Genesis 23:15

KJV

My lord, hearken unto me: the land [is worth] four hundred shekels of silver; what [is] that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

My lord {H113}, hearken {H8085} unto me: the land {H776} is worth four {H702} hundred {H3967} shekels {H8255} of silver {H3701}; what is that betwixt {H996} me and thee? bury {H6912} therefore thy dead {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"My lord, listen to me. A plot of land worth 400 silver shekels - what is that between me and you? Just bury your dead."

Berean Standard Bible

“Listen to me, my lord. The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”

American Standard Version

My lord, hearken unto me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 23:15 records Ephron the Hittite's artfully phrased response to Abraham's earnest request for a burial plot, revealing the precise and substantial cost of four hundred shekels of silver. This pivotal negotiation marks Abraham's first legitimate and undisputed acquisition of land in the Promised Land, a significant and tangible step toward the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to him and his descendants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of Genesis 23, which opens with the poignant death of Sarah, Abraham's beloved wife, at the venerable age of 127 in Kirjath-arba (Hebron). As a sojourner in the land promised to him but not yet possessed, Abraham is compelled to secure a permanent burial site for Sarah. The preceding verses detail Abraham's respectful approach to the local Hittite community, his request for a "possession of a burying place," and their initial, seemingly generous, offer to allow him to bury his dead in any of their choice sepulchres ([Genesis 23:6](/genesis/23-6 "The Hittites' initial offer of a free burial place")). Abraham, however, insists on purchasing the land at full market value, specifically the Cave of Machpelah, to ensure legitimate and undisputed ownership, thereby avoiding any future claims or obligations that might arise from a gift. Verse 15 captures Ephron's response, which, while couched in polite and deferential terms, clearly states the high price for the desired plot, setting the stage for the formal transaction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The transaction described in Genesis 23:15 reflects typical Ancient Near Eastern land acquisition practices, particularly among the Hittites, which often involved public negotiation in the city gate, witnesses, and elaborate politeness formulas. The use of "shekels of silver" indicates that coinage as we know it did not yet exist; silver was weighed out in specific units (shekels being a unit of weight) to ensure fair dealing. The seemingly casual phrase "what is that betwixt me and thee?" was a common rhetorical device in such negotiations, not intended to diminish the sum, but rather to subtly assert the non-negotiable price while maintaining a facade of generosity and respect. Abraham's insistence on a purchase, rather than accepting a gift, aligns with the legal customs of the time to establish clear, permanent title, preventing any future disputes over ownership or the imposition of feudal obligations.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 23:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Fulfillment**, as this purchase represents the first tangible piece of the Promised Land that Abraham legally possesses, a crucial step in the realization of God's promise to give the land to Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's promise of land to Abraham")). It also highlights **Abraham's Integrity and Faith**, demonstrating his commitment to ethical dealings and his unwavering belief in God's promise, even when it requires substantial personal investment. The narrative underscores the **Sojourner's Claim**, showing how Abraham, a nomadic stranger, actively establishes a permanent foothold in the land. Finally, the acquisition of a family burial plot, specifically the [Cave of Machpelah](/genesis/23-19 "The Cave of Machpelah, Abraham's purchased burial site"), introduces the theme of **Ancestral Burial and Enduring Connection to the Land**, which becomes a recurring motif, symbolizing the family's enduring claim to the Promised Land even in death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** From an unused root meaning "to rule," this term (H113) signifies a sovereign, controller, master, or owner. When Ephron addresses Abraham as "My lord," it is a formal and respectful acknowledgment of Abraham's status and dignity, setting a deferential tone for the impending commercial transaction. This respectful address is a common politeness formula in Ancient Near Eastern diplomacy and commerce.
* **silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be pale," this word (H3701) refers to the precious metal, silver, and by implication, money. In the context of the patriarchal period, silver was the primary medium of exchange, weighed out in shekels. The mention of "four hundred shekels of silver" immediately establishes the substantial value and the commercial nature of the proposed transaction, highlighting the significant financial outlay required of Abraham.
* **bury (Hebrew, _qâbar'_):** A primitive root (H6912) meaning "to inter" or "to bury." This word directly states the purpose of Abraham's request and the ultimate goal of the land acquisition. Ephron's concluding imperative, "bury therefore thy dead," acknowledges Abraham's immediate need while subtly implying that the stated price is the prerequisite for fulfilling that need.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My lord, hearken unto me:"** This opening phrase is a formal and deferential address from Ephron to Abraham. It serves as a polite invitation for Abraham's full attention, signaling that a significant statement or proposal is about to follow. It establishes a tone of respect, customary in high-stakes negotiations of the Ancient Near East.
* **"the land [is worth] four hundred shekels of silver;"** Ephron here states the price of the land directly, yet frames it as an objective fact about the land's value rather than a demand. This indirectness is a sophisticated negotiation tactic, presenting the sum as a given, making it harder for Abraham to haggle or dispute the figure. The "four hundred shekels" was a substantial sum, indicating the high value Ephron placed on the property.
* **"what [is] that betwixt me and thee?"** This is a rhetorical question, a common politeness formula in ancient transactions. On the surface, it appears to dismiss the large sum as trivial between two such esteemed individuals, implying a magnanimous gesture. However, its true function is to subtly reinforce the stated price as non-negotiable, effectively saying, "This is the price, and it's a small matter for people like us to settle."
* **"bury therefore thy dead."** This concluding phrase serves as a polite yet firm statement that once the price is agreed upon and paid, Abraham can proceed with his immediate and pressing need to bury Sarah. It brings the negotiation back to its practical purpose, implying that the transaction is now complete in terms of price agreement, awaiting only the transfer of funds.

#### Literary Devices
Ephron's speech in Genesis 23:15 masterfully employs **Politeness Formulas** and **Rhetorical Question** to achieve his commercial objective while maintaining social decorum. His opening, "My lord, hearken unto me," is a classic politeness formula, signaling respect and inviting attention. The subsequent declaration of the price, "the land [is worth] four hundred shekels of silver," is immediately followed by the **Rhetorical Question**, "what [is] that betwixt me and thee?" This question is not intended to elicit an answer or suggest a lower price. Instead, it functions as a sophisticated form of **Indirectness**, a common negotiation tactic in the Ancient Near East. By appearing to downplay the substantial sum, Ephron subtly asserts its non-negotiable nature, making it difficult for Abraham to counter-offer without appearing rude or ungenerous. This subtle yet firm communication highlights the shrewdness of Ephron and the cultural nuances of ancient transactions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The transaction in Genesis 23:15, though seemingly a mundane land purchase, carries profound theological and thematic weight, serving as a foundational moment in the unfolding of God's covenant with Abraham. It demonstrates the tangible beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan, establishing a legal and permanent foothold for the patriarch's lineage. Abraham's unwavering integrity, evidenced by his insistence on paying full market value, underscores the importance of ethical conduct even in secular dealings, reflecting a commitment to righteousness that honors God. This act of purchase transforms Abraham from a mere sojourner with temporary dwelling rights into a legitimate landowner, laying the groundwork for the future nation of Israel's claim to the land. The acquisition of the Cave of Machpelah as a perpetual family burial site further solidifies this connection, symbolizing an enduring claim to the Promised Land that transcends even death.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Genesis 49:31](/genesis/49-31 "Jacob's Instructions for Burial in the Cave of Machpelah")
* [Acts 7:16](/acts/7-16 "Stephen's Account of Abraham's Purchase of a Burial Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Abraham's land purchase in Genesis 23:15 offers timeless lessons in integrity, strategic foresight, and the unfolding of divine purpose through human action. Abraham's insistence on paying a fair price, even when a gift was initially offered, exemplifies a profound commitment to ethical conduct in all dealings. This teaches us the importance of securing legitimate ownership and avoiding ambiguity in our transactions, fostering trust and preventing future disputes. For believers today, this narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God's overarching plan often unfolds through seemingly ordinary, diligent, and even costly actions. It encourages us to conduct our affairs with honesty, wisdom, and steadfastness, recognizing that our mundane interactions can contribute to a larger, divine purpose. Just as Abraham secured a tangible "foothold" in the Promised Land, we are called to faithfully steward the resources and opportunities God provides, ensuring that our actions reflect the integrity of our faith and contribute to the lasting inheritance we have in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's insistence on purchasing the land, rather than accepting it as a gift, speak to the importance of integrity and legitimate ownership in our own lives and dealings?**
* **In what ways might we, like Abraham, need to "pay a price" (whether financial, personal, or through sacrifice) to secure or advance God's purposes in our lives or communities?**
* **How does this seemingly ordinary land transaction illustrate the principle that God's grand plans often unfold through practical, step-by-step actions rather than immediate, miraculous interventions?**
* **What "footholds" are you seeking to establish in your life or calling, and what does this passage teach you about the diligence and faith required to secure them?**

### FAQ

**Why did Abraham insist on buying the land when it was offered for free?**

Answer: Abraham insisted on purchasing the land to ensure legitimate and undisputed ownership. In the Ancient Near East, accepting land as a gift could imply a future obligation, a vassal relationship, or allow for the title to be questioned by the Hittites or their descendants. By paying a substantial and fair price, Abraham established a clear, legal, and permanent claim to the property. This act demonstrated his integrity and secured a recognized, permanent foothold in the Promised Land for his family, free from any potential future contestation or encumbrance.

**Was 400 shekels of silver a fair price for the land?**

Answer: While Ephron's phrasing ("what is that betwixt me and thee?") might suggest a trivial amount, 400 shekels of silver was indeed a very substantial sum in the Ancient Near East, representing a significant amount of wealth. For context, a slave was typically valued at 30 shekels, and Jeremiah later purchased a field for 17 shekels ([Jeremiah 32:9](/jeremiah/32-9 "Jeremiah's Purchase of a Field in Anathoth")). This indicates that Ephron was asking a high price, and Abraham's willingness to pay it underscores the immense importance of the land to him and his unwavering commitment to the transaction, prioritizing the secure possession of the burial site for his family.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 23:15 details a specific land transaction for a burial plot, it powerfully prefigures Christ and the ultimate inheritance secured through Him. Abraham, a sojourner in the land promised to him, yet possessing no tangible portion except through purchase, foreshadows Christ, who, though the divine Creator and rightful heir of all things, "had nowhere to lay his head" during His earthly ministry ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Jesus' statement about having nowhere to lay his head")). The legal acquisition of the Cave of Machpelah, the first tangible piece of the Promised Land owned by Abraham, serves as a profound type of the ultimate inheritance secured for believers through Christ's redemptive work. Just as Abraham secured a physical inheritance through a costly purchase, Christ, through His immeasurable sacrifice on the cross, "purchased with his own blood" a spiritual inheritance—the heavenly kingdom, eternal life, and true rest—for all who believe ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Paul's instruction to the Ephesian elders regarding the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood")). This divine transaction ensures our permanent dwelling in the true Promised Land, a "better country, that is, a heavenly one" ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "The Desire for a Heavenly Country")), where we are no longer strangers and aliens but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Believers as Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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

Ezekiel 45:12

And the shekel [shall be] twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh.

Exodus 30:13

This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel [is] twenty gerahs:) an half shekel [shall be] the offering of the LORD.

Exodus 30:15

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when [they] give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.