King James Version

What Does Genesis 23:9 Mean?

Genesis 23:9 in the King James Version says “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 w...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Genesis 23:9 · KJV

Context

7

And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.

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.

Read Genesis 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as m... 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).

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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 understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
יִתְּנֶ֥נָּה1 of 17

“That he may give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִ֗י2 of 17
H0
אֶת3 of 17
H853

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

מְעָרַ֤ת4 of 17

“me the cave”

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

הַמַּכְפֵּלָה֙5 of 17

“of Machpelah”

H4375

makpelah, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁר6 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ל֔וֹ7 of 17
H0
אֲשֶׁ֖ר8 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בִּקְצֵ֣ה9 of 17

“which he hath which is in the end”

H7097

an extremity

שָׂדֵ֑הוּ10 of 17

“of his field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

בְּכֶ֨סֶף11 of 17

“money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

מָלֵ֜א12 of 17

“as it is worth”

H4392

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

יִתְּנֶ֥נָּה13 of 17

“That he may give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִ֛י14 of 17
H0
בְּתֽוֹכְכֶ֖ם15 of 17

“amongst you”

H8432

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

לַֽאֲחֻזַּת16 of 17

“me for a possession”

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

קָֽבֶר׃17 of 17

“of a buryingplace”

H6913

a sepulcher

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 23:9 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 23:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:17Romans 13:8

Places in This Verse

MachpelahSettlement · Modern: Cave of the Patriarchs · 31.52°N, 35.11°E6 verses across 1 book
View all places in Genesis 23 →

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