Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He said to them, “If you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf New Living Translation and said, “Since you are willing to help me in this way, be so kind as to ask Ephron son of Zohar English Standard Version And he said to them, “If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me Ephron the son of Zohar, Berean Standard Bible “If you are willing for me to bury my dead,” he said to them, “listen to me, and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf Berean Literal Bible And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your⁺ desire that I bury my dead from before me, hear me and intercede for me with Ephron son of Zohar, King James Bible And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, New King James Version And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me, New American Standard Bible And he spoke with them, saying, “If you are willing to let me bury my dead out of my sight, listen to me, and plead with Ephron the son of Zohar for me, NASB 1995 And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish for me to bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and approach Ephron the son of Zohar for me, NASB 1977 And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish for me to bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and approach Ephron the son of Zohar for me, Legacy Standard Bible And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your desire for me to bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me, Amplified Bible And Abraham said to them, “If you are willing to grant my dead a [proper] burial, listen to me, and plead with Ephron the son of Zohar for me, Berean Annotated Bible “If you⁺ are willing for me to bury my dead, he said to them, “listen to me, and approach Ephron (fawn-like) son of Zohar (radiance) on my behalf Christian Standard Bible He said to them, “If you are willing for me to bury my dead, listen to me and ask Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf Holman Christian Standard Bible He said to them, “If you are willing for me to bury my dead, listen to me and ask Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf American Standard Version And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, Contemporary English Version and replied, "If you are willing to let me bury my wife here, please ask Zohar's son Ephron English Revised Version And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, GOD'S WORD® Translation He said to them, "If you are willing to let me bury my wife, listen to me. Encourage Ephron, son of Zohar, Good News Translation and said, "If you are willing to let me bury my wife here, please ask Ephron son of Zohar International Standard Version and addressed them, "If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, listen to me and make a request of Zohar's son Ephron on my behalf. NET Bible Then he said to them, "If you agree that I may bury my dead, then hear me out. Ask Ephron the son of Zohar New Heart English Bible He talked with them, saying, "If you agree that I may remove my dead for burial, hear me, and approach Ephron the son of Zohar for me, Webster's Bible Translation And he communed with them, saying, If it is your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“If you are willing for me to bury my dead,” he said to them, “listen to me, and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf World English Bible He talked with them, saying, “If you agree that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he speaks with them, saying, “If it is your desire to bury my dead from before me, hear me, and meet for me with Ephron, son of Zoar; Berean Literal Bible And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your⁺ desire that I bury my dead from before me, hear me and intercede for me with Ephron son of Zohar, Young's Literal Translation and he speaketh with them, saying, 'If it is your desire to bury my dead from before me, hear me, and meet for me with Ephron, son of Zoar; Smith's Literal Translation And he will speak to them, saying, If it is your soul to bury my dead from my face, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron, son of Zohar. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd said to them: If it please your soul that I should bury my dead, hear me, and intercede for me to Ephron the son of Seor. Catholic Public Domain Version And he said to them: “If it pleases your soul that I should bury my dead, hear me, and intercede on my behalf with Ephron, the son of Zohar, New American Bible and said to them: “If you will allow me room for burial of my dead, listen to me! Intercede for me with Ephron, son of Zohar, New Revised Standard Version He said to them, “If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me Ephron son of Zohar, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he discussed the matter with them and said to them, If you consent that I may bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he spoke with them and said to them: “If your souls are willing that I bury my dead from before me, hear me and ask for me of Aphron son of Tsakhar, OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he spoke with them, saying: 'If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, Brenton Septuagint Translation And Abraam spoke to them, saying, If ye have it in your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hearken to me, and speak for me to Ephron the son Saar. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Death and Burial of Sarah…7Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites. 8“If you are willing for me to bury my dead,” he said to them, “ listen to me, and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf 9to sell me the cave of Machpelah that belongs to him; it is at the end of his field. Let him sell it to me in your presence for full price, so that I may have a burial site.”… Cross References “If you are willing for me to bury my dead,” Genesis 49:29-30 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. Genesis 50:5 my father made me swear an oath when he said, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.’ Now let me go and bury my father, and then return.” Deuteronomy 34:5-6 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, as the LORD had said. / And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab facing Beth-peor, and no one to this day knows the location of his grave. he said to them, 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. 2 Samuel 24:21-24 “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” Araunah said. “To buy your threshing floor,” David replied, “that I may build an altar to the LORD, so that the plague upon the people may be halted.” / Araunah said to David, “May my lord the king take whatever seems good to him and offer it up. Here are the oxen for a burnt offering and the threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. / O king, Araunah gives all these to the king.” He also said to the king, “May the LORD your God accept you.” … Genesis 18:3-4 “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. / Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. “listen to me, Proverbs 5:7 So now, my sons, listen to me, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 7:24 Now, my sons, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth. Proverbs 8:32 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf 2 Kings 4:13 and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied. Esther 4:8 Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people. Genesis 18:23-24 Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? / What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous ones who are there? Genesis 33:19 And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver. Genesis 25:9-10 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. / This was the field that Abraham had bought from the Hittites. Abraham was buried there with his wife Sarah. Genesis 47:29-30 When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, / but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.” 1 Kings 21:2-3 So Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to use as a vegetable garden, since it is next to my palace. I will give you a better vineyard in its place—or if you prefer, I will give you its value in silver.” / But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” Treasury of Scripture And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, intreat. 1 Kings 2:17 And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife. Luke 7:3,4 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant… Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Jump to Previous Approach Behalf Bury Communed Dead Desire Entreat Ephron Hear Intercede Meet Mind Request Rest Sight Speaketh Talked Willing Wish Zoar ZoharJump to Next Approach Behalf Bury Communed Dead Desire Entreat Ephron Hear Intercede Meet Mind Request Rest Sight Speaketh Talked Willing Wish Zoar ZoharGenesis 23 1. The age and death of Sarah.3. The purchase of the field and cave of Machpelah; 19. where Sarah is buried. If you are willing for me to bury my dead, This phrase reflects Abraham's respectful approach to the Hittites, acknowledging their authority in the land. It highlights the cultural practice of seeking permission from local inhabitants for land use, especially for burial purposes. The phrase also underscores the importance of burial in ancient Near Eastern culture, where proper burial was essential for honoring the deceased. Abraham's request shows his desire to secure a permanent burial site for his family, indicating his faith in God's promise of the land to his descendants. he said to them, listen to me, and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, who is seeking a burial place for his wife, Sarah, after her death. 2. Sarah Abraham's wife, whose death prompts Abraham to seek a burial site. 3. Ephron son of Zohar A Hittite landowner from whom Abraham wishes to purchase a burial site. 4. Hittites The people living in the land of Canaan, among whom Abraham is residing as a foreigner. 5. Canaan The land where Abraham is living, which God promised to his descendants. Teaching Points Faith in God's PromisesAbraham's actions demonstrate his faith in God's promise of the land to his descendants, even though he himself does not possess it fully. Integrity in Dealings Abraham's respectful negotiation with the Hittites shows the importance of integrity and respect in our interactions with others. Respect for the Dead The care Abraham takes in securing a burial place for Sarah highlights the importance of honoring and respecting our loved ones in death. Community Relations Abraham's interaction with the Hittites illustrates the importance of maintaining good relationships with those around us, even when we are in a foreign or secular environment. Legacy and Heritage The purchase of the burial site is a step in establishing a lasting heritage for Abraham's descendants, reminding us of the importance of thinking about the legacy we leave behind. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 23:8?2. How does Genesis 23:8 demonstrate Abraham's respect for local customs and authority? 3. What can we learn from Abraham's negotiation skills in Genesis 23:8? 4. How does Genesis 23:8 connect to God's promise of land to Abraham? 5. How can we apply Abraham's humility in Genesis 23:8 to our daily interactions? 6. What does Genesis 23:8 teach about seeking peace in our relationships? 7. Why does Abraham seek to buy land from the Hittites in Genesis 23:8? 8. How does Genesis 23:8 reflect ancient Near Eastern burial customs? 9. What does Genesis 23:8 reveal about Abraham's relationship with the Hittites? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 23? 11. What is the Bible's stance on cremation? 12. Why does the narrative in Genesis 23 seem to contradict other passages suggesting Abraham freely inherited Canaan? 13. How can we verify the historical accuracy of the Hittites' presence in Hebron as mentioned in Genesis 23:3-10? 14. Is there any record outside the Bible proving Abraham's transaction with Ephron the Hittite mentioned in Genesis 23? What Does Genesis 23:8 Mean If you are willing for me to bury my dead- Abraham has already declared himself “a foreigner and an outsider among you” (Genesis 23:4), yet he seeks a permanent resting place for Sarah within the land of promise. - This phrase reveals both courtesy and courage. Abraham recognizes Hittite authority, but his words echo God’s earlier promise that the land would ultimately belong to his offspring (Genesis 17:8; Hebrews 11:13). - The request underscores the sanctity of burial. Later patriarchs will mirror this concern—Jacob insists on being buried in Canaan (Genesis 49:29-30), and Joseph makes the same request (Genesis 50:24-25). - Practical takeaway: honoring the dead is not merely cultural; it reflects a faith that looks beyond death to God’s covenant faithfulness (John 11:25-26). he said to them - Negotiations in the ancient Near East took place at the city gate before witnesses (Ruth 4:1-11). Abraham deliberately chooses public dialogue, ensuring transparency. - Speaking “to them” rather than only to a single official shows respect for communal decision-making (Deuteronomy 16:18). - This moment illustrates how believers can combine tact with integrity when dealing with authorities (1 Peter 2:12). listen to me - Abraham’s polite yet firm appeal invites careful attention. He is neither demanding nor passive; he balances humility with resolve (Proverbs 15:1). - By asking the Hittites to “listen,” he indicates that what follows is weighty and righteous. Justice often begins with a fair hearing (James 1:19). - His words are consistent with the biblical pattern of persuasive godly speech—think of Esther before the king (Esther 7:3-4) or Paul before Agrippa (Acts 26:1-3). and approach Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf - Ephron is the legal owner of the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 23:9). Abraham is not looking for a gift but a legitimate purchase, ensuring clear title (Genesis 23:13). - Involving intermediaries respects social customs; Abraham lets the community broker contact, avoiding coercion (Romans 12:18). - The specific naming of Ephron and his father Zohar anchors the account in real history, reinforcing Scripture’s factual accuracy. - Ultimately, buying this plot places the first tangible piece of the promised land into Abraham’s hands—anticipating Israel’s future possession (Joshua 24:32). summary Genesis 23:8 records Abraham’s respectful, faith-filled negotiation for Sarah’s burial site. His words blend humility, propriety, and unwavering trust in God’s covenant. By honoring local authority, seeking a lawful transaction, and grounding his request in hope beyond the grave, Abraham models how believers can act with integrity while holding fast to God’s promises. Verses 8, 9. - And he communed with them, saying, If it be year mind - literally, if it be with your souls, the word nephesh being used in this sense in Psalm 27:12; Psalm 41:3; Psalm 105:22 - that I should bury my dead out of my might; hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar. The ruler of the city (Keil); but this is doubtful (Lange). "There is scarcely anything in the habits of Orientals more annoying to us Occidentals than this universal custom of employing mediators to pass between you and-those with whom you wish to do business. Nothing can be done without them. A merchant cannot sell a piece of print, nor a farmer a yoke of oxen, nor any one rent a house, buy a horse, or get a wife, without a succession of go-betweens. Of course Abraham knew that this matter of the field could not be brought about without the intervention of the neighbors of Ephron, and therefore he applies to them first" ('Land and Book,' p. 579). That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, - Machpelah is regarded as a proper noun (Gesenius, Keil, Kalisch, Rosenmüller), as in Genesis 49:30, though by others it is considered as an appellative, signifying that the cave was double (LXX., Vulgate), either as consisting of a cave within a cave (Hamerus), or of one cave exterior and another interior (Abort Ezra), or as having room for two bodies (Calvin), or as possessing two entrances (Jewish interpreters). It is probable the cave received its name from its peculiar form, - which he hath (Ephron s ownership of the cave is expressly recognized, and its situation is next described), which is in the end of his field - "so that the cession of it will not injure his property" (Wordsworth). At the same time Abraham makes it clear that an honest purchase is what he contemplates. For as much money as it is worth - literally, for full silver (1 Chronicles 21:22). Cf. siller (Scotch) for money. This is the first mention of the use of the precious metals as a medium of exchange, though they must have been so employed at a very early period (vide Genesis 13:2) - he shall give it me for a possession of a burying-place amongst you. The early Chaldaeans were accustomed to bury their dead in strongly-constructed brick vaults. Those found at Mughheir are seven feet long, three feet seven inches broad, and five feet high, are composed of sun-dried bricks embedded in mud, and exhibit a remarkable form and construction of arch, resembling that occur ring in Egyptian buildings and Scythian tombs, in which the successive layers of brick are made to overlap until they come so close that the aperture may be covered by a single brick (Rawlinson's 'Ancient Monarchies,' Vol. 1. p. 86). In the absence of such artificial receptacles for the dead, the nearest substitute the patriarch could obtain was one of those natural grottoes which the limestone hills of Canaan so readily afforded.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Ifאִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you are willing נַפְשְׁכֶ֗ם (nap̄·šə·ḵem) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion for me to bury לִקְבֹּ֤ר (liq·bōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 6912: To inter my dead,” מֵתִי֙ (mê·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill he said וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר (way·ḏab·bêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to them, אִתָּ֖ם (’it·tām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among “listen to me, שְׁמָע֕וּנִי (šə·mā·‘ū·nî) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | first person common singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently and approach וּפִגְעוּ־ (ū·p̄iḡ·‘ū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 6293: To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity Ephron בְּעֶפְר֥וֹן (bə·‘ep̄·rō·wn) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6085: Ephron -- a Hittite, also a mountain and a place in Israel son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Zohar צֹֽחַר׃ (ṣō·ḥar) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6714: Zohar -- a Hittite, also two Israelites on my behalf לִ֖י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew Links Genesis 23:8 NIVGenesis 23:8 NLT Genesis 23:8 ESV Genesis 23:8 NASB Genesis 23:8 KJV Genesis 23:8 BibleApps.com Genesis 23:8 Biblia Paralela Genesis 23:8 Chinese Bible Genesis 23:8 French Bible Genesis 23:8 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 23:8 He talked with them saying If it (Gen. 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