Genesis 23:10
Genesis 23:10 in Multiple Translations
Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth. So in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city, Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham,
And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,
Now Ephron was sitting in the midst of the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,
Now Ephron was seated among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite gave Abraham his answer in the hearing of the children of Heth, and of all those who came into his town, saying,
Ephron the Hittite was sitting there among his people. He replied to Abraham in the presence of the Hittites who were there at the town gate.
(For Ephron dwelt among the Hittites) Then Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of all the Hittites that went in at the gates of his citie, saying,
And Ephron is sitting in the midst of the sons of Heth, and Ephron the Hittite answereth Abraham in the ears of the sons of Heth, of all those entering the gate of his city, saying,
Now Ephron was sitting in the middle of the children of Heth. Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the children of Heth, even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying,
And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth. And Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, of all that entered the gates of his city, saying,
Now Ephron dwelt in the midst of the children of Heth. And Ephron made answer to Abraham in the hearing of all that went in at the gate of the city, saying:
Ephron was sitting among the people near the city gate where many [HYP] descendants of Heth had gathered. He heard what Abraham said to them.
Efron was sitting there with the other Heth people at the town gate. He talked to Abraham so that everyone could hear him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 23:10
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 23:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עֶפְר֥וֹן
יֹשֵׁ֖ב
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
בְּנֵי
חֵ֑ת
וַ/יַּעַן֩
עֶפְר֨וֹן
הַ/חִתִּ֤י
אֶת
אַבְרָהָם֙
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י
בְנֵי
חֵ֔ת
לְ/כֹ֛ל
בָּאֵ֥י
שַֽׁעַר
עִיר֖/וֹ
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וְ/עֶפְר֥וֹן
ʻEphrôwn
H6085
Ephron
Conj | N-proper
יֹשֵׁ֖ב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
חֵ֑ת
Chêth
H2845
Heth
N-proper
וַ/יַּעַן֩
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֶפְר֨וֹן
ʻEphrôwn
H6085
Ephron
N-proper
הַ/חִתִּ֤י
Chittîy
H2850
Hittite
Art | Ngmsa
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אַבְרָהָם֙
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Prep | N-fd
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
חֵ֔ת
Chêth
H2845
Heth
N-proper
לְ/כֹ֛ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
בָּאֵ֥י
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal
שַֽׁעַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-ms
עִיר֖/וֹ
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs | Suff
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 23:10
וְ/עֶפְר֥וֹן
ʻEphrôwn
H6085
"Ephron"
Conj | N-proper
Ephron is the name of a Canaanite and two places in Palestine, first mentioned in Genesis 41:52 as the son of Joseph. It is also the name of a place where Abraham bought a cave to bury Sarah.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.41.52; son of: Joseph (H3130) and Asenath (H0621); brother of: Manasseh (H4519); father of: Shuthelah (H7803), Becher (H1071H), Tahan (H8465), Ezer (H5827), Elead (H0496) and Beriah (H1283H); also called Ephrathite (NIV: Ephraimite) at 1Sa.1.1; Ephron (Qere, KJV: Ephrain) at 2Ch.13.19; Another name of eph.ra.yim (אֶפְרַ֫יִם "Ephraim" H0669G) § Ephron = "fawn-like" 1) a Hittite, son of Zohar and the one from whom Abraham bought the field and cave of Machpelah 2) a city on the borders of Benjamin 3) a mountain on the northern border of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Ephron, Ephrain (from the margin). See also: Genesis 23:8; Genesis 25:9; 2 Chronicles 13:19.
יֹשֵׁ֖ב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
בְּנֵי
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.
חֵ֑ת
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.
וַ/יַּעַן֩
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
עֶפְר֨וֹן
ʻEphrôwn
H6085
"Ephron"
N-proper
Ephron is the name of a Canaanite and two places in Palestine, first mentioned in Genesis 41:52 as the son of Joseph. It is also the name of a place where Abraham bought a cave to bury Sarah.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.41.52; son of: Joseph (H3130) and Asenath (H0621); brother of: Manasseh (H4519); father of: Shuthelah (H7803), Becher (H1071H), Tahan (H8465), Ezer (H5827), Elead (H0496) and Beriah (H1283H); also called Ephrathite (NIV: Ephraimite) at 1Sa.1.1; Ephron (Qere, KJV: Ephrain) at 2Ch.13.19; Another name of eph.ra.yim (אֶפְרַ֫יִם "Ephraim" H0669G) § Ephron = "fawn-like" 1) a Hittite, son of Zohar and the one from whom Abraham bought the field and cave of Machpelah 2) a city on the borders of Benjamin 3) a mountain on the northern border of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Ephron, Ephrain (from the margin). See also: Genesis 23:8; Genesis 25:9; 2 Chronicles 13:19.
הַ/חִתִּ֤י
Chittîy
H2850
"Hittite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Hittite is a descendant of Heth, a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned in Genesis 10:15. The Hittites were a group of people related to the Canaanites and other nearby tribes. They are often mentioned in the Bible, including in the book of Joshua.
Definition: Someone descended from Heth who was 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 Group of chet (חֵת "Heth" H2845) § Hittite = "descendant of Heth" the nation descended from Heth, the 2nd son of Canaan; once inhabitants of central Anatolia (modern Turkey), later in north Lebanon
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Hittite, Hittities. See also: Genesis 15:20; Joshua 24:11; Ezekiel 16:45.
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.
אַבְרָהָם֙
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.
בְּ/אָזְנֵ֣י
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Prep | N-fd
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
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.
חֵ֔ת
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.
לְ/כֹ֛ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בָּאֵ֥י
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
שַֽׁעַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
עִיר֖/וֹ
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 23:10
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- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 23:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 23:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:10
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:10
- Sermons on Genesis 23:10
Context — The Death and Burial of Sarah
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.”
10Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth. So in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city, Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham,
11“No, my lord. Listen to me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead.” 12Again Abraham bowed down before the people of the landCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 34:20 | So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and addressed the men of their city: |
| 2 | Genesis 34:24 | All the men who went out of the city gate listened to Hamor and his son Shechem, and every male of the city was circumcised. |
| 3 | Genesis 23:18 | to Abraham’s possession in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city. |
| 4 | Luke 2:3–4 | And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. |
| 5 | Matthew 9:1 | Jesus got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own town. |
| 6 | Genesis 24:10 | Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed with all manner of good things from his master in hand. And he set out for Nahor’s hometown in Aram-naharaim. |
| 7 | Job 29:7 | When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the public square, |
| 8 | Ruth 4:1–4 | 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. And he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. I thought I should inform you that you may buy it back in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, do so. But if you will not redeem it, tell me so I may know, because there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.” “I will redeem it,” he replied. |
| 9 | Isaiah 28:6 | a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate. |
Genesis 23:10 Summary
[Genesis 23:10 tells us that Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth when he answered Abraham, which means he was a respected member of the community. This shows that Abraham's request to buy the cave of Machpelah was a public transaction, with many witnesses present. As we read in Genesis 23:10, Ephron's response was respectful and transparent, and we can learn from his example about how to conduct ourselves in our own interactions with others. This is similar to the way that Jesus taught us to be honest and trustworthy in our dealings with others, as seen in Matthew 5:33-37.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ephron answer Abraham in front of all the Hittites?
Ephron answered Abraham in front of all the Hittites to show respect and to make a public declaration of his intentions, as seen in Genesis 23:10. This was a way of ensuring that the transaction would be witnessed and acknowledged by the community, similar to the practice of having witnesses in other biblical transactions, such as in Ruth 4:9-11.
What can we learn from Ephron's response to Abraham?
Ephron's response to Abraham in Genesis 23:10 shows that he was a man of integrity and respect, willing to engage in a public and transparent transaction. This is a good example for us to follow, as seen in Proverbs 10:9, which says that the man of integrity walks securely.
Why is it significant that Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth?
Ephron sitting among the sons of Heth in Genesis 23:10 indicates that he was a respected member of the community, and his presence and words carried weight. This is similar to the way that leaders and elders were often seated in positions of honor in biblical times, as seen in Genesis 34:20 and 1 Samuel 4:12.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Abraham?
This verse is part of the larger story of Abraham's life, as seen in Genesis 11:27-25:11, and shows his interactions with the people of the land, including the Hittites. It highlights Abraham's faith and trust in God, as well as his desire to obey God's commands, such as the command to bury his dead in Genesis 23:2-20.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from Abraham's interactions with Ephron about how to conduct ourselves in business and personal transactions?
- How does Ephron's response to Abraham reflect the values of honesty and transparency, and what can we apply to our own lives from this example?
- What role does community and witness play in this verse, and how can we apply this to our own lives and relationships?
- How does this verse demonstrate the importance of respect and humility in our interactions with others, as seen in Abraham's bowing down before the people of the land in Genesis 23:12?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:10
And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth,.... Or "sat" (b) among them, in the present assembly of them; and, according to Jarchi, as their president for the time on this occasion; but if so,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:10
And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying, Ephron dwelt -
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 23:10
Ephron dwelt, Heb. did sit, to wit, at that time, as one of the chief or rulers of the people; for so the word sitting is oft used, as we shall see hereafter. His city; either where he was born, or at least where he lived.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:10
Genesis 23:10 And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, [even] of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,Ver. 10. And Ephron dwelt.] Or, was sitting, sc., as a city counsellor.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:10
(10) And Ephron dwelt among . . . —Again a mistranslation. The Heb. is, Ephron was sitting in the midst of the Hittites. At these assemblies held at the gate of the city every free-born citizen had a right to be present, and matters were settled by common consent. As Ephron was the owner of the cave, his approval was necessary, and this Abraham treats as a favour, and requests that Ephron’s fellow-citizens will intercede in his behalf.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:10
Verse 10. And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth] And Ephron ישב yosheb, was sitting among the children of Heth, but, as was before conjectured, was personally unknown to Abraham; he therefore answered for himself, making a free tender of the field, &c., to Abraham, in the presence of all the people, which amounted to a legal conveyance of the whole property to the patriarch.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:10
10. audience] Lit. “ears,” as in Genesis 23:13; Genesis 23:16. The presence of witnesses is evidently requisite for the validity of the transaction: cf. Rth 4:9-11. all that went in at the gate of his city] Cf. Genesis 23:18. A technical phrase to denote full citizens. The gate was the place of popular assembly for the elders of a city; cf. Genesis 19:1. A similar phrase occurs in Genesis 34:24, “all that went out at the gate.” The classical illustration of business transactions conducted at “the gate” of a city is to be found in the Book of Ruth, chap. Genesis 4:1 ff.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:10
10. Ephron… at the gate of his city — Here note that the scene has changed.
Sermons on Genesis 23:10
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 23:10-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the politeness and civility of Abraham and the people of the land during a transaction. The speaker emphasizes that despite the common percept |
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Concerning the Messiah's Lineage and Descent. by John Gill | John Gill discusses the lineage and descent of the Messiah, emphasizing that He was prophesied to arise from the nation of Israel, specifically from the tribe of Judah and the hous |
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The Mystery of Incarnation (3 of 9) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the incarnation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's cosmic design. He highlights that the proclamation of the go |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 35 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the power of faith and authority in casting out demons, emphasizing the importance of complete dependence on God and sacrificial living. It highlights how J |
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Steps to Holiness by John Sung | John Sung emphasizes that the path to holiness is through being filled with the love of Christ, which empowers believers to overcome sin and witness for Him. He illustrates this th |
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The Gospel in Three Words by Richard E. Bieber | Richard E. Bieber preaches about the transformative power of visions and forgiveness. He emphasizes that a vision becomes real when we start walking in it, just as forgiveness beco |
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Progress and Prosperity by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about how storms and trials in life are allowed to bring out the qualities of individuals, leading to a deep desire for spiritual progress and prosperity in God. |