Genesis 23:12
Genesis 23:12 in Multiple Translations
Again Abraham bowed down before the people of the land
And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.
And Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land.
And Abraham went down on his face before the people of the land.
Abraham bowed low before the local people,
Then Abraham bowed himselfe before the people of the land,
And Abraham boweth himself before the people of the land,
Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land.
And Abraham bowed himself before the people of the land.
Abraham bowed down before the people of the land,
Abraham again bowed before the people who lived in the area,
Then Abraham got down on his knees again in front of the Heth people, to show them respect.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 23:12
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 23:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ֙
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
עַ֥ם
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ֙
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
עַ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 23:12
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ֙
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
עַ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 23:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 23:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:12
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:12
- Sermons on Genesis 23:12
Context — The Death and Burial of Sarah
10Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth. So in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city, Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham,
11“No, my lord. Listen to me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead.”
12Again Abraham bowed down before the people of the land
13and said to Ephron in their presence, “If you will please listen to me, I will pay you the price of the field. Accept it from me, so that I may bury my dead there.” 14Ephron answered Abraham,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 23:7 | Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites. |
| 2 | Genesis 18:2 | And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. |
| 3 | Genesis 19:1 | Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, |
Genesis 23:12 Summary
In Genesis 23:12, Abraham bows down before the people of the land as a sign of respect and humility. This action shows that Abraham values peace and harmony in his relationships with others. Just like Abraham, we can show respect and humility in our interactions with others by being willing to listen, yield, and submit to authority, as taught in Romans 12:18 and Philippians 2:3-4. By following Abraham's example, we can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham bow down before the people of the land in Genesis 23:12?
Abraham bowed down as a sign of respect and humility before the people of the land, demonstrating his recognition of their authority and his desire to conduct a peaceful transaction, as seen in other instances of showing respect in the Bible, such as in Genesis 33:3 and Exodus 18:7.
What can we learn from Abraham's actions in this verse about interacting with others?
Abraham's actions teach us the importance of humility and respect in our interactions with others, even when we are in a position of power or authority, as emphasized in Proverbs 22:1 and Matthew 20:26-28.
How does this verse relate to the concept of submission in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the biblical concept of submission, where Abraham voluntarily submits to the customs and authority of the people of the land, demonstrating a willingness to yield and show respect, as taught in Ephesians 5:21 and Romans 13:1-2.
What does Abraham's behavior reveal about his character in this situation?
Abraham's behavior in Genesis 23:12 reveals his character as a man of integrity, humility, and wisdom, who is able to navigate complex social situations with grace and respect, as seen in his interactions with others throughout the book of Genesis, such as in Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 21:22-34.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show respect and humility in my interactions with others, just like Abraham did in this verse?
- How can I apply the principle of submission, as seen in this verse, to my own life and relationships?
- What can I learn from Abraham's example about navigating complex social situations with integrity and wisdom?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a willingness to yield and show respect to others, even when it's difficult or challenging?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:12
And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:12
And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:12
Genesis 23:12 And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.Ver. 12. Abraham bowed down himself.] Civil courtesy is a Christian duty. Religion teacheth not a severe austerity of carriage, or rusticity; but humanity and a genuine affection.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:12
(12) Abraham bowed down.—This obeisance on the patriarch’s part is the Oriental method of returning thanks for the granting of a request; and so in Genesis 23:7. The next step is to fix the price.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:12
12. bowed himself] See note on Genesis 23:7. He had been sitting, while Ephron was speaking.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:12
12. Bowed — Thus again (comp. Genesis 23:3; Genesis 23:7) he courteously acknowledges the friendly spirit and generosity of these Hittites.
Sermons on Genesis 23:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 23:10-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the politeness and civility of Abraham and the people of the land during a transaction. The speaker emphasizes that despite the common percept |
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(1 Peter - Part 21): As Strangers & Pilgrims, Abstain From Fleshly Lusts by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are pilgrims journeying home and our only real enemies are within us. God has changed the external world and protecte |
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The Eternal Spirit the Gifts That Came by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence of dens of vice in our society, indicating that the Lord's coming is near. He refers to the book, which keeps him on the right |
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Pt 5 the Corruption of the Leaven by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the three measures of meal. He explains that the parable represents fellowship with God in service, which can be spoiled by th |
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(Genesis) Genesis 19:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Lot in chapter 19 of the Bible. Two angels visit Lot in Sodom and warn him of the impending judgment. Lot leaves Sodom with his |
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I Am Thy Strength and Shield - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene of immorality and sin in the world, with prostitutes and drug users. However, he emphasizes that these things do not move or concern |
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John 17 by William Fitch | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of the corruption and immorality that exists in the world, including the entertainment industry. He highlights the fact that movies |