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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he spake {H1696} unto Ephron {H6085} in the audience {H241} of the people {H5971} of the land {H776}, saying {H559}, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee {H3863}, hear {H8085} me: I will give {H5414} thee money {H3701} for the field {H7704}; take {H3947} it of me, and I will bury {H6912} my dead {H4191} there.

Complete Jewish Bible

and spoke to 'Efron in their hearing: "Please be good enough to listen to me. I will pay the price of the field; accept it from me, and I will bury my dead there."

Berean Standard Bible

and said to Ephron in their presence, “If you will please listen to me, I will pay you the price of the field. Accept it from me, so that I may bury my dead there.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 23:13 captures Abraham's resolute insistence on purchasing the Cave of Machpelah and the surrounding field for Sarah's burial. Despite Ephron's initial offer to gift the land, Abraham, acting transparently before the local community, firmly committed to paying a full monetary price. This pivotal transaction not only secured a legitimate and undisputed burial site for his beloved wife but also marked the patriarch's first tangible acquisition of the promised land, underscoring his integrity and faith in God's covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 23:13 is a crucial moment within the broader narrative of Sarah's death and Abraham's subsequent actions to secure a burial place. The chapter opens with Sarah's passing in Kirjath-arba (Hebron), prompting Abraham, a sojourner in the land, to seek a permanent resting place for his wife ([Genesis 23:1-2](/genesis/23-1-2 "Sarah's Death and Abraham's Mourning")). He approaches the Hittites, the local inhabitants, with humility and respect, requesting to purchase a burial site ([Genesis 23:3-4](/genesis/23-3-4 "Abraham's Request for a Burial Place")). Ephron, a prominent Hittite, initially offers the entire field, including the Cave of Machpelah, as a gift ([Genesis 23:10-11](/genesis/23-10-11 "Ephron's Offer of the Field and Cave")). However, Abraham's response in verse 13, reiterating his desire to pay, shifts the negotiation from a gesture of goodwill to a formal, legally binding transaction, setting the stage for the specific price negotiation that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, land transactions were often complex and highly formalized, especially when involving foreigners. Public negotiation, typically conducted at the city gate or in the presence of elders and witnesses, was customary to ensure legal validity, transparency, and prevent future disputes. The phrase "in the audience of the people of the land" (or "in the ears of the sons of Heth") explicitly indicates this public setting. While offering a gift might seem generous, accepting it could imply a lesser claim, create future obligations, or be subject to revocation. Abraham's insistence on payment, specifically "money" (silver), was a common and legally recognized method of securing clear, undisputed ownership, demonstrating his understanding of local customs and his commitment to legitimate acquisition. This act also reflects the legal framework of the time, where a formal purchase ensured the property was fully integrated into the buyer's estate.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights Abraham's **integrity and ethical conduct**, as he prioritizes fair dealing and clear ownership over a seemingly generous offer. The transaction also powerfully advances the theme of **covenant fulfillment**, marking the first tangible acquisition of land in Canaan by Abraham, a vital step towards the realization of God's promise to give the land to his descendants ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of the Land to Abraham")). Furthermore, it underscores Abraham's identity as a **sojourner with an inheritance**, demonstrating his faith that despite his transient status, God would provide a permanent stake in the promised land. The establishment of a **patriarchal burial site** also becomes a foundational element, later serving as the resting place for other patriarchs and matriarchs, symbolically rooting the family in the land of promise ([Genesis 49:29-32](/genesis/49-29-32 "Jacob's Burial Instructions for the Cave of Machpelah")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
In [Genesis 23:13](/genesis/23-13 "Abraham's Insistence on Purchasing the Burial Plot"), Abraham's direct address to Ephron marks a decisive turn in the negotiation, transforming a polite exchange into a concrete offer of purchase.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This root word signifies not merely speaking, but often carries the nuance of arranging, commanding, or declaring with authority and purpose. In this context, Abraham's "speaking" is a deliberate and authoritative declaration of his intent to purchase, moving beyond polite pleasantries to a firm statement of terms. It implies a formal and intentional communication, setting the conditions for the transaction.
* **audience (Hebrew, _ʼôzen'_):** Derived from the word for "ear," this term emphasizes the public nature of the declaration. To speak "in the audience" means literally "in the ears" of the people. This highlights the transparency and legal formality of the negotiation, ensuring that the transaction was witnessed and therefore legally binding according to ancient Near Eastern customs. It underscores Abraham's desire for an undisputed and publicly acknowledged acquisition.
* **money (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** This word refers to silver, which served as the primary form of currency in the ancient world. Abraham's explicit offer of "money" (silver) for the field signifies his commitment to a legitimate, commercial transaction rather than accepting a charitable gift. The use of silver as payment ensured a clear transfer of ownership, establishing an undeniable legal claim to the property.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the formal and public nature of Abraham's response. By speaking "in the audience of the people of the land" (literally, "in the ears of the sons of Heth"), Abraham ensures that his words and the subsequent agreement are witnessed by the local community. This public declaration was crucial for validating the transaction according to ancient Near Eastern legal customs, preventing future disputes over ownership and establishing a clear record for all parties. It underscores Abraham's commitment to transparency and honorable dealings.
* **"But if thou [wilt give it], I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee money for the field; take [it] of me,"**: Here, Abraham politely but firmly rejects Ephron's initial offer of a gift. The phrase "I pray thee, hear me" is a polite but insistent plea for Ephron to listen to his specific proposal for purchase. Abraham's refusal to accept the land as a gift demonstrates his integrity and foresight. He understood that a gift might imply a lesser claim or create future obligations. By insisting on paying "money for the field," he secures an unencumbered, legal, and undisputed title to the property, establishing his family's first permanent stake in the Promised Land through legitimate means. This act reflects a deep commitment to ethical dealings and a desire for unambiguous ownership.
* **"and I will bury my dead there."**: This concluding phrase articulates the immediate and practical purpose of the purchase: to bury Sarah. However, its significance extends far beyond a mere burial plot. The acquisition of the Cave of Machpelah became the foundational family tomb, a physical anchor for Abraham's lineage in the land promised to them. This act, though seemingly for a somber occasion, represents the first tangible fulfillment of God's promise of land to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of the Land to Abraham")), symbolizing their future inheritance and permanent connection to the land of Canaan.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Genesis 23:13 employs several significant literary devices. **Legal Formalism** is evident in the detailed account of the public negotiation "in the audience of the people of the land," highlighting the importance of witnesses and proper procedure in ancient Near Eastern land transactions. This meticulous recording of the purchase underscores the legal validity and permanence of Abraham's acquisition. **Symbolism** is profoundly present in the land itself; the purchase of this small plot, specifically for a burial site, becomes a powerful symbol of Abraham's faith in God's larger promise of the entire land of Canaan to his descendants. It represents the first physical "footprint" of the covenant people in their promised inheritance. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this initial acquisition of a burial place anticipates the eventual full possession of the land by Israel, establishing a physical and spiritual connection for future generations. Abraham's insistence on paying a full price, despite the offer of a gift, also subtly highlights his **Integrity** as a character, reinforcing his portrayal as a righteous patriarch.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 23:13 stands as a profound theological statement, illustrating Abraham's unwavering integrity and foresight in securing the first piece of the Promised Land. His insistence on paying for the land, rather than accepting it as a gift, underscores a core biblical principle of ethical dealings and legitimate acquisition, demonstrating a character that seeks to avoid any ambiguity or future dispute. This act of purchase, though for a burial site, is a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's covenant with Abraham, marking the initial tangible fulfillment of the promise of land. It signifies that even as a sojourner, Abraham possessed a deep faith in God's ultimate provision of a permanent inheritance for his descendants. This transaction, conducted publicly, also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in significant life events, reflecting a divine order for human interactions.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of the Land to Abraham")
* [Acts 7:16](/acts/7-16 "Stephen's Recount of Abraham's Purchase of the Burial Site")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "Abraham's Faith as a Sojourner")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abraham's conduct in Genesis 23:13 offers a powerful blueprint for believers today, emphasizing the enduring values of integrity, respect, and foresight in all our dealings. His resolute decision to pay a fair price for the land, even when a gift was offered, serves as a timeless reminder that our transactions, whether personal or professional, should be characterized by honesty and transparency, reflecting the character of God in a fallen world. This narrative encourages us to operate with a clear conscience, ensuring that our actions are beyond reproach and that we secure what is rightfully ours through honorable means, avoiding any perception of charity or obligation that could compromise future relationships or claims. Moreover, Abraham's act of purchasing a burial plot, a seemingly small and somber acquisition, profoundly symbolizes his unwavering faith in God's grand promises. Despite being a sojourner, he acted with the conviction that his descendants would inherit the land, laying a physical claim to a future spiritual reality. This calls us to live with both earthly wisdom in our practical affairs and a heavenly perspective, trusting in God's ultimate provision and inheritance for us, even when our current circumstances seem temporary or challenging. We are called to live as pilgrims, yet with a confident hope in our eternal dwelling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's insistence on paying for the land challenge modern tendencies towards seeking "something for nothing" or cutting corners in transactions?**
* **In what areas of your life (financial, relational, professional) can you apply Abraham's commitment to integrity and transparency?**
* **How does Abraham's act of purchasing a burial site, a seemingly small step, demonstrate his profound faith in God's larger promises for his descendants?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham insist on paying for the field when Ephron offered it as a gift?**

Answer: Abraham insisted on paying for the field to ensure clear and undisputed ownership, a practice common in ancient Near Eastern legal customs. Accepting it as a gift might have implied a lesser claim, created future obligations, or left room for the Hittites to revoke the gift or challenge the possession later. By paying a fair price, Abraham secured a legal and permanent title to the land, demonstrating his integrity and foresight in establishing a lasting inheritance for his descendants. This act guaranteed that the land was truly his, free from any potential future claims or disputes, as seen in other biblical land transactions like [Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6-15 "Jeremiah's Purchase of a Field").

**What is the significance of the transaction taking place "in the audience of the people of the land"?**

Answer: The phrase "in the audience of the people of the land" (or "in the ears of the sons of Heth") signifies that the transaction was a public and formal legal proceeding. In the ancient Near East, conducting such an agreement before witnesses, often at the city gate, ensured transparency, validated the contract according to local custom, and created a public record of ownership. This practice protected Abraham's rights and the future inheritance of his family, making the acquisition legally binding and universally acknowledged, much like the public land transaction described in [Ruth 4:1-12](/ruth/4-1-12 "Boaz's Public Land Transaction").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's resolute act of purchasing a burial place in the Promised Land, thereby securing a permanent possession despite his status as a sojourner, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate securing of our eternal inheritance through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Abraham paid a full, undisputed price for the physical land, Christ paid the ultimate, immeasurable price—His own perfect life and sacrificial death on the cross—to purchase our spiritual and eternal inheritance, reconciling us to God ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redemption through Christ's Precious Blood")). The physical burial site for Sarah points to the stark reality of human mortality and the necessity of a resting place, but Christ's own death, burial, and glorious resurrection provide the ultimate victory over the grave and the promise of eternal life for all who believe ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Through Him, believers receive not merely a physical plot of land, but a living hope and an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance reserved in heaven ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). Abraham's faith in God's promise of land finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment in Christ, who is our true "Promised Land," the one through whom we receive not just a temporary dwelling, but an everlasting dwelling place with God in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "The New Heaven and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Romans 13:8

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Colossians 4:5

¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Philippians 4:5

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

Genesis 14:22

And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,