Genesis 23:11

Nay, my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that [is] therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the sons of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead.

Nay {H3808}, my lord {H113}, hear me {H8085}: the field {H7704} give I {H5414} thee, and the cave {H4631} that is therein, I give it {H5414} thee; in the presence {H5869} of the sons {H1121} of my people {H5971} give {H5414} I it thee: bury {H6912} thy dead {H4191}.

"No, my lord, listen to me: I'm giving you the field, with its cave - I'm giving it to you. In the presence of my people I give it to you."

“No, my lord. Listen to me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead.”

Nay, my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that is therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the children of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead.

Commentary

Genesis 23:11 records a pivotal moment in Abraham's life, as he seeks to purchase a burial plot for his deceased wife, Sarah. In this verse, Ephron the Hittite, the owner of the field and cave Abraham desires, responds to Abraham's offer to pay for the land.

Context

Following the death of Sarah, Abraham, who was living as a sojourner in the land of Canaan, needed a permanent place to bury her. He approached the Hittite community at the city gate of Kirjath-arba (Hebron) and requested to buy a burial site (Genesis 23:4). The Hittites, recognizing Abraham's stature and blessing, offered him the choice of their best burial places. However, Abraham insisted on purchasing a specific location: the cave of Machpelah, which was part of Ephron's field. In this verse, Ephron publicly declares his intention to give the field and the cave to Abraham as a gift, seemingly out of generosity or a desire to appear honorable in the presence of his people.

Key Themes

  • Ancient Near Eastern Customs: This passage vividly illustrates the elaborate and public nature of land transactions in the ancient world. Deals were made at the city gate, in the presence of witnesses ("the sons of my people"), to ensure legality and transparency.
  • Perceived Generosity vs. True Intention: Ephron's initial offer to "give" the field and cave might have been a customary opening move in a negotiation, designed to appear magnanimous while subtly setting the stage for a high price. Abraham's persistence in paying the full value, as seen later in Genesis 23:16, reflects his integrity and determination to own the land legitimately.
  • Abraham's Claim to the Promised Land: While God had promised Abraham all the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7), this purchase of the cave of Machpelah marks the very first piece of the Promised Land that Abraham legally possessed. It was a tangible, if small, fulfillment of God's covenant, serving as a burial ground for Sarah, and later for Abraham himself, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob (Genesis 49:29-31).
  • Respect for the Deceased: The narrative underscores the cultural importance of a proper and permanent burial site, reflecting reverence for the dead and a family's enduring connection to the land.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Nay, my lord, hear me" (KJV) conveys a polite but firm refusal of Abraham's desire to pay, even as Ephron reiterates his offer to "give" the property. The repetition "give I thee, and the cave that [is] therein, I give it thee" emphasizes the public nature of the declaration and Ephron's apparent magnanimity before the witnesses. The term "my lord" ('adoni in Hebrew) is a respectful address, common in these negotiations, indicating Abraham's high standing among the Hittites.

Practical Application

This verse, within its broader context, teaches us about integrity in dealings, even when faced with elaborate social customs. Abraham's insistence on paying for the land, rather than accepting it as a gift, ensured clear ownership and avoided future disputes. It also highlights the importance of patience and faith in God's promises; even when the full promise seems far off, God works in tangible, incremental ways to bring His plans to fruition. For Abraham, purchasing this burial plot was a small, yet significant, step in laying claim to the land God had promised to his descendants.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 19:24 (3 votes)

    And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give [it] to him that hath ten pounds.

  • Isaiah 32:8 (3 votes)

    But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.

  • Deuteronomy 19:15 (2 votes)

    One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

  • Ruth 4:11 (2 votes)

    And all the people that [were] in the gate, and the elders, said, [We are] witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

  • Genesis 23:6 (2 votes)

    Hear us, my lord: thou [art] a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.

  • 2 Samuel 24:20 (2 votes)

    And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him: and Araunah went out, and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.

  • 2 Samuel 24:24 (2 votes)

    And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy [it] of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.