Genesis 23:6

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.

Hear us {H8085}, my lord {H113}: thou art a mighty {H430} prince {H5387} among us {H8432}: in the choice {H4005} of our sepulchres {H6913} bury {H6912} thy dead {H4191}; none {H3808}{H376} of us shall withhold {H3607} from thee his sepulchre {H6913}, but that thou mayest bury {H6912} thy dead {H4191}.

"Listen to us, my lord. You are a prince of God among us, so choose any of our tombs to bury your dead - not one of us would refuse you his tomb for burying your dead."

“Listen to us, sir. You are God’s chosen one among us. Bury your dead in the finest of our tombs. None of us will withhold his tomb for burying your dead.”

Hear us, my lord; thou art a prince of God 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.

Commentary

Genesis 23:6 records the respectful and generous response of the Hittites (the children of Heth) to Abraham's request for a burial place for his deceased wife, Sarah. This pivotal moment occurs as Abraham, a sojourner in the land of Canaan, seeks to establish a permanent resting place for his family, signifying his claim to the land promised by God.

Context

Following the death of Sarah in Kirjath-arba (Hebron), Abraham approaches the local inhabitants, the Hittites, to secure a burial plot. In Genesis 23:4, Abraham identifies himself as "a stranger and a sojourner" among them and requests "a possession of a buryingplace." The Hittites' reply in verse 6 is remarkably deferential and hospitable, setting the stage for Abraham's subsequent purchase of the cave of Machpelah, which became the first tangible piece of the promised land owned by Abraham's family.

Key Themes

  • Respect and Honor: The Hittites address Abraham as "my lord" and acknowledge his significant standing by calling him a "mighty prince among us." This highlights Abraham's reputation and the respect he commanded among the local populace, possibly due to his wealth, integrity, or even the perceived favor of his God.
  • Generosity and Hospitality: Their offer to allow Abraham to bury his dead in "the choice of our sepulchres" demonstrates significant generosity and hospitality, a common virtue in ancient Near Eastern cultures. They were willing to provide for his need without cost.
  • Foreshadowing Land Possession: Although offered freely, Abraham insists on purchasing the land in the following verses. This act of purchase, rather than acceptance of a gift, establishes a legal and permanent claim to the soil of Canaan, serving as a vital step in the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Abraham and his descendants.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "mighty prince among us" translates the Hebrew nesi elohim (נְשִׂיא אֱלֹהִים). While "prince" (nasi) denotes a leader or chieftain, the addition of elohim (God) elevates this to "prince of God" or "divine prince," implying not just political or social standing, but also a recognition of God's favor upon Abraham, or perhaps even a perception of him as a divinely appointed leader. This recognition from a pagan people underscores Abraham's unique status and the reverence he inspired.

Practical Application

Genesis 23:6 offers several enduring lessons:

  • Integrity Builds Respect: Abraham's consistent walk of faith and integrity evidently earned him significant respect, even from those outside his covenant community. Living honorably can open doors and foster goodwill.
  • God's Providence: Even in moments of grief, God's plan is at work. The Hittites' respect and offer, while generous, ultimately led to Abraham's purchase of the land, a critical step in God's larger redemptive narrative. It reminds us that God works through various means to accomplish His purposes.
  • Strategic Humility: Abraham's subsequent insistence on purchasing the land, despite the free offer, shows his wisdom and foresight. He did not take advantage of generosity but established a clear, legal claim, setting a precedent for future generations in the promised land. See Abraham's purchase in Genesis 23:16.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 24:35 (7 votes)

    And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

  • Genesis 14:14 (4 votes)

    And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained [servants], born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued [them] unto Dan.

  • Genesis 21:22 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in all that thou doest:

  • Genesis 32:18 (2 votes)

    Then thou shalt say, [They be] thy servant Jacob's; it [is] a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he [is] behind us.

  • Genesis 13:2 (2 votes)

    And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.

  • Genesis 44:5 (2 votes)

    [Is] not this [it] in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing.

  • Genesis 24:18 (2 votes)

    And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.