Genesis 23:2

And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

And Sarah {H8283} died {H4191} in Kirjatharba {H7153}; the same is Hebron {H2275} in the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}: and Abraham {H85} came {H935} to mourn {H5594} for Sarah {H8283}, and to weep {H1058} for her.

Sarah died in Kiryat-Arba, also known as Hevron, in the land of Kena'an; and Avraham came to mourn Sarah and weep for her.

She died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went out to mourn and to weep for her.

And Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (the same is Hebron), in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

Commentary

Genesis 23:2 records a poignant moment in the life of Abraham: the death of his beloved wife, Sarah. The verse specifies the location of her passing as Kirjatharba, which is also known as Hebron, a significant city in the land of Canaan. Abraham's deep grief is evident as he "came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her," illustrating a profound human response to loss.

Context

This verse marks a critical juncture, following the birth of Isaac and the intense test of Abraham's faith. Sarah, a central figure in the patriarchal narrative and a co-recipient of many of God's promises, dies at the age of 127. Her death necessitates Abraham's first secure acquisition of land in Canaan – the cave of Machpelah – which is detailed in the subsequent verses. This event, though sorrowful, is a tangible step towards the fulfillment of God's promise of the land to Abraham and his descendants, as seen in Genesis 13:15. Sarah's life was instrumental in God's plan, from her initial barrenness to the miraculous birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:1).

Key Themes

  • Grief and Loss: The verse powerfully portrays the reality of death and the natural human response of mourning, even for figures of immense faith like Abraham. It underscores that sorrow is a universal experience, shared by all humanity.
  • Humanity of Faith Leaders: Abraham, the patriarch chosen by God and renowned for his faith, is shown here not as an unfeeling figure, but as a man experiencing profound personal sorrow. This reminds us that faith does not negate human emotion or the pain of loss.
  • The Land of Promise: Sarah's death in Hebron, within the promised land of Canaan, sets the stage for Abraham's purchase of a burial plot. This act of acquiring land, even for a grave, represents a tangible step in possessing the land God had promised, a theme central to the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:7). It foreshadows the eventual inheritance of the entire land by his descendants.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Kirjatharba" (Hebrew: Qiryat 'Arba`) means "city of four" or "city of Arba," indicating its ancient origins and perhaps its association with four significant figures or clans. Its identification with Hebron (Hebrew: Chebron, meaning "confederacy" or "alliance") highlights the enduring importance of this location throughout biblical history, later becoming a key city for David. The terms "mourn" (Hebrew: lispod) and "weep" (Hebrew: livkot) are distinct in Hebrew, with lispod often referring to a formal, public lamentation, and livkot signifying deeply felt personal tears. Together, they convey the full extent of Abraham's sorrow and the cultural practice of grieving.

Practical Application

Genesis 23:2 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • It reminds us that grief is a natural and healthy part of the human experience, even for those with strong faith. There is no shame in mourning loss; indeed, expressing sorrow can be a vital part of healing.
  • It highlights the enduring nature of love and family bonds. Abraham's profound devotion to Sarah is evident even in her death, demonstrating the depth of their relationship.
  • The verse subtly points to God's providence, even amidst sorrow. Sarah's burial in Canaan, a land Abraham only possessed through a burial plot, foreshadows the eventual inheritance of the entire land by his descendants, as promised by God (Genesis 15:18). This reminds us that God's plans continue to unfold even through life's most challenging and sorrowful moments.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 23:19 (6 votes)

    And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same [is] Hebron in the land of Canaan.

  • Genesis 13:18 (5 votes)

    Then Abram removed [his] tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which [is] in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 6:57 (4 votes)

    And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, [namely], Hebron, [the city] of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,

  • Judges 1:10 (3 votes)

    And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.

  • 2 Samuel 1:17 (2 votes)

    ¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:

  • Acts 8:2 (2 votes)

    And devout men carried Stephen [to his burial], and made great lamentation over him.

  • Genesis 27:41 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.