Genesis 23:2

KJV

And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Sarah {H8283} died {H4191} in Kirjatharba {H7153}; the same is Hebron {H2275} in the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}: and Abraham {H85} came {H935} to mourn {H5594} for Sarah {H8283}, and to weep {H1058} for her.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sarah died in Kiryat-Arba, also known as Hevron, in the land of Kena'an; and Avraham came to mourn Sarah and weep for her.

Berean Standard Bible

She died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went out to mourn and to weep for her.

American Standard Version

And Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (the same is Hebron), in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 23:2 solemnly records the passing of Sarah, Abraham's beloved wife, at the age of 127 in Kirjatharba, also known as Hebron, a significant location within the promised land of Canaan. The verse poignantly captures Abraham's profound human response to this loss, depicting him as coming to mourn and weep for his lifelong companion, highlighting the deep personal sorrow that accompanies even the most faithful of lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant turning point in the patriarchal narratives, immediately following the testing of Abraham's faith in the binding of Isaac ([Genesis 22](/genesis/22 "The Binding of Isaac")) and preceding the detailed account of Abraham's acquisition of the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah. It serves as the somber introduction to the first land purchase by Abraham in Canaan, a crucial step in the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land. Sarah's death at 127 years old is notably the only instance in Genesis where the age of a matriarch at her death is recorded, underscoring her unique and pivotal role in the unfolding divine plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, mourning rituals were elaborate and deeply ingrained in society, often involving public displays of grief, professional mourners, and specific periods of lamentation. Abraham's actions of mourning and weeping would have been understood within this cultural framework, signifying not only his personal sorrow but also his adherence to customary practices for honoring the deceased. The mention of Kirjatharba, identified as Hebron, situates the event within a historically significant locale. Hebron was an ancient city, known for its strategic location and later for its association with key biblical figures, including David. Its placement "in the land of Canaan" is not merely geographical but deeply theological, emphasizing that this foundational event, even in sorrow, occurs within the very territory God had promised to Abraham and his descendants.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 23:2 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. It highlights the **humanity of the patriarchs**, showing Abraham, a man of immense faith, experiencing profound personal grief, thereby validating human emotion and the reality of loss. It also subtly advances the theme of **God's covenant faithfulness**, as Sarah's death necessitates Abraham's first secure acquisition of land in Canaan, a tangible step towards the fulfillment of the promise given in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Initial Promise of Land to Abram") and reaffirmed in [Genesis 13:15](/genesis/13-15 "God's Promise of the Land to Abraham"). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **significance of family and lineage**, as Sarah, the mother of the promised heir Isaac, passes away, marking a transition in the generational unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **died (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This primitive root signifies the cessation of life, whether literally or figuratively, and can also mean to kill. In this context, it unequivocally denotes Sarah's physical demise, marking a definitive end to her earthly journey. The use of this fundamental term emphasizes the stark reality and finality of death, a universal human experience.
* **mourn (Hebrew, _çâphad'_):** This word describes a primitive root meaning to tear the hair and beat the breasts, as was customary in Oriental grief. It generally refers to lamenting or wailing, often implying a public or formal expression of sorrow. Abraham's "mourning" here suggests a deep, perhaps ritualized, expression of grief that would have been recognizable within his cultural context.
* **weep (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** A primitive root meaning to weep or bemoan, often implying the shedding of tears. While "mourn" can encompass outward actions, "weep" specifically points to the emotional, tearful response. The combination of "mourn" and "weep" vividly portrays the comprehensive nature of Abraham's sorrow, encompassing both outward lamentation and profound inner grief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Sarah died in Kirjatharba;"**: This clause presents the stark reality of Sarah's death. Her age, 127 years old (mentioned in the preceding verse, Genesis 23:1), highlights her long life and significant role as the matriarch of the covenant line. The location, Kirjatharba, is precisely named, grounding the event in a specific geographical context within the land of Canaan.
* **"the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan:"**: This parenthetical clarification ensures the reader's understanding of the location. Kirjatharba ("city of Arba" or "city of the four") was an older, perhaps Canaanite, name for the city that would later be more commonly known as Hebron ("confederacy" or "alliance"). The explicit mention of "the land of Canaan" is crucial, underscoring that Sarah died within the very territory God had promised to Abraham and his descendants, setting the stage for the acquisition of a burial plot.
* **"and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah,"**: This phrase introduces Abraham's immediate and deeply human response. The act of "coming" implies a deliberate movement to the place of mourning. "Mourn" (Hebrew: _çâphad_) suggests a formal, perhaps public, lamentation, possibly involving specific rituals of grief common in the ancient Near East, such as tearing clothes or beating the chest. It indicates a profound, culturally recognized expression of sorrow.
* **"and to weep for her."**: This final phrase complements "to mourn," emphasizing the personal and emotional depth of Abraham's grief. "Weep" (Hebrew: _bâkâh_) refers to the shedding of tears, signifying a deeply felt, internal sorrow. The combination of "mourn" and "weep" paints a complete picture of Abraham's sorrow, encompassing both outward expressions and profound inner anguish, demonstrating that even a man of extraordinary faith experiences the full spectrum of human emotion in the face of loss.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Geographical Precision** is evident in the dual naming of Kirjatharba and Hebron, firmly rooting the narrative in a specific, significant location within the promised land. This precision lends historical weight and theological importance to Sarah's death. The use of **Pathos** is central, as the simple declaration of Sarah's death followed by Abraham's "mourning" and "weeping" evokes a powerful sense of sorrow and empathy in the reader. The **Parallelism** of "mourn" and "weep" serves to intensify the description of Abraham's grief, showing it to be both outwardly expressed and deeply felt. Furthermore, the verse subtly uses **Foreshadowing** by placing Sarah's death in Canaan, which implicitly sets the stage for Abraham's subsequent purchase of land, a tangible step toward the fulfillment of God's covenant promise of the land to his descendants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 23:2 is a poignant reminder of the universal reality of death and the profound human experience of grief, even for those of immense faith. Abraham, the patriarch chosen by God and renowned for his unwavering trust, is depicted here not as an stoic or unfeeling figure, but as a deeply human individual overwhelmed by sorrow. His open mourning and weeping validate the natural human response to loss, demonstrating that faith does not negate the pain of bereavement but rather can sustain one through it. This event also serves as a crucial theological pivot point, as Sarah's death in the promised land directly leads to Abraham's first secure acquisition of land in Canaan, a tangible and legal step towards the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the inheritance of the land by his descendants. Thus, even in sorrow, God's redemptive plan continues to unfold.

* [John 11:35](/john/11-35 "Jesus Weeps at Lazarus's Tomb")
* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice; Weep with Those Who Weep")
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Faithful to the End")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 23:2 offers profound lessons for believers today, primarily by validating the experience of grief as a natural and healthy part of the human journey, even for those of deep faith. Abraham's open mourning reminds us there is no shame in expressing sorrow; indeed, acknowledging and processing loss can be vital for healing. It teaches us that faith does not exempt us from pain or sorrow, but rather provides a foundation of hope and trust in God's sovereignty even amidst life's most challenging moments. Furthermore, the verse highlights the enduring nature of love and family bonds, as Abraham's profound devotion to Sarah is evident even in her death, demonstrating the depth of their lifelong relationship. Finally, even amidst this personal tragedy, the verse subtly points to God's overarching providence, as Sarah's burial in Canaan, a land Abraham only possessed through this burial plot, foreshadows the eventual inheritance of the entire land by his descendants, reminding us that God's plans continue to unfold even through life's most sorrowful moments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's open expression of grief challenge or affirm your understanding of faith and emotion?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage believers to embrace and process their own experiences of loss and sorrow?**
* **How does the seemingly tragic event of Sarah's death paradoxically advance God's covenant promises to Abraham?**

### FAQ
**Why is the location of Sarah's death specified as both Kirjatharba and Hebron?**

Answer: The text clarifies that Kirjatharba is "the same [is] Hebron" to ensure readers understand the exact location. Kirjatharba was likely an older, perhaps Canaanite, name for the city, while Hebron became its more common or later Israelite designation. This precision emphasizes the historical and geographical reality of the event within the promised land, situating Abraham's actions firmly within the territory God had promised to him and his descendants, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Initial Promise of Land to Abram").

**What is the significance of Abraham's "mourning" and "weeping"?**

Answer: The Hebrew words _çâphad_ (mourn) and _bâkâh_ (weep) convey both a formal, public lamentation (perhaps involving ritualistic expressions of grief) and deep, personal tears. This dual expression highlights the profound impact of Sarah's death on Abraham, showing that even a man of great faith experiences intense human sorrow. It validates the natural human response to loss and demonstrates that grief is not a sign of weak faith, but a natural part of the human condition, even for those called by God.

**Does Sarah's death contribute to the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham?**

Answer: Yes, paradoxically, Sarah's death is a pivotal event for the fulfillment of God's promises. While sorrowful, her passing necessitates Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah in Hebron for her burial. This act marks Abraham's first secure acquisition of land within Canaan, the promised territory. It is a tangible, legal step towards the eventual inheritance of the entire land by his descendants, thus advancing the fulfillment of God's covenant promise regarding the land, as reaffirmed in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "The Covenant of Land with Abraham").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Sarah's death and Abraham's profound grief, while deeply human, subtly point to Christ in several profound ways. Abraham's sorrow echoes the humanity of Christ, who himself "wept" at the tomb of Lazarus ([John 11:35](/john/11-35 "Jesus Weeps for Lazarus")), demonstrating that sorrow and loss are part of the human experience even for the Son of God, who fully entered into our suffering. Furthermore, Sarah's death necessitates Abraham's acquisition of a burial plot in the promised land, marking the first tangible possession of the land. This act foreshadows the ultimate spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ – not merely a plot of land, but a heavenly country ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Believers Long for a Heavenly Country")) and an eternal dwelling secured through His death and resurrection. Just as Sarah's death led to a crucial step in the fulfillment of the earthly promise of land, Christ's death secured the ultimate, eternal inheritance for all who believe in Him, triumphing over death itself and ushering in the hope of resurrection life, as promised in [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection").

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

Genesis 23:19

And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 13:18

Then Abram removed [his] tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which [is] in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

1 Chronicles 6:57

And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, [namely], Hebron, [the city] of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,

Judges 1:10

And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.

2 Samuel 1:17

¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:

Acts 8:2

And devout men carried Stephen [to his burial], and made great lamentation over him.

Genesis 27:41

¶ And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.