King James Version

What Does Genesis 23:9 Mean?

“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”

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.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **The cave of Machpelah.**—That is, *the double cave, *consisting probably of an outer and an inner compartment. As the land around is also called “the field of Machpelah” (Genesis 49:30; Genesis 1:13), some imagine that it was the valley that was double; but more probably’it took its name from the cavern. For a description of the Haram, within which the bones of Abraham and Sarah probably still lie, see Palmer, *Desert of the Exodus, *p. 397; Stanley, *Sinai and Palestine, *p. 101; and also the Appendix to his *Sermons in the East.* **For as much money as it is worth.**—Heb., *for full silver, *rendered “the full price” in 1Chronicles 21:22. **A buryingplace amongst you.**—This translation is quite wrong. Abraham had no wish that Sarah should be buried amongst the Hittites, but required that the sale should be duly attested. The Heb. is. *Let him give it me in the midst of you *(that is, in a general assembly of the people), *for a possession and a buryingplace.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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

Romans 12:17
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Romans 13:8
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Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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