Genesis 23:16

KJV

¶ And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current [money] with the merchant.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} hearkened {H8085} unto Ephron {H6085}; and Abraham {H85} weighed {H8254} to Ephron {H6085} the silver {H3701}, which he had named {H1696} in the audience {H241} of the sons {H1121} of Heth {H2845}, four {H702} hundred {H3967} shekels {H8255} of silver {H3701}, current {H5674} money with the merchant {H5503}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham got the point of what 'Efron had said, so he weighed out for 'Efron the amount of money he had specified in the presence of the sons of Het, 400 silver shekels of the weight accepted among merchants [ten pounds].

Berean Standard Bible

Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants.

American Standard Version

And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 23:16 meticulously details the honorable and public transaction in which Abraham pays Ephron the Hittite four hundred shekels of silver for the Cave of Machpelah and the surrounding field. This pivotal purchase secures Abraham's first private land possession in the Promised Land, serving as a crucial burial site for his family and a tangible, faith-filled step toward the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promise of land to his descendants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 23 opens with the death of Sarah, Abraham's beloved wife, necessitating a burial place. As a sojourner in Canaan, Abraham owns no land. The preceding verses (Genesis 23:3-15) recount Abraham's respectful, yet firm, negotiation with the Hittites, particularly Ephron, for a burial plot. Abraham initially requests to buy a burial site, leading to Ephron's grand offer to "give" him the field and the cave. However, Abraham, understanding the cultural nuances and desiring a legitimate, undisputed possession, insists on paying the full market price. Verse 16, therefore, marks the culmination of this negotiation, solidifying the transfer of property and setting the stage for Sarah's burial and future family interments, as seen later with Abraham himself in [Genesis 25:9-10](/genesis/25-9-10 "Abraham's Burial in Machpelah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, land ownership and transactions were highly significant and often conducted publicly to ensure legal validity and prevent future disputes. The "sons of Heth" (Hittites) were a prominent people group in Canaan, known for their sophisticated legal practices, which included detailed land deeds and public witness. The practice of weighing silver rather than using standardized coinage was common, as coinage had not yet been invented. The phrase "current money with the merchant" highlights the importance of the silver's purity and accepted value, ensuring a legitimate and fair exchange in a society where debasement of precious metals was a risk. This public, witnessed transaction underscores Abraham's adherence to local customs and his commitment to integrity, even as a foreign resident.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. It underscores God's **covenant faithfulness**, as Abraham, despite being a sojourner, takes a concrete step towards possessing the land promised to him and his descendants in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "The Covenant of the Land"). The meticulous and public nature of the transaction highlights **integrity and ethical conduct**, portraying Abraham as a man of honor who pays a fair price, even when offered generosity. Furthermore, the establishment of a family burial plot signifies the **continuity of the family line** and the **hope of future inheritance**, even in death. It lays the groundwork for the patriarchal burials, creating a physical link to the Promised Land for generations to come, as seen in [Genesis 49:29-32](/genesis/49-29-32 "Jacob's Instructions for Burial in Machpelah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abraham (Hebrew, _ʼAbrâhâm'_):** Contracted from a root meaning "father of a multitude." This name, given to Abram by God in [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "God Renames Abram to Abraham"), signifies his destiny as the progenitor of many nations. In this verse, Abraham acts as the patriarch, securing a foundational piece of the promised inheritance.
* **hearkened (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently," often implying attention, obedience, or consent. Here, it indicates Abraham's attentive listening to Ephron's stated price and his agreement to it, signifying his readiness to fulfill the terms of the transaction.
* **weighed (Hebrew, _shâqal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to suspend or poise," especially in trade. This term precisely describes the ancient practice of using scales to measure the exact amount of silver for payment, emphasizing the meticulous and verifiable nature of the transaction.
* **named (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to arrange" or "to speak." In this context, it refers to Ephron having verbally stated or declared the price of the silver, which Abraham then accepted and paid.
* **audience (Hebrew, _ʼôzen'_):** From a root meaning "broadness," specifically referring to the ear. It denotes "hearing" or "presence," indicating that the transaction occurred publicly, with witnesses, ensuring its legal validity and transparency.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From a root meaning "to build" (of the family name); a son, in the widest sense. Here, it refers to the descendants or members of the clan of Heth, signifying the community or tribal leaders who served as witnesses to the land purchase.
* **Heth (Hebrew, _Chêth'_):** From a root meaning "terror"; Cheth, an aboriginal Canaanite. This refers to the Hittites, a significant people group in Canaan, whose presence as witnesses validates the transaction according to their legal customs.
* **silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** From a root meaning "pale color"; silver, by implication, money. This was the primary medium of exchange in the ancient Near East, valued by weight and purity, not by standardized coinage.
* **four hundred (Hebrew, _ʼarbaʻ mêʼâh'_):** A combination of the numeral "four" and "hundred." This specifies the exact, substantial quantity of silver paid, indicating a significant investment for the property.
* **shekels (Hebrew, _sheqel'_):** From a root meaning "to weigh"; probably a weight, used as a commercial standard. A shekel was a unit of weight, not a coin, underscoring the method of payment.
* **current (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to cross over"; used widely of any transition. Here, it implies that the silver was "passing" or "accepted" in commerce, meaning it was of standard purity and widely recognized value.
* **merchant (Hebrew, _çâchar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to travel round" (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate. This refers to a trader or trafficker, indicating that the silver was of the quality and weight that would be accepted in standard commercial transactions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron":** This phrase indicates Abraham's agreement and compliance with the terms Ephron had previously stated (Genesis 23:15). Despite Ephron's initial offer to "give" the land, Abraham insisted on a purchase, and here he accepts the specific price named by Ephron. This demonstrates Abraham's integrity and his desire for a legally sound, undisputed acquisition.
* **"and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver":** This describes the physical act of payment. In an era before coinage, silver was the primary medium of exchange, and its value was determined by its weight and purity. Abraham meticulously measured out the silver on a scale, ensuring the exact amount was transferred. This act underscored the precision and legitimacy of the transaction.
* **"which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth":** This clause emphasizes the public and transparent nature of the agreement. Ephron had previously declared the price (400 shekels) in the hearing of the local Hittite community. Their presence served as witnesses, giving the transaction legal standing and preventing future disputes over ownership. It highlights the importance of community validation in ancient land dealings.
* **"four hundred shekels of silver":** This specifies the exact quantity of silver paid. Four hundred shekels was a substantial sum, indicating the value of the property and Abraham's significant investment. It was a considerable amount of wealth for the time, equivalent to a large estate or a significant portion of a wealthy individual's assets.
* **"current [money] with the merchant."**: This crucial detail confirms the quality and acceptability of the silver. The term "current" (Hebrew: *'ōbēr*) means "passing" or "accepted," indicating that the silver was of standard purity and weight, readily accepted in commercial transactions by traders. This ensured Ephron received full and undebased value, further solidifying the fairness and legitimacy of Abraham's purchase in the eyes of all present.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The meticulous detail regarding the transaction, including the exact amount of silver and the public weighing, serves as **Verisimilitude**, lending a strong sense of realism and historical authenticity to the narrative. This precision underscores the legal and cultural importance of land acquisition in the ancient Near East. The phrase "in the audience of the sons of Heth" functions as **Witness Testimony**, highlighting the public validation of the agreement and ensuring its legitimacy. This also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as the legal precedent set here for Abraham's first land possession in Canaan underscores the future inheritance of the entire land by his descendants. The act of Abraham "weighing" the silver is a **Symbolic Act**, representing not only a literal financial exchange but also Abraham's integrity, his commitment to fair dealing, and his earnest desire to secure the land legitimately, rather than through mere gift or informal agreement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 23:16 serves as a profound testament to Abraham's unwavering faith and integrity, even in the midst of personal grief. His insistence on paying a fair and publicly witnessed price for the Cave of Machpelah, rather than accepting it as a gift, demonstrates his commitment to righteous dealings and his understanding that true possession, especially of the promised land, must be legitimate and undisputed. This act, though seemingly mundane, is a concrete expression of his trust in God's covenant promise of land, securing the first tangible piece of the inheritance for his family. It underscores the divine orchestration of events, where even Sarah's death becomes a catalyst for Abraham to acquire a permanent foothold in the land God had promised.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham"): God promises Abraham, "Unto thy seed will I give this land." The purchase of Machpelah is the first physical step in claiming this promise.
* [Acts 7:16](/acts/7-16 "Stephen's Account of Abraham's Purchase"): Stephen recounts this purchase, emphasizing its significance as Abraham's first possession in the land, a burial site for his patriarchs.
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "Abraham's Faith as a Sojourner"): Abraham lived as a sojourner, looking for a city with foundations. His purchase of a burial plot is a tangible act of faith in a future inheritance, even as he lived in tents.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 23:16 offers a powerful example for believers today, emphasizing the profound importance of integrity, transparency, and diligence in all our dealings, particularly in financial and legal matters. Abraham's meticulous weighing of the silver and the public nature of the transaction highlight a commitment to fairness and honesty that transcends cultural norms and personal convenience. We are called to emulate this standard, ensuring our word is our bond, our transactions are just, and our conduct above reproach, thereby honoring God in our business and personal lives. Furthermore, this passage reminds us that even seemingly practical or sorrowful events, such as the need for a burial plot, can be opportunities to act in faith, taking tangible steps toward the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives, no matter how small they may seem in the larger scheme of His divine plan. Our actions, however ordinary, can be expressions of our trust in His overarching sovereignty and faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's insistence on paying a fair price, even when offered the land for free, challenge our own approach to integrity and generosity in financial dealings?**
* **In what ways can we ensure our personal and professional transactions are as transparent and publicly accountable as Abraham's purchase of Machpelah?**
* **How might seemingly mundane or practical decisions in our lives, like Abraham's purchase of a burial plot, be viewed as acts of faith contributing to God's larger purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why was silver weighed instead of using coins in Abraham's time?**

Answer: In Abraham's era, coinage had not yet been invented. Therefore, silver served as the primary medium of exchange, and its value was determined by its weight and purity. Transactions involved weighing out the exact amount of silver agreed upon, often in the presence of witnesses, to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud. This practice is evident throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Jeremiah 32:9](/jeremiah/32-9 "Jeremiah Weighs Silver for a Field").

**What is the significance of the phrase "current [money] with the merchant"?**

Answer: The phrase "current [money] with the merchant" (Hebrew: *'ōbēr la-sōḥēr'*) signifies that the silver Abraham paid was of standard purity and accepted value in commercial markets. It was not debased, mixed with cheaper metals, or of questionable quality. This detail assured Ephron that he was receiving a legitimate and full payment, underscoring the fairness and validity of the transaction and preventing any future claims of fraud or insufficient payment. This ensured the legal integrity of the purchase, a vital aspect of ancient Near Eastern land law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The purchase of the Cave of Machpelah, Abraham's first tangible land possession in the Promised Land, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate inheritance secured through Jesus Christ. Just as Abraham, a sojourner, secured a physical resting place and a claim to the land for his descendants, Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, secured for all believers an eternal inheritance in the heavenly Canaan ([Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "The Heavenly Homeland")) and a future share in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "New Heavens and New Earth")). The secure burial site at Machpelah, where Abraham and his patriarchal family were laid, also points to the profound hope of resurrection, a hope fully realized in Christ, who conquered death and promises a permanent dwelling place for all who are in Him ([John 14:1-3](/john/14-1-3 "Jesus Promises a Place")). Abraham's act of faith in securing a physical plot of land for burial anticipates the spiritual reality that through Christ, believers are granted an eternal, indestructible inheritance that death cannot diminish ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")).

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

Zechariah 11:12

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give [me] my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty [pieces] of silver.

Jeremiah 32:9

And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son, that [was] in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, [even] seventeen shekels of silver.

Ezekiel 45:12

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

Ezra 8:25

And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, [even] the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel [there] present, had offered:

Ezra 8:30

So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring [them] to Jerusalem unto the house of our God.

Genesis 43:21

And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, [every] man's money [was] in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.

Genesis 23:15

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.