Genesis 23:16
New International Version
Abraham 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 weight current among the merchants.

New Living Translation
So Abraham agreed to Ephron’s price and paid the amount he had suggested—400 pieces of silver, weighed according to the market standard. The Hittite elders witnessed the transaction.

English Standard Version
Abraham listened to Ephron, and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver that he had named in the hearing of the Hittites, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weights current among the merchants.

Berean Standard Bible
Abraham 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.

King James Bible
And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.

New King James Version
And Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out the silver for Ephron which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, currency of the merchants.

New American Standard Bible
Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver which he had named in the presence of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, currency acceptable to a merchant.

NASB 1995
Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, commercial standard.

NASB 1977
And Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, commercial standard.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Abraham heard Ephron; and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, commercial standard.

Amplified Bible
So Abraham listened to Ephron [and agreed to his terms]; and he weighed out for Ephron the [amount of] silver which he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weights current among the merchants.

Christian Standard Bible
Abraham agreed with Ephron, and Abraham weighed out to Ephron the silver that he had agreed to in the hearing of the Hethites: four hundred standard shekels of silver.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Abraham agreed with Ephron, and Abraham weighed out to Ephron the silver that he had agreed to in the presence of the Hittites: 400 shekels of silver at the current commercial rate.

American Standard Version
And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.

English Revised Version
And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms. So he weighed out for Ephron the amount stated in front of the Hittites: ten pounds of silver at the current merchants' exchange rate.

Good News Translation
Abraham agreed and weighed out the amount that Ephron had mentioned in the hearing of the people--four hundred pieces of silver, according to the standard weights used by the merchants.

International Standard Version
Abraham agreed with Ephron, so he weighed out to Ephron the money to which he had agreed publicly while the Hittites were listening: 400 shekels of silver at the current merchant rate.

Majority Standard Bible
Abraham 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.

NET Bible
So Abraham agreed to Ephron's price and weighed out for him the price that Ephron had quoted in the hearing of the sons of Heth--400 pieces of silver, according to the standard measurement at the time.

New Heart English Bible
Abraham listened to Ephron. Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the current merchants' standard.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Abraham hearkened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.

World English Bible
Abraham listened to Ephron. Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the current merchants’ standard.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Abraham listens to Ephron, and Abraham weighs to Ephron the silver which he has spoken of in the ears of the sons of Heth, four hundred silver shekels, passing with the merchant.

Young's Literal Translation
And Abraham hearkeneth unto Ephron, and Abraham weigheth to Ephron the silver which he hath spoken of in the ears of the sons of Heth, four hundred silver shekels, passing with the merchant.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abraham will listen to Ephron, and Abraham will weigh to Ephron the silver, which he spake in the ears of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, passing for traffic.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when Abraham had heard this, he weighed out the money that Ephron had asked, in the hearing of the children of Heth, four hundred sicles of silver of common current money.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when Abraham had heard this, he weighed out the money that Ephron had requested, in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, of the approved public currency.

New American Bible
Abraham accepted Ephron’s terms; he weighed out to him the silver that Ephron had stipulated in the hearing of the Hittites, four hundred shekels of silver at the current market value.

New Revised Standard Version
Abraham agreed with Ephron; and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver that he had named in the hearing of the Hittites, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weights current among the merchants.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Abraham hearkened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the sum of money which he had named in the presence of the Hittites, four hundred shekels of silver, legal tender with the merchants.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abraham listened to Aphron and Abraham weighed for Aphron the money of which he spoke before the sons of Khyth, four hundred shekels of silver that goes to the merchants.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the hearing of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abraam hearkened to Ephron, and Abraam rendered to Ephron the money, which he mentioned in the ears of the sons of Chet, four hundred didrachms of silver approved with merchants.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



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…

Cross References
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.

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. ...

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.”

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.

Matthew 27:7
After conferring together, they used the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.

Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

1 Peter 1:18-19
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.

1 Corinthians 6:20
you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

1 Corinthians 7:23
You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

Hebrews 9:12
He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

Hebrews 9:14
how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

Revelation 14:3-4
And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. / These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.

Leviticus 25:14-16
If you make a sale to your neighbor or a purchase from him, you must not take advantage of each other. / You are to buy from your neighbor according to the number of years since the last Jubilee; he is to sell to you according to the number of harvest years remaining. / You shall increase the price in proportion to a greater number of years, or decrease it in proportion to a lesser number of years; for he is selling you a given number of harvests.


Treasury of Scripture

And Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.

weighed.

Genesis 43:21
And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.

Ezra 8:25-30
And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellers, and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered: …

Job 28:15
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.

four.

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.

Exodus 30:13
This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.

Ezekiel 45:12
And the shekel shall be twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh.

Jump to Previous
Abraham Agreed Audience Children Current Ephron Ephron's Four Hearing Hearkened Hearkeneth Heth Hittites Hundred Merchant Merchants Money Note Passing Price Shekels Silver Standard Terms Weighed Weigheth Weights
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Abraham Agreed Audience Children Current Ephron Ephron's Four Hearing Hearkened Hearkeneth Heth Hittites Hundred Merchant Merchants Money Note Passing Price Shekels Silver Standard Terms Weighed Weigheth Weights
Genesis 23
1. The age and death of Sarah.
3. The purchase of the field and cave of Machpelah;
19. where Sarah is buried.














Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms
Abraham's agreement with Ephron demonstrates his integrity and willingness to pay a fair price for the land. This transaction reflects the cultural practice of negotiating land purchases in the ancient Near East. Abraham's acceptance of the terms also signifies his respect for local customs and his desire to ensure a legitimate and undisputed claim to the burial site for his wife, Sarah.

and weighed out for him the price
The act of weighing silver indicates the use of a balance scale, a common method of transaction in ancient times. This detail underscores the precision and fairness in the transaction, ensuring that the agreed amount was accurately delivered. It also highlights the importance of honesty in business dealings, a principle upheld throughout Scripture.

he had named in the hearing of the Hittites
The public nature of the transaction, conducted in the presence of the Hittites, served as a legal witness to the agreement. This public witnessing was crucial for validating the purchase and preventing future disputes over the land. The Hittites, a significant group in the region, are mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament, indicating their influence and presence in Canaan.

four hundred shekels of silver
The amount of four hundred shekels of silver was substantial, indicating the value of the land and Abraham's wealth. This currency was a common medium of exchange, and the specific mention of silver highlights its importance in trade. The price reflects the significance of the Cave of Machpelah as a family burial site, which would later become the burial place for other patriarchs and matriarchs.

according to the standard of the merchants
This phrase suggests that the transaction adhered to the commercial standards of the time, ensuring fairness and transparency. The mention of merchant standards indicates a developed system of trade and commerce in the region. This adherence to recognized standards further legitimizes the purchase and reflects the broader economic practices of the ancient world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, he is negotiating the purchase of a burial site for his wife, Sarah.

2. Ephron
A Hittite landowner who owns the field and cave of Machpelah, which Abraham seeks to purchase as a burial site for Sarah.

3. Hittites
A group of people living in the region of Canaan during Abraham's time. They are witnesses to the transaction between Abraham and Ephron.

4. Machpelah
The field and cave that Abraham purchases from Ephron. It becomes the family burial site for Abraham and his descendants.

5. Shekels of Silver
The currency used in the transaction, highlighting the economic practices of the time and the importance of fair trade.
Teaching Points
Integrity in Transactions
Abraham's willingness to pay the full price demonstrates integrity and fairness in business dealings. As Christians, we are called to conduct our affairs with honesty and transparency.

Faith in God's Promises
Abraham's purchase of the burial site reflects his faith in God's promise of the land to his descendants. We are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant.

Respect for Cultural Practices
Abraham respects the customs and practices of the Hittites, showing the importance of engaging with others respectfully and understanding their cultural context.

Legacy and Provision
By securing a burial site, Abraham provides for his family's future needs. We are reminded to consider the legacy we leave and how we provide for those who come after us.

Witness to Faith
The presence of the Hittites as witnesses to the transaction highlights the importance of living out our faith publicly, serving as a testimony to others.(16) Abraham weighed . . . current money with the merchant.--Shekel literally means weight, and money was not coined until long afterwards. In the last clause, by inserting money our version antedates facts. According to the Hebrew, it was the silver that was current with the merchants. The metal was probably made into small bars, marked by the refiner to indicate their quality: and Abraham weighed out to Ephron about 200 ounces of silver in bars of the quality usual in trade.

Verse 16. - And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron (either as knowing that the price he asked was reasonable, or as being in no humor to bargain with him on the subject); and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, - "Even this is still common; for although coins have now a definite name, size, and value, yet every merchant carries a small apparatus by which he weighs each coin to see that it has not been tampered with by Jewish Clippers" ('Land and Book,' p. 578) - which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth (the stipulation and the payment of the money were both made in the presence of witnesses), four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant - literally, silver passing with the merchant, or goer about, i.e. with merchandise; from sachar, to go about (cf.. ἔμπορος, ἐμπορεύομαι). The Canaanites, of whom the Hittites were a branch, were among the earliest traders of antiquity (cf. Job 40:30; Proverbs 31:24); and the silver bars employed as the medium of exchange in their mercantile transactions were probably stamped in some rude fashion to indicate their weight.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Abraham
אַבְרָהָם֮ (’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation

agreed
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע (way·yiš·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Ephron’s terms
עֶפְרוֹן֒ (‘ep̄·rō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6085: Ephron -- a Hittite, also a mountain and a place in Israel

and
אַבְרָהָם֙ (’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation

weighed out
וַיִּשְׁקֹ֤ל (way·yiš·qōl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8254: To suspend, poise

[for him]
לְעֶפְרֹ֔ן (lə·‘ep̄·rōn)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6085: Ephron -- a Hittite, also a mountain and a place in Israel

the price
הַכֶּ֕סֶף (hak·ke·sep̄)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

he had named
דִּבֶּ֖ר (dib·ber)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

in the hearing
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י (bə·’ā·zə·nê)
Preposition-b | Noun - fdc
Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear

of the Hittites:
בְנֵי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

four
אַרְבַּ֤ע (’ar·ba‘)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 702: Four

hundred
מֵאוֹת֙ (mê·’ō·wṯ)
Number - feminine plural
Strong's 3967: A hundred

shekels
שֶׁ֣קֶל (še·qel)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8255: A weight, a commercial standard

of silver,
כֶּ֔סֶף (ke·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

according to the standard
עֹבֵ֖ר (‘ō·ḇêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

of the merchants.
לַסֹּחֵֽר׃ (las·sō·ḥêr)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5503: To go around or about, travel about


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OT Law: Genesis 23:16 Abraham listened to Ephron (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 23:15
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