Genesis 23:8

KJV

And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,

KJV (with Strong's)

And he communed {H1696} with them, saying {H559}, If it be {H3426} your mind {H5315} that I should bury {H6912} my dead {H4191} out of my sight {H6440}; hear {H8085} me, and intreat {H6293} for me to Ephron {H6085} the son {H1121} of Zohar {H6714},

Complete Jewish Bible

and spoke with them. "If it is your desire to help me bury my dead, then listen to me: ask 'Efron the son of Tzochar

Berean Standard Bible

“If you are willing for me to bury my dead,” he said to them, “listen to me, and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf

American Standard Version

And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 23:8 captures a crucial moment in Abraham's life following Sarah's death, where he respectfully and strategically engages the local Hittite community. This verse initiates his diplomatic efforts to acquire a specific burial plot, the Cave of Machpelah, from Ephron, demonstrating Abraham's profound care for a dignified resting place for his beloved wife and his wisdom in navigating cultural protocols as a sojourner in the land of Canaan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 23 opens with the death of Sarah, Abraham's beloved wife, at the age of 127 in Kirjath-arba (Hebron). This event marks a significant transition in Abraham's life and the patriarchal narrative. Prior to this, Abraham had been a sojourner, owning no land in Canaan despite God's repeated promises of the land to him and his descendants (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The immediate context sees Abraham rising from his mourning to address the local inhabitants, the [Hittites](/genesis/23-3-4 "Abraham Addresses the Hittites"), seeking to purchase a burial place. Verse 8 specifically details Abraham's follow-up request after the Hittites had already offered him their choicest sepulchres, revealing his precise intention to acquire the Cave of Machpelah from Ephron. This transaction, detailed in the subsequent verses, becomes the first tangible acquisition of land by Abraham in the Promised Land, serving as a significant down payment on God's covenantal promise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Hittites (sons of Heth) were a prominent people group in the ancient Near East, known for their sophisticated legal and commercial practices. In this period, land transactions often involved public negotiation and the testimony of local elders or community members, ensuring legitimacy and transparency. Abraham, though wealthy and divinely blessed, was a "sojourner" or "stranger" among them ([Genesis 23:4](/genesis/23-4 "Abraham as a Sojourner")), meaning he did not possess inherent land rights. His respectful approach, seeking their mediation ("intreat for me"), reflects an understanding of and deference to their cultural norms and legal procedures. The urgency for burial was also a common practice, as bodies were typically interred quickly to prevent decomposition and maintain ritual purity. The desire for a family burial plot was deeply ingrained, signifying continuity and a connection to the land, even for a transient people.
* **Key Themes:** This chapter, and [Genesis 23:8](/genesis/23-8 "Abraham's Request for a Burial Place") in particular, contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. It highlights the theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises**, as Abraham begins to physically possess the land, albeit through purchase rather than direct divine grant, foreshadowing the future inheritance of Israel. It also underscores the **dignity of human life and death**, as Abraham goes to great lengths to ensure a proper and honorable burial for Sarah. Furthermore, Abraham's diplomatic and respectful engagement with the Hittites exemplifies **wisdom and integrity in intercultural relations**, demonstrating how a man of faith can navigate complex social and commercial interactions with grace and shrewdness. The narrative also subtly reinforces the **sojourner motif**, as Abraham, despite his wealth, remains a foreigner in the land, dependent on the goodwill and legal structures of its inhabitants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 23:8 presents Abraham's precise and diplomatic request to the Hittites, laying the groundwork for the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **communed (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, this primitive root means "to speak," but often implies a purposeful, deliberate, and thoughtful discussion or arrangement. It suggests that Abraham was not merely chatting but engaging in a formal, respectful, and strategic negotiation. This word choice highlights his wisdom in approaching the local authorities with deference, despite his own considerable standing and God's promises to him.
* **mind (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, this term refers to "a breathing creature" or "vitality," but is used very widely to include "soul," "self," or "desire." In this context, "your mind" (literally "your soul" or "your desire") signifies the Hittites' collective will, consent, or agreement. Abraham is appealing to their disposition and willingness to assist him, indicating his desire for their genuine support rather than merely their passive acceptance.
* **intreat (Hebrew, _pâgaʻ'_):** From H6293, this primitive root means "to impinge," "to meet," or "to fall upon," but figuratively, it carries the sense of "to make intercession," "to entreat," or "to make a plea on behalf of another." Abraham, a stranger in the land, wisely seeks the mediation and advocacy of the local people to approach Ephron. This demonstrates his understanding of local customs and his humility in seeking assistance rather than demanding his right, even as one blessed by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he communed with them, saying,"**: This opening phrase establishes Abraham's posture of respectful engagement. "Communed" (from _dâbar_) signifies a deliberate, formal conversation, not casual talk. Abraham is initiating a serious discussion with the Hittites, acknowledging their authority and seeking their cooperation in his endeavor. His address is public and intentional, setting a tone of solemnity and importance for the transaction that is about to unfold.
* **"If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight;"**: This conditional clause expresses Abraham's primary motivation and seeks the Hittites' consensus. "If it be your mind" (literally, "if it is with your soul") means "if you are agreeable" or "if it is your desire." The phrase "bury my dead out of my sight" conveys the deep human need for a proper and timely burial, not only for the sake of the deceased but also for the living. It implies the respectful removal of the body from immediate view, allowing the mourning process to proceed towards closure and healing, and underscores the practical necessity of a permanent resting place.
* **"hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,"**: This is the crux of Abraham's specific request. Having established his need and sought their agreement, Abraham now asks for their active assistance. "Hear me" is a plea for attentive listening and favorable consideration. "Intreat for me" (from _pâgaʻ_) is a request for mediation or intercession. Abraham is not asking them to sell him land directly, but to act as intermediaries with Ephron, the specific owner of the desired property. Identifying Ephron as "the son of Zohar" provides precise lineage, indicating Abraham's prior knowledge of the land's ownership and his specific target for acquisition, demonstrating meticulous planning and respect for property rights.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. **Direct address** is prominent, as Abraham speaks directly to the Hittites, creating a sense of immediate and personal engagement. The use of **formal language** and the precise identification of Ephron ("the son of Zohar") lend an air of **verisimilitude** and legal formality to the negotiation, reflecting the importance of the transaction. There is a subtle **irony** in Abraham, the recipient of God's promise of the entire land, having to purchase a small plot for burial, highlighting the gradual and often challenging nature of divine fulfillment. Furthermore, the phrase "bury my dead out of my sight" functions as a **euphemism** for the practical and emotional necessity of interring the deceased, softening the stark reality of death while emphasizing the need for respectful disposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abraham's earnest plea in Genesis 23:8 to secure a burial place for Sarah in the Promised Land resonates with profound theological implications. It underscores the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of human life and the dignity afforded even in death, reflecting the belief that humans are created in God's image and deserve respectful treatment. This act, though seemingly small, represents the first tangible claim Abraham makes on the land promised to him by God, serving as a down payment on a grander inheritance. It demonstrates that God's promises, while certain, often unfold progressively and require human initiative, patience, and adherence to earthly legal and social customs. Abraham's diplomatic approach also models how believers should engage with the world, demonstrating wisdom, humility, and respect for established norms, even when operating under a divine mandate.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Acts 7:5](/acts/7-5 "Stephen's Speech: Abraham's Lack of Inheritance")
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Faith of the Patriarchs as Sojourners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 23:8 offers timeless lessons that transcend its ancient context, providing profound insights for contemporary believers. Abraham's immediate and diligent concern for Sarah's burial reminds us of the universal human need for closure and the respectful handling of the deceased, a practice deeply rooted in faith and culture that honors the individual and aids the grieving process. His example also teaches us the invaluable lesson of respectful negotiation, humility, and the wisdom of seeking counsel or mediation when navigating significant transactions or sensitive interpersonal situations. Abraham, despite his divine favor and wealth, did not presume upon his status but engaged with the Hittites with deference and integrity. Furthermore, this passage encourages patience and persistence in our walk of faith, recognizing that God's grand promises often unfold through smaller, practical, and sometimes challenging steps. Our active participation, trust in His timing, and willingness to engage with the world thoughtfully are essential as we await the full realization of His plans.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's respectful and diplomatic approach to the Hittites challenge or affirm your own methods of engaging with those outside your immediate community or faith tradition?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "sojourning," and how might Abraham's example of patient, humble, and strategic action guide your steps?**
* **How does the emphasis on a dignified burial in this passage inform your understanding of the value of human life, both in life and in death?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham need to "intreat" for a burial place if the Hittites had already offered him their choicest sepulchres?**

Answer: While the Hittites graciously offered Abraham their best sepulchres generally, Abraham had a very specific plot in mind: the Cave of Machpelah, which was owned by an individual named Ephron. By asking the Hittites to "intreat" for him (H6293, _pâgaʻ_), Abraham was seeking their mediation, endorsement, and perhaps even their advocacy to approach Ephron directly. This demonstrated his understanding and respect for local customs and property rights, ensuring a smoother, more legitimate transaction for the specific property he desired, rather than simply accepting a general offer. It was a strategic move to secure the precise piece of land that would become a significant family burial site in the Promised Land.

**What is the significance of Abraham wanting to "bury my dead out of my sight"?**

Answer: This phrase reflects both a practical necessity and a deep emotional need. Practically, it signifies the need for the proper and timely disposal of the deceased's body, a common practice in the ancient Near East to prevent decay and maintain ritual purity. Emotionally, it speaks to the profound human desire for closure in grief. To "bury my dead out of my sight" is to provide a dignified, permanent resting place, acknowledging the finality of death while also allowing the living to move forward from the immediate presence of the deceased's body. This act facilitates the mourning process, enabling a transition from active grief to remembrance and eventual healing, by removing the constant visual reminder of loss.

**Does Abraham's purchase of land contradict God's promise to give him the entire land?**

Answer: No, it does not contradict God's promise; rather, it serves as an initial step in its fulfillment. While God promised Abraham and his descendants the entire land of Canaan as an inheritance ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")), this promise was for future, full possession. Abraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah was the first tangible, legal acquisition of land by the patriarch in the Promised Land. It functioned as a symbolic "down payment" or a legal claim to a small, yet significant, portion of the land. This act established a physical foothold for his family, becoming the burial site for Sarah, and later for Abraham himself, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah ([Genesis 49:29-32](/genesis/49-29-32 "Jacob's Burial Request")), grounding their future inheritance in a specific, physical location within the promised territory. It underscores that God's promises often unfold progressively, requiring faith, patience, and sometimes, practical action.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 23:8, with Abraham's earnest desire to secure a burial place for Sarah in the Promised Land, profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered hope of resurrection and the eternal inheritance secured through Him. Just as Abraham, a sojourner, meticulously sought to acquire a physical plot of land as a secure resting place, Christ, our ultimate Intercessor, has secured for us not merely an earthly burial site, but an eternal inheritance in the heavenly promised land ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Christ, Mediator of a New Covenant")). Abraham's concern for a dignified burial points to the ultimate dignity bestowed upon humanity through Christ's own death and resurrection. His burial in a tomb, followed by His glorious triumph over death ([Matthew 28:6](/matthew/28-6 "He is not here: for he is risen")), transforms the temporary resting place of the grave into a gateway to eternal life and glory for all who believe. Through Christ, the longing for a secure place, evident in Abraham's actions, is fully realized in the promise of resurrection and an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "A Living Hope and an 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

1 Kings 2:17

And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.

1 John 2:1

¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

Genesis 25:9

And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which [is] before Mamre;

Luke 7:3

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

Luke 7:4

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

Hebrews 7:26

For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;