King James Version

What Does Genesis 23:10 Mean?

Genesis 23:10 in the King James Version says “And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying, audience: Heb. ears”

Genesis 23:10 · King James Version

Context

8

And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,

9

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. as much: Heb. full money

10

And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying, audience: Heb. ears

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.

12

And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.

Read Genesis 23 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
עֶפְר֨וֹן1 of 18

“And Ephron”

H6085

ephron, the name of a canaanite and of two places in palestine

יֹשֵׁ֖ב2 of 18

“dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּת֣וֹךְ3 of 18

“among”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בְנֵי4 of 18

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֵ֔ת5 of 18

“of Heth”

H2845

cheth, an indigenous canaanite

וַיַּעַן֩6 of 18

“answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

עֶפְר֨וֹן7 of 18

“And Ephron”

H6085

ephron, the name of a canaanite and of two places in palestine

הַֽחִתִּ֤י8 of 18

“the Hittite”

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

אֶת9 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַבְרָהָם֙10 of 18

“Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

בְּאָזְנֵ֣י11 of 18

“in the audience”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

בְנֵי12 of 18

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֵ֔ת13 of 18

“of Heth”

H2845

cheth, an indigenous canaanite

לְכֹ֛ל14 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בָּאֵ֥י15 of 18

“even of all that went in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שַֽׁעַר16 of 18

“at the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

עִיר֖וֹ17 of 18

“of his city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

לֵאמֹֽר׃18 of 18

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 23:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 23:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 34:20Genesis 34:24Genesis 23:18Luke 2:3-4Ruth 4:1-4Isaiah 28:6

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