Genesis 23:17
Genesis 23:17 in Multiple Translations
So 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 over
¶ And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure
So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the border thereof round about, were made sure
So Ephron's field at Machpelah near Mamre, with the hollow in the rock and all the trees in the field and round it,
So the property was legally transferred. It comprised Ephron's field in Machpelah near Mamre, both the field and the cave there, as well as all the trees in the field, and all the area up to the existing boundaries.
So the fielde of Ephron which was in Machpelah, and ouer against Mamre, euen the field and the caue that was therein, and all the trees that were in the fielde, which were in all the borders round about, was made sure
And established are the field of Ephron, which [is] in Machpelah, which [is] before Mamre, the field and the cave which [is] in it, and all the trees which [are] in the field, which [are] in all its border round about,
So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all of its borders, were deeded
And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure
And the field that before was Ephron’s, wherein was the double cave, looking towards Mambre, both it and the cave, and all the trees thereof in all its limits round about,
So Ephron’s field in the Machpelah area, near Mamre, and the cave in the field, and all the trees that were in the field inside the boundaries of the land, became Abraham’s possession.
Then that land, and the cave, and all the trees on that land, they belonged to Abraham. That land was in the place called Makpelah, to the east of the place called Mamreh. All the Heth people that were at the town gate, they saw Abraham buy Efron’s land, so they knew that it belonged to Abraham.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 23:17
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 23:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
שְׂדֵ֣ה
עֶפְר֗וֹן
אֲשֶׁר֙
בַּ/מַּכְפֵּלָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
מַמְרֵ֑א
הַ/שָּׂדֶה֙
וְ/הַ/מְּעָרָ֣ה
אֲשֶׁר
בּ֔/וֹ
וְ/כָל
הָ/עֵץ֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בְּ/כָל
גְּבֻל֖/וֹ
סָבִֽיב
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׂדֵ֣ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
N-ms
עֶפְר֗וֹן
ʻEphrôwn
H6085
Ephron
N-proper
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בַּ/מַּכְפֵּלָ֔ה
Makpêlâh
H4375
Machpelah
Prep | N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
מַמְרֵ֑א
Mamrêʼ
H4471
Mamre
N-proper
הַ/שָּׂדֶה֙
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/מְּעָרָ֣ה
mᵉʻârâh
H4631
cave
Conj | Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בּ֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הָ/עֵץ֙
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
גְּבֻל֖/וֹ
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms | Suff
סָבִֽיב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 23:17
וַ/יָּ֣קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
שְׂדֵ֣ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
עֶפְר֗וֹן
ʻEphrôwn
H6085
"Ephron"
N-proper
Ephron is the name of a Canaanite and two places in Palestine, first mentioned in Genesis 41:52 as the son of Joseph. It is also the name of a place where Abraham bought a cave to bury Sarah.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.41.52; son of: Joseph (H3130) and Asenath (H0621); brother of: Manasseh (H4519); father of: Shuthelah (H7803), Becher (H1071H), Tahan (H8465), Ezer (H5827), Elead (H0496) and Beriah (H1283H); also called Ephrathite (NIV: Ephraimite) at 1Sa.1.1; Ephron (Qere, KJV: Ephrain) at 2Ch.13.19; Another name of eph.ra.yim (אֶפְרַ֫יִם "Ephraim" H0669G) § Ephron = "fawn-like" 1) a Hittite, son of Zohar and the one from whom Abraham bought the field and cave of Machpelah 2) a city on the borders of Benjamin 3) a mountain on the northern border of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Ephron, Ephrain (from the margin). See also: Genesis 23:8; Genesis 25:9; 2 Chronicles 13:19.
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּ/מַּכְפֵּלָ֔ה
Makpêlâh
H4375
"Machpelah"
Prep | N-proper
Machpelah is a place in Palestine, near Hebron, where the patriarchs were buried. It is mentioned in Genesis as the site of a burial cave purchased by Abraham.
Definition: § Machpelah = "double" or "portion" the location of a burial cave for the patriarchs, near Hebron
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Machpelah. See also: Genesis 23:9; Genesis 25:9; Genesis 50:13.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
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.
מַמְרֵ֑א
Mamrêʼ
H4471
"Mamre"
N-proper
Mamre was an Amorite who allied with Abraham, and his name means strength or fatness. The Bible mentions Mamre in Genesis 14:13 as a brother of Eshcol and Aner. Mamre's land had a notable oak grove where Abraham dwelt.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, only mentioned at Gen.14.13; brother of: Eshcol (H0812) and Aner (H6063) § Mamre = "strength" or "fatness" 1) an Amorite who allied himself with Abram 2) an oak grove on Mamre's land in Palestine where Abraham dwelt 3) a place near Abraham's burial place, apparently identified with Hebron
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Mamre. See also: Genesis 13:18; Genesis 23:19; Genesis 50:13.
הַ/שָּׂדֶה֙
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
וְ/הַ/מְּעָרָ֣ה
mᵉʻârâh
H4631
"cave"
Conj | Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, often used to describe a dark or hidden place. It can also refer to a hole or a hollowed-out space. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural landscapes and places of refuge or hiding.
Definition: cave, den, hole
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: cave, den, hole. See also: Genesis 19:30; 1 Samuel 13:6; Psalms 57:1.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בּ֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עֵץ֙
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
גְּבֻל֖/וֹ
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
סָבִֽיב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
Study Notes — Genesis 23:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
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- Cross References
- Genesis 23:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:17
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:17
- Sermons on Genesis 23:17
Context — The Death and Burial of Sarah
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 over
18to Abraham’s possession in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city. 19After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field at Machpelah near Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 25:9 | His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. |
| 2 | Genesis 50:13 | They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. |
| 3 | Genesis 23:20 | So the field and its cave were deeded by the Hittites to Abraham as a burial site. |
| 4 | Genesis 49:29–32 | 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. The field and the cave that is in it were purchased from the Hittites.” |
| 5 | Acts 7:16 | 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. |
| 6 | Matthew 10:16 | Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. |
| 7 | Psalms 112:5 | It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. |
| 8 | Colossians 4:5 | Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 32:7–14 | 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. I signed and sealed the deed, called in witnesses, and weighed out the silver on the scales. Then I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy with its terms and conditions, as well as the open copy— and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of my cousin Hanamel and the witnesses who were signing the purchase agreement and all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard. In their sight I instructed Baruch, “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Take these deeds—both the sealed copy and the open copy of the deed of purchase—and put them in a clay jar to preserve them for a long time. |
| 10 | Ruth 4:7–10 | Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel. So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” At this, Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the deceased through his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his home. You are witnesses today.” |
Genesis 23:17 Summary
Genesis 23:17 tells us that Abraham bought a field and cave from Ephron, which became a special place for his family to be buried. This event shows Abraham's trust in God's promises, as seen in Genesis 12:7, and his commitment to following God's plan. The field and cave serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness to Abraham and his family, just as He is faithful to us today (as promised in Deuteronomy 7:9). By following Abraham's example, we can learn to trust God and have integrity in all our actions, just like Abraham did when he paid the full price for the field in Genesis 23:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the field and cave at Machpelah in Genesis 23:17?
The field and cave at Machpelah hold great importance as they become the burial site for many key figures in the Bible, including Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob, as seen in Genesis 25:9-11 and Genesis 49:29-32. This site serves as a reminder of God's promises to the patriarchs.
Why did Abraham pay Ephron the full price for the field in Genesis 23:17?
Abraham paid the full price to demonstrate his commitment to acquiring the land honestly and to show respect for the Hittites, as seen in Genesis 23:16. This action reflects Abraham's integrity and trust in God's plan, as stated in Genesis 23:6.
What does the phrase 'deeded over' mean in Genesis 23:17?
The phrase 'deeded over' signifies the transfer of ownership from Ephron to Abraham, making the field and cave officially Abraham's property, as witnessed by the Hittites in Genesis 23:18. This transfer is a crucial step in fulfilling God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:7.
How does Genesis 23:17 relate to the larger story of God's covenant with Abraham?
Genesis 23:17 marks an important milestone in the story of God's covenant with Abraham, as it shows Abraham's faithfulness in acquiring the land and his trust in God's promises, which are reiterated in Genesis 17:8 and Genesis 28:13-15.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from Abraham's example of integrity and honesty in business dealings, as seen in Genesis 23:17?
- How does the transfer of ownership in Genesis 23:17 reflect God's sovereignty over all things, including our possessions?
- What role does trust in God's promises play in our decision-making, as demonstrated by Abraham in Genesis 23:17?
- In what ways can we, like Abraham, demonstrate our commitment to following God's plan, even when it involves difficult or costly decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:17
And the field of Ephron, which [was] in Machpelah,.... This clearly shows that Machpelah is the proper name of a place or tract of ground, and not an appellative, or to be rendered the double cave,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:17
And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about,
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:17
Genesis 23:17 And the field of Ephron, which [was] in Machpelah, which [was] before Mamre, the field, and the cave which [was] therein, and all the trees that [were] in the field, that [were] in all the borders round about, were made sureVer. 17. Which was in Machpelah.] Where was a double cave, one within another: and haply one for men, and another for women. This was not that purchased burying place whereof Stephen spake, for that was in Sychem, this in Hebron; that was bought of Emor the father of Sychem, this of Ephron.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:17
(17) Before Mamre.—That is, opposite to it. The Haram wherein the bodies of Abraham and Sarah lie, is situated on the eastern side of the valley, so that Abraham’s oak-grove must have been on its western slope. The old Christian tradition, which places it at Ramet-el-Chalil, does not agree with this description, and is, moreover, too far away. The remains pointed out there as those of Abraham’s house, are the ruins of a heathen temple. But it is useless to look for any remains of the abode of a nomad dwelling in tents, especially after the site has been occupied by a great city. Moreover, Hebron itself has changed its position. For Benjamin of Tudela, who visited it nearly seven centuries ago, says that the old Hebron was on the heights, but had been abandoned, and that the new city lay in the valley. The field, and the cave . . . —It is interesting to compare this document, so legally exact and full, with the numerous tablets of terra-cotta now in our museums, and which record with equal exactness the daily business transactions of the people of Ur-Chasdim, whence Abraham had migrated.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:17
Verse 17. All the trees that were in the field] It is possible that all these were specified in the agreement.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:17
17. So the field of Ephron] This and the following verses contain, in language of legal minuteness, the description of the purchase. The sentence probably represents the form of a deed of sale, such as was included in Hebrew contracts. Similar minute details are found in Babylonian legal deeds of sale. Notice the particular mention of “the field,” “the cave,” “all the trees,” “all the border,” “made sure,” “in the presence of,” “all that went in at the gate of his city.” before Mamre] i.e. “in front of” = “to the east of,” as in Genesis 23:19, cf. Genesis 16:12, Genesis 25:18; Numbers 21:11; Deuteronomy 32:49 (“over against”). For Mamre, a locality either identified with, or contiguous to, Hebron, cf. Genesis 13:18, Genesis 35:27.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:17
17. Field… cave… trees… borders — Observe how every thing is specified — The importance of this is still understood.
Sermons on Genesis 23:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 49:29-33 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life of Jacob and how he evolved spiritually. Jacob started out as a man of the flesh, always striving to be first and taking what he wa |
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An Introduction to the Day of Atonement by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the tragedy that occurred in one of the leading families of the Israelites right at the beginning of their journey as a nation of priests. T |
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(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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(Genesis) Genesis 50:4-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the burial of Jacob, also known as Israel, and the significance of his burial place. Joseph, Jacob's son, requests permission from Pharaoh to |
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The Great Need of the Hour by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 7th and 16th chapters of the Book of Acts. He emphasizes the need for a revival in America and the importance of witnessing to others ab |
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How to Get on Fire for God by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three keys to getting on fire for God. The first key is faith, which is described as believing in the promises of God and finding joy and pea |
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(Biographies) Adoniram Judson by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding the deposit of the gospel with fences. He warns against the consequences of not protecting the truth of the gospel |