Genesis 23:15
Genesis 23:15 in Multiple Translations
“Listen to me, my lord. The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”
My lord, hearken unto me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.
My lord, hearken unto me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.
My lord, give ear to me: the value of the land is four hundred shekels; what is that between me and you? so put your dead to rest there.
“My lord, please listen to me. The land is worth four hundred pieces of silver. But what's that between us? Go and bury your dead.”
My lord, hearken vnto me: ye land is worth foure hundreth shekels of siluer: what is that betweene me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.
'My lord, hear me: the land — four hundred shekels of silver; between me and thee, what [is] it? — thy dead bury.'
“My lord, listen to me. What is a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver between me and you? Therefore bury your dead.”
My lord, hearken to me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.
My lord, hear me. The ground which thou desirest, is worth four hundred sicles of silver: this is the price between me and thee: but what is this? bury thy dead.
“Sir, listen to me. The land is worth 400 pieces of silver. But the price is not important to you and me. Give me the money and bury your wife’s body there.”
“Sir, the right price for that land is just 4 kilograms of silver money, but let’s not talk about money all day. The most important thing is that you can bury your wife.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 23:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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 23:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲדֹנִ֣/י
שְׁמָעֵ֔/נִי
אֶרֶץ֩
אַרְבַּ֨ע
מֵאֹ֧ת
שֶֽׁקֶל
כֶּ֛סֶף
בֵּינִ֥/י
וּ/בֵֽינְ/ךָ֖
מַה
הִ֑וא
וְ/אֶת
מֵתְ/ךָ֖
קְבֹֽר
אֲדֹנִ֣/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
שְׁמָעֵ֔/נִי
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֶרֶץ֩
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
אַרְבַּ֨ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Adj
מֵאֹ֧ת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
שֶֽׁקֶל
sheqel
H8255
shekel
N-ms
כֶּ֛סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
בֵּינִ֥/י
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵֽינְ/ךָ֖
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
הִ֑וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מֵתְ/ךָ֖
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal | Suff
קְבֹֽר
qâbar
H6912
to bury
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 23:15
אֲדֹנִ֣/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
שְׁמָעֵ֔/נִי
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶרֶץ֩
ʼerets
H776
"land"
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.
אַרְבַּ֨ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
מֵאֹ֧ת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
שֶֽׁקֶל
sheqel
H8255
"shekel"
N-ms
A shekel was a unit of weight or money in ancient Israel, like a coin or a measure of gold, silver, or copper. It was used for trade and commerce, as seen in the book of Exodus. The value varied depending on the material.
Definition: 1) shekel 1a) the chief unit of weight or measure 1a1) gold-1/10000 of a talent and equal to 220 grains 1a2) silver-1/3000 of a talent and equal to 132 grains 1a3) copper-1/1500 of a talent and equal to 528 grains Aramaic equivalent: te.qel (תְּקֵל "shekel" H8625B)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: shekel. See also: Genesis 23:15; Numbers 7:55; Jeremiah 32:9.
כֶּ֛סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
בֵּינִ֥/י
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/בֵֽינְ/ךָ֖
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הִ֑וא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מֵתְ/ךָ֖
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
קְבֹֽר
qâbar
H6912
"to bury"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To bury means to inter or lay someone to rest, often in a grave or tomb. This word is used throughout the Bible to describe the act of burying the dead, and is translated as bury in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to bury 1a) (Qal) to bury 1b) (Niphal) to be buried 1c) (Piel) to bury, bury (in masses) 1d) (Pual) to be buried
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier). See also: Genesis 15:15; 1 Kings 14:31; Psalms 79:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 23:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 23:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 23:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:15
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:15
- Sermons on Genesis 23:15
Context — The Death and Burial of Sarah
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,
15“Listen to me, my lord. The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”
16Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants. 17So Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre, the cave that was in it, and all the trees within the boundaries of the field were deeded overCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 45:12 | The shekel will consist of twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels will equal one mina. |
| 2 | Exodus 30:13 | Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD. |
| 3 | Exodus 30:15 | In making the offering to the LORD to atone for your lives, the rich shall not give more than a half shekel, nor shall the poor give less. |
Genesis 23:15 Summary
In Genesis 23:15, Ephron is saying that the price of the land doesn't matter as much as the relationship between him and Abraham. This shows that sometimes, it's not just about getting a good deal, but about treating others with kindness and respect. As followers of God, we are called to love our neighbors and show hospitality to strangers, just like Abraham did (Matthew 22:37-40, Hebrews 13:2). By looking at this verse, we can see the importance of valuing relationships and being fair in our dealings with others, just like God is fair and just (Deuteronomy 32:4).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the price of four hundred shekels of silver in Genesis 23:15?
The price of four hundred shekels of silver was the market value of the land, as Ephron stated, but Abraham agreed to it to show his commitment to purchasing the land for a proper burial site, as seen in Genesis 23:16. This act of kindness and fairness is reminiscent of the character of God, who is just and fair, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:4.
Why did Ephron say 'what is that between you and me' in Genesis 23:15?
Ephron's statement 'what is that between you and me' was a way of saying that the price of the land was insignificant compared to their relationship, and he was willing to make the sale to Abraham, as a sign of respect and friendship, similar to the way God values relationships, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40.
Is this transaction between Abraham and Ephron an example of a business deal or a generous gift?
While Ephron named a price for the land, his statement 'what is that between you and me' suggests a level of generosity and kindness, reflecting the biblical principle of showing hospitality to strangers, as seen in Genesis 18:1-8 and Hebrews 13:2.
What can we learn from Abraham's interaction with Ephron in Genesis 23:15?
Abraham's interaction with Ephron demonstrates the importance of fairness, kindness, and respect in our dealings with others, reflecting the character of God, who is a God of justice and mercy, as stated in Psalm 89:14.
Reflection Questions
- How can I demonstrate fairness and kindness in my own interactions with others, just like Abraham did with Ephron?
- What are some ways I can show respect and value to those around me, even in difficult or challenging situations?
- How does this verse encourage me to think about the importance of relationships and community in my life?
- What does this transaction between Abraham and Ephron reveal about the nature of God and His desire for us to live in harmony with one another?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:15
My lord, hearken unto me,.... Since it is your mind to buy the field, and not receive it as a gift, then hear what I have to say as to the value of it: the land [is worth] four hundred shekels of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:15
My lord, hearken unto me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 23:15
He speaks of the common shekel, which many value at fifteen pence of English money; but others, more probably, at two shillings and sixpence, rightly, as I conceive, supposing that this was of the same weight and value with the shekel of the sanctuary, which was so called, not as if that were double to the former, but only because all shekels were to be examined by that standard which was kept in the sanctuary. What is that betwixt me and thee? both friends, and rich men; it is not worth any words or trouble between us.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:15
Genesis 23:14 And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him, Genesis 23:15 My lord, hearken unto me: the land [is worth] four hundred shekels of silver; what [is] that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.Ver. 14, 15. What is that between me and thee?] Who both are great friends, and well underlaid. See a like kind contestation between David and Araunah, 2 Samuel 24:22-23.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:15
(15) The land is worth . . . —Our version misses the courtliness of Ephron’s answer, who only fixes the price indirectly, saying, “Land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that betwixt me and thee?” The money amounts to about £50, no mean price, considering the high value of silver in those days.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:15
Verse 15. The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver] Though the words is worth are not in the text, yet they are necessarily expressed here to adapt the Hebrew to the idiom of our tongue. A shekel, according to the general opinion, was equal to two shillings and sixpence; but according to Dr. Prideaux, whose estimate I shall follow, three shillings English, four hundred of which are equal to sixty pounds sterling; but it is evident that a certain weight is intended, and not a coin, for in Genesis 23:16 it is said, And Abraham weighed וישקל vaiyishkol, the silver, and hence it appears that this weight itself passed afterwards as a current coin, for the word is not only used to express a coin or piece of silver, but also to weigh; See Clarke on Genesis 20:16.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:15
15. worth four hundred shekels of silver] About £ 55. See note on Genesis 20:16. On the Hebrew value of a shekel, cf. Exodus 30:13, Ezekiel 45:12. In 2 Samuel 24:24 David buys the threshing-floor and the oxen of Araunah for 50 shekels of silver. In the Code of Hammurabi a hireling would not receive more than I shekel a month as wages (S. A. Cook, p. 172). what is that betwixt me and thee?] Ephron has mentioned a full price; he is poor, Abraham rich: the figure could not possibly be a hindrance to the bargain. The important thing is that he, the owner, is willing to sell. Abraham will, therefore, of course purchase.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:15
15. Four hundred shekels of silver — A nearer approach to the sense here would be four hundred weight of silver, for the payment was by weight, not in coins.
Sermons on Genesis 23:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 38:18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the colors used in the hanging for the gate of the court. The blue represents Christ's deity, as he came from heaven. The |