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Genesis 23:8 "If you are willing for me to bury my dead," he said to them, "listen to me, and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf
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hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he spoke with them, saying, “If you are willing to <i>let me</i> bury my dead out of my sight, listen to me, and plead with Ephron the son of Zohar for me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish for me to bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and approach Ephron the son of Zohar for me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish <i>for me</i> to bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and approach Ephron the son of Zohar for me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your desire <i>for me</i> to bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham said to them, “If you are willing to grant my dead a [proper] burial, listen to me, and plead with Ephron the son of Zohar for me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He said to them, “If you are willing for me to bury my dead, listen to me and ask Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He said to them, “If you are willing for me to bury my dead, listen to me and ask Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and replied, "If you are willing to let me bury my wife here, please ask Zohar's son Ephron <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He said to them, "If you are willing to let me bury my wife, listen to me. Encourage Ephron, son of Zohar,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and said, "If you are willing to let me bury my wife here, please ask Ephron son of Zohar <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and addressed them, "If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, listen to me and make a request of Zohar's son Ephron on my behalf. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?If you are willing for me to bury my dead,? he said to them, ?listen to me, and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then he said to them, "If you agree that I may bury my dead, then hear me out. Ask Ephron the son of Zohar<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He talked with them, saying, "If you agree that I may remove my dead for burial, hear me, and approach Ephron the son of Zohar for me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he communed with them, saying, If it is your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He talked with them, saying, “If you agree that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he speaks with them, saying, “If it is your desire to bury my dead from before me, hear me, and meet for me with Ephron, son of Zoar;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he speaketh with them, saying, 'If it is your desire to bury my dead from before me, hear me, and meet for me with Ephron, son of Zoar;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will speak to them, saying, If it is your soul to bury my dead from my face, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron, son of Zohar.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And said to them: If it please your soul that I should bury my dead, hear me, and intercede for me to Ephron the son of Seor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said to them: “If it pleases your soul that I should bury my dead, hear me, and intercede on my behalf with Ephron, the son of Zohar,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and said to them: “If you will allow me room for burial of my dead, listen to me! Intercede for me with Ephron, son of Zohar,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He said to them, “If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me Ephron son of Zohar,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he discussed the matter with them and said to them, If you consent that I may bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he spoke with them and said to them: “If your souls are willing that I bury my dead from before me, hear me and ask for me of Aphron son of Tsakhar,<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he spoke with them, saying: 'If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abraam spoke to them, saying, If ye have it in your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hearken to me, and speak for me to Ephron the son Saar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/23-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=5073" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/23.htm">The Death and Burial of Sarah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“If</a> <a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: yêš (Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šə·ḵem (N-fsc:: 2mp) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">you are willing</a> <a href="/hebrew/6912.htm" title="6912: liq·bōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To bury. A primitive root; to intern.">for me to bury</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mê·ṯî (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc:: 1cs) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">my dead,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: way·ḏab·bêr (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">he said</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tām (Prep:: 3mp) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">to them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mil·lə·p̄ā·nay (Prep-m, Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">“</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šə·mā·‘ū·nî (V-Qal-Imp-mp:: 1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">listen to me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6293.htm" title="6293: ū·p̄iḡ·‘ū- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To meet, encounter, reach. A primitive root; to impinge, by accident or violence, or by importunity.">and approach</a> <a href="/hebrew/6085.htm" title="6085: bə·‘ep̄·rō·wn (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- From the same as Epher; fawn-like; Ephron, the name of a Canaanite and of two places in Palestine.">Ephron</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/6714.htm" title="6714: ṣō·ḥar (N-proper-ms) -- A Hittite, also two Isr. From the same as tsachar; whiteness; Tsochar, the name of a Hittite and of an Israelite.">of Zohar</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">on my behalf</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>to sell me the cave of Machpelah that belongs to him; it is at the end of his field. Let him sell it to me in your presence for full price, so that I may have a burial site.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-5.htm">Genesis 50:5-6</a></span><br />my father made me swear an oath when he said, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.’ Now let me go and bury my father, and then return.” / Pharaoh replied, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear to do.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/49-29.htm">Genesis 49:29-32</a></span><br />Then Jacob instructed them, “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. / The cave is in the field of Machpelah near Mamre, in the land of Canaan. This is the field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. / There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-19.htm">Genesis 33:19</a></span><br />And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/25-9.htm">Genesis 25:9-10</a></span><br />His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. / This was the field that Abraham had bought from the Hittites. Abraham was buried there with his wife Sarah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/47-29.htm">Genesis 47:29-30</a></span><br />When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, / but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/4-1.htm">Ruth 4:1-10</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. / Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. / And he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-2.htm">1 Kings 21:2-3</a></span><br />So Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to use as a vegetable garden, since it is next to my palace. I will give you a better vineyard in its place—or if you prefer, I will give you its value in silver.” / But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/32-7.htm">Jeremiah 32:7-12</a></span><br />Behold! Hanamel, the son of your uncle Shallum, is coming to you to say, ‘Buy for yourself my field in Anathoth, for you have the right of redemption to buy it.’ / Then, as the LORD had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and urged me, ‘Please buy my field in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for you own the right of inheritance and redemption. Buy it for yourself.’” Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD. / So I bought the field in Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel, and I weighed out seventeen shekels of silver. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-16.htm">Acts 7:16</a></span><br />Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Hebrews 11:13-16</a></span><br />All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. / Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. / If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-57.htm">Matthew 27:57-60</a></span><br />When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was a disciple of Jesus. / He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. / So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-38.htm">John 19:38-42</a></span><br />Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body. / Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. / So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-2.htm">Acts 8:2</a></span><br />God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-37.htm">Acts 9:37-39</a></span><br />At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room. / Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to urge him, “Come to us without delay.” / So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-6.htm">Acts 5:6-10</a></span><br />Then the young men stepped forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. / About three hours later his wife also came in, unaware of what had happened. / “Tell me,” said Peter, “is this the price you and your husband got for the land?” “Yes,” she answered, “that is the price.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,</p><p class="hdg">intreat.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/2-17.htm">1 Kings 2:17</a></b></br> And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/7-3.htm">Luke 7:3,4</a></b></br> And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Hebrews 7:26</a></b></br> For such an high priest became us, <i>who is</i> holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/7-25.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/revelation/13-14.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/genesis/23-6.htm">Bury</a> <a href="/acts/25-12.htm">Communed</a> <a href="/genesis/23-6.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/genesis/4-7.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">Entreat</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/13-19.htm">Ephron</a> <a href="/genesis/23-6.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-25.htm">Intercede</a> <a href="/genesis/19-6.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/genesis/9-16.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/genesis/19-21.htm">Request</a> <a href="/genesis/23-6.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/genesis/23-4.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/genesis/23-3.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/genesis/17-3.htm">Talked</a> <a href="/revelation/22-17.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/revelation/3-15.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/genesis/19-30.htm">Zoar</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-7.htm">Zohar</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/3-5.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/genesis/23-11.htm">Bury</a> <a href="/genesis/34-8.htm">Communed</a> <a href="/genesis/23-11.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/genesis/30-34.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/exodus/8-8.htm">Entreat</a> <a href="/genesis/23-10.htm">Ephron</a> <a href="/genesis/23-11.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">Intercede</a> <a href="/genesis/24-12.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/genesis/26-35.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/genesis/34-11.htm">Request</a> <a href="/genesis/23-15.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/genesis/27-12.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/genesis/23-13.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/genesis/34-8.htm">Talked</a> <a href="/genesis/24-5.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/exodus/5-5.htm">Wish</a> <a href="/genesis/25-9.htm">Zoar</a> <a href="/genesis/25-9.htm">Zohar</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/23-1.htm">The age and death of Sarah.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/23-3.htm">The purchase of the field and cave of Machpelah;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/23-19.htm">where Sarah is buried.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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It highlights the cultural practice of seeking permission from local inhabitants for land use, especially for burial purposes. The phrase also underscores the importance of burial in ancient Near Eastern culture, where proper burial was essential for honoring the deceased. Abraham's request shows his desire to secure a permanent burial site for his family, indicating his faith in God's promise of the land to his descendants.<p><b>he said to them,</b><br>Abraham's direct communication with the Hittites demonstrates his role as a patriarch and leader. It reflects the customary practice of negotiating directly with local leaders or representatives. This interaction is part of a larger narrative where Abraham consistently acts with integrity and respect, setting a precedent for his descendants. The dialogue also illustrates the importance of verbal agreements in ancient times, which were often as binding as written contracts.<p><b>listen to me,</b><br>This appeal for attention emphasizes the seriousness of Abraham's request. In the cultural context, it was common to preface important negotiations with a call for attentive listening, ensuring that the parties involved understood the gravity of the matter. Abraham's respectful yet assertive tone indicates his determination to secure a burial site, reflecting his commitment to his family and his faith in God's promises.<p><b>and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf</b><br>Ephron, identified as the son of Zohar, is a Hittite landowner. The mention of his lineage suggests his prominence and authority in the community. Abraham's request to approach Ephron indicates the formal process of negotiation, where intermediaries often played a role in facilitating agreements. This reflects the structured social hierarchy and the importance of familial connections in ancient societies. The specific mention of Ephron sets the stage for the subsequent negotiation for the cave of Machpelah, which becomes a significant family burial site and a symbol of Abraham's faith in God's covenant.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, who is seeking a burial place for his wife, Sarah, after her death.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah</a></b><br>Abraham's wife, whose death prompts Abraham to seek a burial site.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephron_son_of_zohar.htm">Ephron son of Zohar</a></b><br>A Hittite landowner from whom Abraham wishes to purchase a burial site.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/hittites.htm">Hittites</a></b><br>The people living in the land of Canaan, among whom Abraham is residing as a foreigner.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/canaan.htm">Canaan</a></b><br>The land where Abraham is living, which God promised to his descendants.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a></b><br>Abraham's actions demonstrate his faith in God's promise of the land to his descendants, even though he himself does not possess it fully.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_dealings.htm">Integrity in Dealings</a></b><br>Abraham's respectful negotiation with the Hittites shows the importance of integrity and respect in our interactions with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_the_dead.htm">Respect for the Dead</a></b><br>The care Abraham takes in securing a burial place for Sarah highlights the importance of honoring and respecting our loved ones in death.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_relations.htm">Community Relations</a></b><br>Abraham's interaction with the Hittites illustrates the importance of maintaining good relationships with those around us, even when we are in a foreign or secular environment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_heritage.htm">Legacy and Heritage</a></b><br>The purchase of the burial site is a step in establishing a lasting heritage for Abraham's descendants, reminding us of the importance of thinking about the legacy we leave behind.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_cremation.htm">What is the Bible's stance on cremation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_genesis_23_contradict_canaan's_inheritance.htm">Why does the narrative in Genesis 23 seem to contradict other passages suggesting Abraham freely inherited Canaan?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_verify_hittites_in_hebron,_gen_23.htm">How can we verify the historical accuracy of the Hittites' presence in Hebron as mentioned in Genesis 23:3-10?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_abraham's_deal_with_ephron_proven.htm">Is there any record outside the Bible proving Abraham's transaction with Ephron the Hittite mentioned in Genesis 23?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 8, 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And he communed with them, saying, If it be year mind</span> - literally, <span class="accented">if it be with your souls</span>, the word <span class="accented">nephesh</span> being used in this sense in <a href="/psalms/27-12.htm">Psalm 27:12</a>; <a href="/psalms/41-3.htm">Psalm 41:3</a>; <a href="/psalms/105-22.htm">Psalm 105:22</a> - <span class="cmt_word">that I should bury my dead out of my might; hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar.</span> The ruler of the city (Keil); but this is doubtful (Lange). "There is scarcely anything in the habits of Orientals more annoying to us Occidentals than this universal custom of employing mediators to pass between you and-those with whom you wish to do business. Nothing can be done without them. A merchant cannot sell a piece of print, nor a farmer a yoke of oxen, nor any one rent a house, buy a horse, or <span class="accented">get a wife</span>, without a succession of go-betweens. Of course Abraham knew that this matter of the field could not be brought about without the intervention of the neighbors of Ephron, and therefore he applies to them first" ('Land and Book,' p. 579). <span class="cmt_word">That he may give me the cave of Machpelah</span>, - Machpelah is regarded as a proper noun (Gesenius, Keil, Kalisch, Rosenmüller), as in <a href="/genesis/49-30.htm">Genesis 49:30</a>, though by others it is considered as an appellative, signifying that the cave was double (LXX., Vulgate), either as consisting of a cave within a cave (Hamerus), or of one cave exterior and another interior (Abort Ezra), or as having room for two bodies (Calvin), or as possessing two entrances (Jewish interpreters). It is probable the cave received its name from its peculiar form, - <span class="cmt_word">which he hath</span> (Ephron s ownership of the cave is expressly recognized, and its situation is next described), <span class="cmt_word">which is in the end of his field</span> - "so that the cession of it will not injure his property" (Wordsworth). At the same time Abraham makes it clear that an honest purchase is what he contemplates. <span class="cmt_word">For as much money as it is worth</span> - literally, <span class="accented">for full silver</span> (<a href="/1_chronicles/21-22.htm">1 Chronicles 21:22</a>). Cf. <span class="accented">siller</span> (Scotch) for money. This is the first mention of the use of the precious metals as a medium of exchange, though they must have been so employed at a very early period (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/13-2.htm">Genesis 13:2</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">he shall give it me for a possession of a burying-place amongst you.</span> The early Chaldaeans were accustomed to bury their dead in strongly-constructed brick vaults. Those found at Mughheir are seven feet long, three feet seven inches broad, and five feet high, are composed of sun-dried bricks embedded in mud, and exhibit a remarkable form and construction of arch, resembling that occur ring in Egyptian buildings and Scythian tombs, in which the successive layers of brick are made to overlap until they come so close that the aperture may be covered by a single brick (Rawlinson's 'Ancient Monarchies,' Vol. 1. p. 86). In the absence of such artificial receptacles for the dead, the nearest substitute the patriarch could obtain was one of those natural grottoes which the limestone hills of Canaan so readily afforded. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/23-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you are willing</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְשְׁכֶ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šə·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">for me to bury</span><br /><span class="heb">לִקְבֹּ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(liq·bōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6912.htm">Strong's 6912: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my dead,”</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵתִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִתָּ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’it·tām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“listen to me,</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמָע֕וּנִי</span> <span class="translit">(šə·mā·‘ū·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and approach</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפִגְעוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄iḡ·‘ū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6293.htm">Strong's 6293: </a> </span><span class="str2">To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Ephron</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֶפְר֥וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ep̄·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6085.htm">Strong's 6085: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ephron -- a Hittite, also a mountain and a place in Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Zohar</span><br /><span class="heb">צֹֽחַר׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṣō·ḥar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6714.htm">Strong's 6714: </a> </span><span class="str2">Zohar -- a Hittite, also two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on my behalf</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/23-8.htm">Genesis 23:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/23-8.htm">Genesis 23:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/23-8.htm">Genesis 23:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/23-8.htm">Genesis 23:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/23-8.htm">Genesis 23:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/23-8.htm">Genesis 23:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/23-8.htm">Genesis 23:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/23-8.htm">Genesis 23:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/23-8.htm">Genesis 23:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/23-8.htm">Genesis 23:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/23-8.htm">OT Law: Genesis 23:8 He talked with them saying If it (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/23-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 23:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 23:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/23-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 23:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 23:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>