New International Version and he said to Ephron in their hearing, “Listen to me, if you will. I will pay the price of the field. Accept it from me so I can bury my dead there.” New Living Translation and he replied to Ephron as everyone listened. “No, listen to me. I will buy it from you. Let me pay the full price for the field so I can bury my dead there.” English Standard Version And he said to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, “But if you will, hear me: I give the price of the field. Accept it from me, that I may bury my dead there.” Berean Standard Bible and 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.” Berean Literal Bible and he spoke to Ephron in the ears of the people of the land, saying, “Only if you—please—hear me: I give the silver for the field; take it from me, and I will bury my dead there.” King James Bible And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee money for the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there. New King James Version and he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, “If you will give it, please hear me. I will give you money for the field; take it from me and I will bury my dead there.” New American Standard Bible But he spoke to Ephron so that the people of the land heard, saying, “If you will only please listen to me; I will give the price of the field, accept it from me so that I may bury my dead there.” NASB 1995 He spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, “If you will only please listen to me; I will give the price of the field, accept it from me that I may bury my dead there.” NASB 1977 And he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, “If you will only please listen to me; I will give the price of the field, accept it from me, that I may bury my dead there.” Legacy Standard Bible And he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, “If you will only please hear me; I will give the silver for the field, accept it from me that I may bury my dead there.” Amplified Bible He said to Ephron in the presence of the people of the land, “If you will only please listen to me and accept my offer. I will give you the price of the field; accept it from me and I will bury my dead there.” Berean Annotated Bible and said to Ephron (fawn-like) 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. Christian Standard Bible and said to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, “Listen to me, if you please. Let me pay the price of the field. Accept it from me, and let me bury my dead there.” Holman Christian Standard Bible and said to Ephron in the presence of the people of the land, “Please listen to me. Let me pay the price of the field. Accept it from me, and let me bury my dead there.” American Standard Version And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt, I pray thee, hear me: I will give the price of the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there. Contemporary English Version and said to Ephron, "In front of these witnesses, I offer you the full price, so I can bury my wife. Please accept my offer." English Revised Version And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt, I pray thee, hear me: I will give the price of the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there. GOD'S WORD® Translation He spoke to Ephron so that the people of that region could hear him. He said, "If you would only listen to me. I will pay you the price of the field. Take it from me so that I can bury my wife there." Good News Translation and said to Ephron, so that everyone could hear, "May I ask you, please, to listen. I will buy the whole field. Accept my payment, and I will bury my wife there." International Standard Version and then addressed Ephron so all the people of the land could hear him: "Please listen to me! I'm willing to pay the price of the field. Accept it from me, so I may bury my dead there." NET Bible and said to Ephron in their hearing, "Hear me, if you will. I pay to you the price of the field. Take it from me so that I may bury my dead there." New Heart English Bible He spoke to Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, "But if you will, please hear me. I will give the price of the field. Take it from me, and I will bury my dead there." Webster's Bible Translation And he spoke to Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee money for the field: take it of me, and I will bury my dead there. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand 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.” World English Bible He spoke to Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, “But if you will, please hear me. I will give the price of the field. Take it from me, and I will bury my dead there.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand speaks to Ephron in the ears of the people of the land, saying, “Only—if you would hear me—I have given the money of the field—accept from me, and I bury my dead there.” Berean Literal Bible and he spoke to Ephron in the ears of the people of the land, saying, “Only if you—please—hear me: I give the silver for the field; take it from me, and I will bury my dead there.” Young's Literal Translation and speaketh unto Ephron in the ears of the people of the land, saying, 'Only -- if thou wouldest hear me -- I have given the money of the field -- accept from me, and I bury my dead there.' Smith's Literal Translation And he will speak to Ephron in the ears of the people of the land, saying, Surely, if thou art for it, hear me: I gave silver for the field, take of me: and I will bury my dead there. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he spoke to Ephron, in the presence of the people: I beseech thee to hear me: I will give money for the field: take it, and so I will bury my dead in it. Catholic Public Domain Version And he spoke to Ephron, standing in the midst of the people: “I ask you to hear me. I will give you money for the field. Take it, and so I will bury my dead in it.” New American Bible addressed Ephron in the hearing of these men: “If only you would please listen to me! I will pay you the price of the field. Accept it from me, that I may bury my dead there.” New Revised Standard Version He said to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, “If you only will listen to me! I will give the price of the field; accept it from me, so that I may bury my dead there.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen he said to Ephron in the presence of the people of the land, If you are willing, then hearken to me; I will give you money for the price of the field; take it from me, and I will bury my dead there. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said to Aphron before the people of the land, “If you will hear me, I shall give to you the money estimate of the field; take it from me and I shall bury my dead there.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he spoke unto Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying: 'But if thou wilt, I pray thee, hear me: I will give the price of the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said in the ears of Ephron before the people of the land, Since thou art on my side, hear me; take the price of the field from me, and I will bury my dead there. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Death and Burial of Sarah…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 and said to Ephron in their presence, Ruth 4:1-2 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. Jeremiah 32:12 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. Deuteronomy 31:28-30 Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them. / For I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt and turn from the path I have commanded you. And in the days to come, disaster will befall you because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD to provoke Him to anger by the work of your hands.” / Then Moses recited aloud to the whole assembly of Israel the words of this song from beginning to end: “If you will please listen to me, 1 Samuel 25:24 She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. Job 33:1 “But now, O Job, hear my speech, and listen to all my words. Proverbs 8:32-33 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. / Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. I will pay you the price of the field. 2 Samuel 24:24 “No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 1 Chronicles 21:24 “No,” replied King David, “I insist on paying the full price, for I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you, nor will I offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” Jeremiah 32:9-10 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. Accept it from me, 2 Kings 5:15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” Genesis 33:11 Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” So Jacob pressed him until he accepted. 1 Samuel 25:27 Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you. so that I may bury my dead there.” Genesis 49:29-31 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. 1 Kings 13:30-31 Then he laid the body in his own tomb, and they lamented over him, “Oh, my brother!” / After he had buried him, the prophet said to his sons, “When I die, you must bury me in the tomb where the man of God is buried. Lay my bones beside his bones, Matthew 8:21-22 Another of His disciples requested, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” / But Jesus told him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Genesis 49:30-32 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.” Treasury of Scripture And he spoke to Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if you will give it, I pray you, hear me: I will give you money for the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there. I will. Genesis 14:22,23 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, … 2 Samuel 24:24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Jump to Previous Abraham Accept Audience Bury Dead Ear Ears Ephron Field Hear Hearing Money Pay Please Price Speaketh WiltJump to Next Abraham Accept Audience Bury Dead Ear Ears Ephron Field Hear Hearing Money Pay Please Price Speaketh WiltGenesis 23 1. The age and death of Sarah.3. The purchase of the field and cave of Machpelah; 19. where Sarah is buried. and said to Ephron in their presence, Abraham conducts the negotiation before the gathered Hittites, providing recognized witnesses to the transfer. A public agreement established the terms of ownership and protected both parties from later dispute. Rut 4:1-2 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there.… “If you will please listen to me, Though Abraham is a wealthy and respected resident among them, he addresses Ephron with courtesy. He seeks a clear and willing agreement rather than relying on custom or influence. 1Sa 25:24 She fell at his feet and said, “My lord,… I will pay you the price of the field. Abraham refuses to receive the burial place as a gift. By paying for it, he secures an undisputed legal possession in Canaan, the first landholding he acquires in the land God promised to his descendants. 2Sa 24:24 So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen… Accept it from me, He asks Ephron to receive the payment and formally transfer the property. The purchase must be mutually acknowledged so that the field and cave belong to Abraham’s family without obligation to the Hittites. 2Ki 5:15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back… so that I may bury my dead there.” Abraham’s immediate purpose is to bury Sarah with honor. The cave of Machpelah becomes the family burial site for Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah, preserving a tangible connection between the patriarchs and the promised land. Gen 49:29-31 Then Jacob instructed them, “I am about to be gathered… Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Hebrew people, who is negotiating for a burial site for his wife, Sarah. 2. Ephron the Hittite A local landowner from whom Abraham seeks to purchase the cave of Machpelah. 3. The Hittites The people living in the region of Hebron, where Abraham is residing as a foreigner. 4. The Cave of Machpelah The burial site that Abraham wishes to purchase for Sarah, located in the field of Ephron. 5. Hebron The region where these events take place, significant as a dwelling place for Abraham and later for the Israelites. Teaching Points Integrity in TransactionsAbraham's insistence on paying the full price for the land demonstrates integrity and respect for others' property. As Christians, we are called to conduct our dealings with honesty and fairness. Faith in God's Promises Abraham's actions reflect his faith in God's promises, even when he did not see their immediate fulfillment. We are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when the outcome is not immediately visible. Respect for Cultural Practices Abraham's negotiation with the Hittites shows respect for their customs and legal processes. Christians are called to respect and engage with the cultures around them while maintaining their faith. The Importance of Legacy By securing a burial site, Abraham is establishing a legacy for his descendants. We are reminded to consider the spiritual and moral legacy we leave for future generations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 23:13?2. How does Genesis 23:13 demonstrate Abraham's integrity in financial dealings? 3. What can we learn about respecting others from Abraham's request in Genesis 23:13? 4. How does Abraham's negotiation in Genesis 23:13 connect to Proverbs on wisdom? 5. How can we apply Abraham's example of fairness in our daily transactions? 6. What does Abraham's approach in Genesis 23:13 teach about honoring commitments? 7. Why does Abraham insist on paying Ephron for the field in Genesis 23:13? 8. What does Genesis 23:13 reveal about ancient Near Eastern customs and property transactions? 9. How does Genesis 23:13 reflect Abraham's integrity and faith in God's promises? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 23? (13) But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me.--Heb., But if thou wilt, I pray thee, hear me. It expresses simply a strong desire that Ephron will listen to and grant his next request.Genesis 23:13 portrays Abraham’s public, respectful, and uncompromising commitment to secure a lawful burial site for Sarah. By insisting on paying full price before witnesses, he models integrity, humility, and faith in God’s promise of the land. The verse reminds believers to act transparently, honor others, and anchor decisions in the certainty that God’s word—both present command and future pledge—stands sure. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew and saidוַיְדַבֵּ֨ר (way·ḏab·bêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Ephron עֶפְר֜וֹן (‘ep̄·rō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6085: Ephron -- a Hittite, also a mountain and a place in Israel in their presence, בְּאָזְנֵ֤י (bə·’ā·zə·nê) Preposition-b | Noun - fdc Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear “If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you will please ל֖וּ (lū) Preposition Strong's 3863: If, would that! listen to me, שְׁמָעֵ֑נִי (šə·mā·‘ê·nî) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently I will pay you נָתַ֜תִּי (nā·ṯat·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set the price כֶּ֤סֶף (ke·sep̄) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3701: Silver, money of the field. הַשָּׂדֶה֙ (haś·śā·ḏeh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7704: Field, land Accept קַ֣ח (qaḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take it from me, מִמֶּ֔נִּי (mim·men·nî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of so that I may bury וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה (wə·’eq·bə·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular Strong's 6912: To inter my dead מֵתִ֖י (mê·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill there.” שָֽׁמָּה׃ (šām·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular Strong's 8033: There, then, thither Additonal Resources Genesis 23:13 Blue Letter BibleGenesis 23:13 Bible Gateway Genesis 23:13 Bible.com Genesis 23:13 NIV |
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