Genesis 23:9

KJV

That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which [is] in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.

KJV (with Strong's)

That he may give {H5414} me the cave {H4631} of Machpelah {H4375}, which he hath, which is in the end {H7097} of his field {H7704}; for as much {H4392} money {H3701} as it is worth {H4392} he shall give it {H5414} me for a possession {H272} of a buryingplace {H6913} amongst you {H8432}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to give me the cave of Makhpelah, which he owns, the one at the end of his field. He should sell it to me in your presence at its full value; then I will have a burial site of my own."

Berean Standard Bible

to sell me the cave of Machpelah that belongs to him; it is at the end of his field. Let him sell it to me in your presence for full price, so that I may have a burial site.”

American Standard Version

that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for the full price let him give it to me in the midst of you for a possession of a burying-place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 23:9 records Abraham's earnest and precise request to Ephron the Hittite for the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah, a specific burial site located at the extremity of Ephron's field. Abraham's insistence on paying the full monetary value for this plot underscores his desire for a legitimate, undisputed, and permanent possession for a family burying place among the local inhabitants, reflecting both his integrity and his faith in God's broader promise of land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Genesis 23, a chapter solely dedicated to the acquisition of a burial plot for Sarah, Abraham's beloved wife, who has just died in Kirjath-arba (Hebron). The preceding verses describe Abraham's mourning and his initial approach to the Hittite community, expressing his status as a "stranger and sojourner" among them while requesting to purchase a burial ground. The subsequent verses detail the negotiation process, Ephron's initial offer to give the land freely, and Abraham's steadfast insistence on paying the full price, culminating in the formal transaction and the burial of Sarah. This detailed account emphasizes the legal and communal significance of the purchase.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, securing a proper burial place was of immense cultural and spiritual importance, reflecting reverence for the deceased and a belief in some form of afterlife or ancestral continuity. Land ownership, particularly for burial, conferred legitimacy and permanence within a community. As a "sojourner" (Hebrew: *ger wᵉṯôšāb̄*) without inherited land rights, Abraham's desire to purchase a plot rather than accept it as a gift was crucial. It established clear legal title, preventing future disputes and ensuring the site's perpetual use for his family. This act also demonstrates the Hittite custom of public negotiation for land, often involving witnesses at the city gate, to ensure the validity of the transaction.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 23:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It highlights the theme of **covenant fulfillment**, as this is Abraham's first tangible acquisition of land within the territory God had promised him and his descendants, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "The Covenant with Abraham"). Despite the vastness of the promise, Abraham acts in faith by securing a small, specific plot. The verse also underscores the theme of **integrity and ethical conduct**, as Abraham insists on a fair and transparent transaction. Furthermore, it subtly reinforces the concept of **Abraham as a sojourner**, a recurring motif that finds its ultimate theological expression in [Hebrews 11:9-10](/hebrews/11-9-10 "Abraham's Faith as a Sojourner"), where his earthly pilgrimage points to a heavenly city.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** (H5414) This primitive root is used with the greatest latitude of application, meaning to give, put, make, bestow, grant, or yield. In this context, Abraham's request for Ephron to "give" him the cave implies a transfer of ownership through a legitimate transaction, not a mere handing over. It signifies the formal act of conveyance that Abraham seeks to establish.
* **Machpelah (Hebrew, _Makpêlâh'_):** (H4375) Derived from a root meaning "to fold," this proper noun refers to a specific place in Palestine. While its precise meaning ("double" or "folded") might allude to a cave with multiple chambers or a double plot, its significance here lies in its identification as a known, identifiable location that Abraham specifically desires for his family's burial.
* **possession (Hebrew, _ʼăchuzzâh'_):** (H272) This feminine passive participle, meaning "something seized," denotes a possession, especially of land. Abraham's use of this term emphasizes his desire for a permanent, legally recognized, and inheritable ownership of the burial site, distinguishing it from a temporary right or a mere concession. It signifies a secure and lasting claim.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which [is] in the end of his field":** Abraham's request is precise and direct. He identifies the specific property he wishes to acquire: "the cave of Machpelah." He further specifies its location "in the end of his field," indicating a clear understanding of the property's boundaries and his intent to acquire a particular, identifiable plot. This precision avoids ambiguity and sets the stage for a clear transaction.
* **"for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me":** This clause reveals Abraham's unwavering commitment to integrity and fair dealing. He does not seek charity or a discounted price, but insists on paying the full, assessed value ("as much money as it is worth"). This demonstrates his respect for Ephron and the Hittite community, ensuring the legitimacy and undisputed nature of the acquisition. The repetition of the root for "give" (H5414) reinforces the formal transfer of ownership.
* **"for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you":** Abraham articulates the purpose of the purchase: a permanent "possession" (H272) specifically for a "buryingplace" (H6913). The phrase "amongst you" highlights his desire for this possession to be legally recognized and secure within the Hittite community, ensuring its perpetual use for his family's internment without future challenge.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in Abraham's insistence on paying "as much money as it is worth," emphasizing his commitment to a legitimate transaction and fair value. This repetition underscores his integrity and foresight in securing an undisputed title. **Foreshadowing** is present in the acquisition of this first piece of the promised land; though small, it is a tangible down payment on the vast territory God had pledged to Abraham's descendants, hinting at the future fulfillment of the covenant. The cave itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only a place of rest for the deceased but also a concrete anchor for Abraham's family within the land of promise, a physical manifestation of his faith in God's word even as he lives as a sojourner.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Abraham's earnest pursuit and insistence on paying for the Cave of Machpelah, though seemingly a mundane land transaction, is deeply imbued with theological significance. It represents the first tangible foothold Abraham gains in the promised land, serving as a concrete, albeit small, step towards the fulfillment of God's vast covenantal promises regarding the land of Canaan. This act of purchase, rather than simple inheritance or conquest, underscores the principle of legitimate acquisition and Abraham's integrity, setting a moral precedent for his descendants. Furthermore, as a sojourner, Abraham's securing of a permanent burial place highlights the human longing for belonging and the dignity afforded to the deceased, even as it points to a greater, eternal hope beyond earthly possessions.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding Land")
* [Acts 7:16](/acts/7-16 "Stephen's Account of Abraham's Purchase")
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Faith of the Patriarchs as Sojourners")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 23:9 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, particularly concerning integrity, faith, and our posture as spiritual sojourners. Abraham's unwavering commitment to paying the full value for the Cave of Machpelah, even in a moment of profound grief and vulnerability, exemplifies the importance of ethical conduct and honesty in all our dealings. This teaches us to act with integrity, not seeking undue advantage, but honoring fair exchange and clear agreements, which builds trust and reflects God's character. Moreover, Abraham's diligent pursuit of a permanent burial site, despite being promised an entire land he did not yet fully possess, serves as a powerful reminder that while we are called to live faithfully and responsibly in the present, our ultimate hope and inheritance lie beyond this transient world. We are pilgrims, yet we engage with earthly realities with diligence and hope, trusting in God's ultimate provision and eternal promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's insistence on fair payment challenge our own tendencies to seek personal advantage or shortcuts in our dealings?**
* **In what ways does Abraham's act of securing a burial place, despite being a sojourner, inform our understanding of living faithfully in the present while longing for our eternal home?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of honoring the deceased and providing dignified resting places, reflecting a hope beyond death?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham insist on paying for the Cave of Machpelah if God had promised him the entire land?**

Answer: Abraham's insistence on paying "as much money as it is worth" for the Cave of Machpelah demonstrates his desire for a legitimate, undisputed, and permanent legal possession. While God had promised him the land, Abraham did not yet personally own any part of it. Purchasing this plot ensured clear title and prevented future disputes, establishing his right to the land through a lawful transaction. It also showcased his integrity and respect for the local inhabitants, even as he lived by faith in God's broader promise. This act, recorded in [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "The Purchase of Machpelah"), was a practical step of faith, securing a tangible piece of the promised land through ethical means.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah, the first tangible "possession" in the promised land, profoundly prefigures the ultimate inheritance secured by Christ. Just as Abraham, the sojourner, sought a permanent resting place for his family, so too do believers, spiritual sojourners in this world ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "Believers as Sojourners and Exiles")), long for their eternal home. Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, secured for His people a far greater "possession"—an imperishable inheritance in the new heavens and new earth ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")), a spiritual and eternal dwelling place not bought with silver or gold ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redemption by Christ's Precious Blood")), but with His precious blood. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the land promise, providing eternal rest and an everlasting inheritance for all who are in Him, making us co-heirs with Him in the Kingdom of God ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")). The Cave of Machpelah, a burial site, points to the ultimate victory over death achieved by Christ, who promises resurrection and eternal life to all who believe ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

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

Romans 12:17

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Romans 13:8

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.