsider. This transaction sets a precedent for how the people of God should conduct themselves in business and social interactions with those outside their immediate community—with integrity, courtesy, and respect for local customs.

Genesis 23 8 Commentary

Genesis 23:8 encapsulates Abraham's blend of faith and practical wisdom. Despite God's promise of the entire land of Canaan to his descendants, Abraham does not presume to demand ownership or expect a free gift from the Hittites. Instead, he engages in a humble and culturally astute negotiation, approaching them with deference. The phrase "If it be your mind" demonstrates his respect for their authority and custom, showing a commitment to lawful acquisition rather than forceful taking, a clear ethical stance divergent from common conqueror practices of the era. His request to "bury my dead out of my sight" emphasizes the immediate, emotional need driving his plea—the human desire for closure and the respectful internment of loved ones.

Furthermore, Abraham's request for them to "intreat for me to Ephron" reveals his understanding of local social dynamics. He is not just asking for permission to buy but for an introduction and intercession, signaling that he knows the community's influence structure. This move ensures the transaction carries social weight and acceptance. The purchase of Machpelah, starting with this diplomatic overture, became significant as the first concrete acquisition of promised land. It foreshadows the eventual inheritance of the entire land by Israel and underscores Abraham's role as a faithful sojourner whose steps, even in mourning, contributed to the unfolding of God's covenant plan. The detail shows God's covenant at work even in seemingly mundane commercial transactions, solidifying the promise one plot at a time.