Genesis 23:5
Genesis 23:5 in Multiple Translations
The Hittites replied to Abraham,
And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,
And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,
And in answer the children of Heth said to Abraham,
The Hittites answered Abraham, telling him,
Then the Hittites answered Abraham, saying vnto him,
And the sons of Heth answer Abraham, saying to him,
The children of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him,
And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him,
The children of Heth answered, saying:
They replied to him,
The Heth people said to Abraham,
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 23:5
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 23:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּעֲנ֧וּ
בְנֵי
חֵ֛ת
אֶת
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
לֵ/אמֹ֥ר
לֽ/וֹ
וַ/יַּעֲנ֧וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
חֵ֛ת
Chêth
H2845
Heth
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 23:5
וַ/יַּעֲנ֧וּ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
חֵ֛ת
Chêth
H2845
"Heth"
N-proper
Refers to Heth, a descendant of Canaan, who was an aboriginal Canaanite mentioned in Genesis 10:15 as the father of the Hittites.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.15; son of: Canaan (H3667); brother of: Sidon (H6721), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577); also called Hittite (KJV: "of Heth") frequently Also named: chit.ti (חִתִּי "Hittite" H2850) § Heth = "terror" a son of Canaan and the progenitor of the Hittites
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Heth. See also: Genesis 10:15; Genesis 23:18; 1 Chronicles 1:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
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.
אַבְרָהָ֖ם
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.
לֵ/אמֹ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Genesis 23:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Death and Burial of Sarah
3Then Abraham got up from beside his dead wife and said to the Hittites,
4“I am a foreigner and an outsider among you. Give me a burial site among you so that I can bury my dead.”
5The Hittites replied to Abraham,
6“Listen to us, sir. You are God’s chosen one among us. Bury your dead in the finest of our tombs. None of us will withhold his tomb for burying your dead.” 7Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites.Genesis 23:5 Summary
[In Genesis 23:5, the Hittites respond to Abraham's request for a burial site, showing their respect and kindness towards him. This is a powerful example of how God can work through our relationships with others, even those who may not share our faith. As seen in Genesis 12:2-3, God had promised to bless Abraham and make him a blessing to others, and this verse shows that promise being fulfilled. By trusting in God and being a blessing to others, we can experience the same kind of respect and kindness that Abraham did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Hittites' response to Abraham in Genesis 23:5?
The Hittites' response shows their respect and kindness towards Abraham, a foreigner among them, as seen in Genesis 23:6 where they offer him the finest of their tombs. This is a testament to Abraham's reputation and relationship with the people of the land, as mentioned in Genesis 21:22-23.
How does this verse relate to Abraham's faith and trust in God?
Abraham's faith and trust in God are demonstrated by his bold request to the Hittites for a burial site, as seen in Genesis 23:4, despite being a foreigner and an outsider among them. This faith is rooted in God's promises to him, such as in Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 17:8.
What can we learn from the Hittites' attitude towards Abraham in this verse?
The Hittites' attitude towards Abraham teaches us the importance of showing kindness and respect to strangers and outsiders, as commanded in Leviticus 19:34 and Deuteronomy 10:19. This is a principle that is still relevant today, as seen in the New Testament in passages like Matthew 25:35 and Hebrews 13:2.
How does this verse fit into the broader narrative of Abraham's life and the story of God's people?
Genesis 23:5 is part of the story of Abraham's life, which is a key part of the biblical narrative. It shows how Abraham, as a man of faith, interacted with the people around him and how God was working in his life, as seen in passages like Romans 4:1-25 and Hebrews 11:8-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show respect and kindness to strangers and outsiders in my community, just like the Hittites did to Abraham?
- How can I, like Abraham, trust God and have faith in His promises, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances?
- What can I learn from Abraham's example of humility and respect, as seen in his interaction with the Hittites in Genesis 23:7?
- How does this verse challenge or encourage me to live out my faith in my daily life and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:5
And the children of Heth answered Abraham,.... In a very civil and respectful manner: saying unto him, as follows:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:5
I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:5
Genesis 23:5 And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,Ver. 5. And the children of Heth answered Abraham.] "With good words and comfortable". "Be pitiful, be courteous".