Genesis 23:5

KJV

And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Heth {H2845} answered {H6030} Abraham {H85}, saying {H559} unto him,

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Het answered Avraham,

Berean Standard Bible

The Hittites replied to Abraham,

American Standard Version

And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 23:5 serves as a pivotal, concise statement in the narrative of Abraham's acquisition of the Cave of Machpelah. It records the immediate, formal acknowledgment by the local inhabitants, the "children of Heth" (Hittites), of Abraham's request for a burial plot for his deceased wife, Sarah. This brief verse marks the initiation of the crucial negotiations, setting the stage for Abraham's first tangible land possession in the Promised Land, a significant step in the unfolding of God's covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Abraham's profound grief over the death of Sarah, his beloved wife and matriarch, in Kirjath-arba (Hebron), as detailed in [Genesis 23:1-2](/genesis/23-1-2 "The Death of Sarah and Abraham's Mourning"). Abraham then rises from his mourning to address the local community, the "children of Heth," with a humble yet urgent request for a burial site. Verse 5 acts as the initial response from the Hittites, signaling their readiness to engage in the customary negotiations for land. It is a transitional verse, bridging Abraham's personal sorrow and his practical need with the formal, communal interaction that will lead to the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah in the subsequent verses of [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - The Purchase of Machpelah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, securing a proper burial place was of immense cultural and spiritual significance, ensuring the deceased's honor and the family's continuity. Abraham, though a wealthy and respected figure, was a "sojourner and foreigner" among the Hittites, as he himself states in [Genesis 23:4](/genesis/23-4 "Abraham's Request to the Sons of Heth"). This meant he did not inherently possess land rights and had to engage in formal, often elaborate, negotiations for any property acquisition. The "children of Heth" were a prominent people group, known as Hittites, who had a significant presence in various parts of Canaan, including the area around Hebron, during the patriarchal period. Their collective "answer" indicates a communal decision-making process common in tribal societies, where land was often held by the clan or community rather than individuals.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 23:5 contributes to several key themes within the broader narrative. It underscores the theme of **Abraham as a Sojourner**, highlighting the paradox that despite God's promise of the entire land of Canaan, Abraham must still purchase a small parcel for a tomb, emphasizing the "already but not yet" nature of God's covenant fulfillment (cf. [Hebrews 11:9-10](/hebrews/11-9-10 "Abraham, the Sojourner, Looking for a City")). It also introduces the theme of **Integrity and Respect in Dealings**, as both Abraham and the Hittites engage in a formal, honorable exchange. Furthermore, the verse subtly points to the **Significance of Burial** and the **First Land Acquisition**, foreshadowing the future inheritance of the land by Abraham's descendants, even if this initial purchase is for a place of death rather than life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text of Genesis 23:5 reads, "And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him," This seemingly simple statement carries significant weight in the narrative:

#### Key Word Analysis
* **children (Hebrew, _bên_ H1121):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to build," refers to a son or descendant, but in a wider sense, it can denote members of a group or community, emphasizing familial or communal identity. Here, "children of Heth" signifies the collective body or descendants of Heth, indicating the established community of Hittites in the region who held authority over land matters. It highlights their corporate identity and the communal nature of the interaction with Abraham.
* **Heth (Hebrew, _Chêth_ H2845):** Meaning "terror" or "dread," Heth was the eponymous ancestor of the Hittites, a major people group in the ancient Near East. Their presence in Hebron during Abraham's time is historically attested, confirming the biblical narrative's grounding in real-world geography and demographics. The mention of "Heth" firmly places the interaction within a specific historical and cultural context, identifying the local authorities with whom Abraham must negotiate.
* **answered (Hebrew, _ʻânâh_ H6030):** This primitive root primarily means "to eye" or "to heed," by implication "to respond" or "to pay attention." It suggests a deliberate, formal reply rather than a casual one. In this context, it indicates that Abraham's humble request was heard, considered, and that a formal, collective response was being prepared. It implies a willingness to engage in dialogue and negotiation, setting the stage for the detailed discussion that follows.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Heth":** This phrase identifies the specific group of people who are responding to Abraham. They are not just any inhabitants but the recognized, authoritative members of the Hittite community in Hebron. The use of "children of Heth" emphasizes their lineage and collective identity, suggesting a unified front in their dealings with Abraham. This highlights that Abraham is engaging with the established local power structure.
* **"answered Abraham":** This indicates that Abraham's request, made in the preceding verses, has been received and processed. The verb "answered" signifies a formal acknowledgment and the commencement of a dialogue. It implies that the Hittites have deliberated and are now ready to communicate their decision or offer regarding the burial plot. This is a crucial step in the negotiation process, moving from a petition to a response.
* **"saying unto him":** This clause further specifies the nature of their "answer," indicating that it was an oral communication directed specifically to Abraham. It sets the immediate scene for the dialogue that unfolds in the subsequent verses of [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - The Purchase of Machpelah"). The simplicity of the phrasing here serves as a narrative bridge, building anticipation for the content of their reply and the detailed negotiations that will lead to the acquisition of the Cave of Machpelah.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 23:5 primarily functions as a **Narrative Transition**. It acts as a pivot point, moving the story from Abraham's personal grief and initial request to the formal, collective response of the Hittites. This brief acknowledgment builds **Anticipation** for the detailed negotiations that are about to unfold, creating a sense of dramatic tension before the specific offers and counter-offers are made. There is also a subtle element of **Irony** present; Abraham, the patriarch to whom God has promised an entire land, must humbly purchase a small plot for a tomb, underscoring his status as a sojourner and the gradual, unfolding nature of God's promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 23:5, though brief, is pregnant with theological significance, highlighting the intersection of divine promise and human reality. It underscores that even for those walking in God's covenant, the full realization of promises often unfolds gradually and requires engagement with the practicalities of the present world. Abraham, the recipient of a vast land promise, must still navigate the social and legal customs of his time to secure a small piece of that land for a burial plot. This act of purchase, rather than a contradiction, becomes the tangible down payment on the future inheritance, demonstrating Abraham's faith in God's word even in the face of present limitations. It also models the importance of respectful and honorable conduct in all human dealings, even with those outside one's immediate faith community.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abram")
* [Acts 7:5](/acts/7-5 "Stephen's Sermon: God Gave Abraham No Inheritance in the Land")
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Faith of the Patriarchs: Sojourners on Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 23:5, while a simple narrative transition, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that even as we live by faith in God's grand promises, we are called to engage with the world around us with integrity, humility, and respect for established customs and authorities. Abraham, a man of immense spiritual stature, did not demand his rights based on divine promise but courteously negotiated for what he needed, setting an example for how believers should conduct themselves in all dealings, whether personal, professional, or civic. This verse also subtly points to the reality of our earthly sojourn; we are pilgrims in this world, and while our ultimate inheritance is heavenly, we must navigate the practicalities of this life with wisdom and honor, recognizing that God's hand is at work even in our seemingly mundane transactions, moving us towards the full realization of His eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's humble approach to the "children of Heth," despite God's promise of the land, challenge our own expectations of how God's promises should unfold in our lives?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, demonstrate integrity and respect in our dealings with those who may not share our faith or worldview, mirroring Abraham's conduct?**
* **How does the significance of securing a burial place for Sarah highlight the importance of honoring the deceased and the continuity of family, even in a spiritual sense?**
* **What "first steps" or "down payments" on God's promises might we be called to make in our lives today, even if the full inheritance feels distant?**

### FAQ

**Who were the "children of Heth" and why were they important in this narrative?**

Answer: The "children of Heth" refers to the Hittites, a powerful and influential people group of Anatolian origin, who had established a presence in various parts of Canaan, including Hebron, during the patriarchal period. In the biblical narrative, they are the local inhabitants and authorities with whom Abraham must interact to secure a burial plot for Sarah. Their importance lies in their role as the legal owners of the land Abraham sought, making their formal response and subsequent negotiation crucial for Abraham's first tangible acquisition of property in the Promised Land.

**Why is this brief verse important if it only states they "answered"?**

Answer: This verse is important because it serves as a crucial narrative transition and a signifier of formal engagement. It indicates that Abraham's request has been received and acknowledged by the collective body of the Hittites, and that a formal, customary reply is commencing. It sets the stage for the detailed negotiations for the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah, which is not merely a transaction but a foundational moment: the first piece of the promised land that Abraham physically acquires, a significant step in the unfolding of God's covenant with him.

**Does Abraham's need to purchase land here contradict God's promise to give him the land?**

Answer: No, it does not contradict the promise. While God had indeed promised Abraham and his descendants the entire land of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abram")), the fulfillment of that promise was gradual and generational. Abraham's status as a "sojourner and foreigner" ([Genesis 23:4](/genesis/23-4 "Abraham's Request to the Sons of Heth")) meant he did not yet possess the land outright. His purchase of a burial plot signifies the *beginning* of the land's acquisition, a tangible down payment on the future inheritance for his descendants. It demonstrates Abraham's faith in God's promise, even while he lived as a foreigner, by investing in the land God had pledged to his lineage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 23:5 is a simple transitional verse, its context within Abraham's acquisition of a burial place for Sarah profoundly foreshadows Christ-centered truths. Abraham, the sojourner, though promised an entire land, must purchase a plot for his dead, symbolizing humanity's inherent need for a resting place and an inheritance that is not naturally ours. This points to Christ, who, though the rightful heir of all things as the Son of God, [humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humility and Incarnation"). He did not demand His rights but willingly [purchased our eternal inheritance](/ephesians/1-14 "The Guarantee of Our Inheritance in Christ") through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. Just as the Cave of Machpelah became a guaranteed, tangible possession for Abraham's lineage, securing a resting place in the promised land, Christ's sacrifice secures for all believers a permanent spiritual inheritance and a heavenly homeland, ensuring that even in death, we have a certain hope and a guaranteed resting place in Him, awaiting the resurrection to eternal life in the new heavens and new earth (cf. [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "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.