Genesis 23:13

And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou [wilt give it], I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee money for the field; take [it] of me, and I will bury my dead there.

And he spake {H1696} unto Ephron {H6085} in the audience {H241} of the people {H5971} of the land {H776}, saying {H559}, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee {H3863}, hear {H8085} me: I will give {H5414} thee money {H3701} for the field {H7704}; take {H3947} it of me, and I will bury {H6912} my dead {H4191} there.

and spoke to 'Efron in their hearing: "Please be good enough to listen to me. I will pay the price of the field; accept it from me, and I will bury my dead there."

and said to Ephron in their presence, “If you will please listen to me, I will pay you the price of the field. Accept it from me, so that I may bury my dead there.”

And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt, I pray thee, hear me: I will give the price of the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 23:13 is part of the narrative detailing the death and burial of Sarah, Abraham's wife. After Sarah's passing in Kirjath-arba (Hebron), Abraham, a sojourner in the land of Canaan, sought a permanent burial place for her. The preceding verses describe Abraham's respectful mourning for Sarah (Genesis 23:2) and his negotiation with the Hittites, the local inhabitants, specifically Ephron, for a plot of land. Ephron initially offered the field and the cave as a gift (Genesis 23:11), but Abraham, demonstrating his integrity and desire for a clear, undisputed possession, insisted on purchasing it.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Integrity and Honesty: Abraham's insistence on paying for the field, despite Ephron's offer to give it, highlights his strong character and commitment to fair dealings. He wanted to acquire the land legitimately, ensuring there would be no future dispute over its ownership. This act reflects a desire for a clear, legal title to the property.
  • Sojourner's Claim: Though Abraham was a "sojourner" (ger in Hebrew, meaning a temporary resident or alien), this purchase marked his first personal acquisition of land in Canaan. This was a significant, tangible step towards the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7). The Cave of Machpelah became a family tomb, a permanent stake in the Promised Land.
  • Public Witness and Transparency: The negotiation took place "in the audience of the people of the land." This public setting ensured transparency and validated the transaction according to local custom, serving as a legal record for Abraham and his future generations. It underscores the importance of conducting significant transactions openly and honorably.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "in the audience of the people of the land" (בְּאָזְנֵי בְּנֵי־חֵת, bə’oznê bənê-ḥēt) literally translates to "in the ears of the sons of Heth" or "in the hearing of the Hittites." This emphasizes the formal, public nature of the transaction, indicating that the agreement was made before witnesses, which was customary for legal proceedings in the ancient Near East. The Hebrew word for "field" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh) refers to an open cultivated area, and in this context, it includes the Cave of Machpelah within its bounds, which was the desired burial place for Sarah.

Related Scriptures

The purchase of the Cave of Machpelah is a foundational event in the patriarchal narrative. It is later referenced when Jacob requests to be buried there, alongside Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah. This significant land acquisition is also mentioned by Stephen in his speech in Acts 7:16, highlighting its lasting importance as the first physical possession of the Promised Land by Abraham.

Practical Application

Abraham's conduct in this negotiation provides a timeless example of integrity, respect, and foresight. His insistence on paying a fair price, even when a gift was offered, demonstrates the importance of ethical dealings and clear ownership. For believers today, it underscores the value of conducting our affairs with honesty and transparency, reflecting God's character in our interactions. Furthermore, this act of purchasing land, even for a burial plot, symbolizes faith in God's promises—that despite being a sojourner, Abraham had a secure, permanent inheritance in the land God had promised. It reminds us to live with both earthly wisdom and heavenly perspective.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 20:35 (2 votes)

    I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

  • Romans 13:8 (2 votes)

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

  • Colossians 4:5 (2 votes)

    ¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

  • Hebrews 13:5 (2 votes)

    [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

  • Philippians 4:5 (2 votes)

    Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand.

  • Philippians 4:8 (2 votes)

    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

  • Genesis 14:22 (2 votes)

    And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,