Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the role of a purchaser was significant in the context of trade, property transactions, and the fulfillment of legal and religious obligations. The concept of purchasing is deeply embedded in the economic and social fabric of ancient Israelite society, as reflected in various passages throughout the Bible.Old Testament Context The Hebrew word often translated as "purchase" is קָנָה (qanah), which means to acquire or buy. The act of purchasing in the Old Testament is frequently associated with land transactions, livestock, and goods. One of the earliest mentions of a purchase is found in Genesis 23, where Abraham buys the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite to bury his wife Sarah. This transaction is detailed with a formal exchange of money, emphasizing the importance of legal ownership and the permanence of the purchase: "So Ephron’s field in Machpelah near Mamre—the field with its cave and all the trees anywhere within the boundaries of the field—was deeded over to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city" (Genesis 23:17-18). Purchasing was also integral to the Levitical laws concerning property and redemption. Leviticus 25 outlines the Year of Jubilee, during which land that had been sold was to be returned to its original owner, highlighting the temporary nature of land purchases and the divine ownership of the land: "The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me" (Leviticus 25:23). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of purchasing extends beyond physical goods to spiritual truths. The Greek word ἀγοράζω (agorazo) is used in various contexts, including the parables of Jesus. In Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as a treasure hidden in a field and a pearl of great value, for which a man sells all he has to purchase. This illustrates the supreme value of the kingdom and the total commitment required to obtain it. The New Testament also uses the metaphor of purchasing to describe the redemptive work of Christ. Believers are described as being "bought at a price," emphasizing the sacrificial death of Jesus as the means of their redemption: "You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men" (1 Corinthians 7:23). This purchase is not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). Cultural and Economic Implications Purchasing in biblical times was not merely an economic activity but was often laden with cultural and religious significance. The act of buying and selling was governed by laws that ensured fairness and justice, reflecting God's concern for ethical dealings among His people. The prophets frequently condemned dishonest trade practices, as seen in Amos 8:5-6, where merchants are criticized for exploiting the poor and manipulating the market. In summary, the role of a purchaser in the Bible encompasses a wide range of activities, from acquiring land and goods to understanding the spiritual implications of redemption. The biblical narrative presents purchasing as an act that requires integrity, reflects divine principles, and ultimately points to the greater reality of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who purchases; one who acquires property for a consideration, generally of money; a buyer; a vendee.2. (n.) One who acquires an estate in lands by his own act or agreement, or who takes or obtains an estate by any means other than by descent or inheritance. Greek 728. arrabon -- an earnest (a part payment in advance for security ... ... given. 728 () then represents backed by the purchaser who supplies sufficient proof they will the entire pledge (promise). [728 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/728.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 7069. qanah -- to get, acquire... 1), formed (1), gain acquisition (1), gained (1), get (3), gets (1), gotten (1), owner (1), possessed (1), possessor (2), purchased (3), purchaser (3), recover ... /hebrew/7069.htm - 6k Library Christ the Redeemer Concerning Things Belonging to the Church, which Presbyters May ... Several Laws. The Same Night which Saw the Red Glare of the Burning Monastery ... Christ's Priestly Office Chapter Iii Precious Answers to Prayer The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest. And Forgive us Our Debts as we Also have Forgiven Our Debtors Answers to Prayer. Habits and Condition of the People. Mission Work and Retirement. Thesaurus Purchaser (3 Occurrences)... or inheritance. Multi-Version Concordance Purchaser (3 Occurrences). Leviticus 25:28 And if his hand have not found what sufficeth ... /p/purchaser.htm - 7k Purchased (24 Occurrences) Wool (34 Occurrences) Earnest (33 Occurrences) Debit (1 Occurrence) Buyer (7 Occurrences) Customer (3 Occurrences) Sufficeth (3 Occurrences) Buying (12 Occurrences) Pure (160 Occurrences) Resources How did Judas die? | GotQuestions.orgPurchaser: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Purchaser (3 Occurrences)Leviticus 25:28 Leviticus 25:30 Leviticus 25:50 Subtopics Related Terms |