Genesis 23:3
Genesis 23:3 in Multiple Translations
Then Abraham got up from beside his dead wife and said to the Hittites,
¶ And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying,
And Abraham rose up from before his dead, and spake unto the children of Heth, saying,
And Abraham came from his dead and said to the children of Heth,
Then Abraham got up from beside his wife's body and went to talk with the leaders of the Hittites.
Then Abraham rose vp from the sight of his corps, and talked with the Hittites, saying,
And Abraham riseth up from the presence of his dead, and speaketh unto the sons of Heth, saying,
Abraham rose up from before his dead and spoke to the children of Heth, saying,
And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying,
And after he rose up from the funeral obsequies, he spoke to the children of Heth, saying:
he left the body of his wife and went and spoke to some of the descendants of Heth, saying,
After that, Abraham got up and left the place where Sarah’s body was, and he went to the town gate to talk to the people that owned that country. They were from the Heth tribe.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 23:3
BAB
Word Study
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Genesis 23:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֨קָם֙
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
מֵ/עַ֖ל
פְּנֵ֣י
מֵת֑/וֹ
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
אֶל
בְּנֵי
חֵ֖ת
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יָּ֨קָם֙
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
מֵ/עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
מֵת֑/וֹ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal | Suff
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
חֵ֖ת
Chêth
H2845
Heth
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 23:3
וַ/יָּ֨קָם֙
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
אַבְרָהָ֔ם
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.
מֵ/עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מֵת֑/וֹ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
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.
חֵ֖ת
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.
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 23:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 23:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 23:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:3
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:3
- Sermons on Genesis 23:3
Context — The Death and Burial of Sarah
1Now Sarah lived to be 127 years old.
2She died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went out to mourn and to weep for her.
3Then Abraham got up from beside his dead wife and said to the Hittites,
4“I am a foreigner and an outsider among you. Give me a burial site among you so that I can bury my dead.” 5The Hittites replied to Abraham,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 10:15 | And Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites, |
| 2 | Genesis 23:7 | Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 26:6 | And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai. |
| 4 | Genesis 49:30 | 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. |
| 5 | Genesis 27:46 | Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a Hittite wife from among them, what good is my life?” |
| 6 | Genesis 23:5 | The Hittites replied to Abraham, |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 23:39 | and Uriah the Hittite. There were thirty-seven in all. |
| 8 | Genesis 25:10 | This was the field that Abraham had bought from the Hittites. Abraham was buried there with his wife Sarah. |
Genesis 23:3 Summary
[Abraham got up from beside his dead wife to take care of her burial, showing that even in hard times, we have to keep moving forward and take care of our responsibilities, just like Abraham did. This shows his love and respect for his wife, and his trust in God's plan, as seen in Genesis 23:3. We can learn from Abraham's example to trust in God's sovereignty, even when things seem difficult, and to take care of our responsibilities, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can show the love of Christ to those around us, just like Abraham did to the Hittites.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham get up from beside his dead wife?
Abraham got up from beside his dead wife to take care of the necessary arrangements for her burial, as seen in Genesis 23:3, and this shows his responsibility and care as a husband, even in grief, similar to how Jesus cared for the needs of others, as in Matthew 14:14.
Who are the Hittites that Abraham spoke to?
The Hittites were a group of people living in the land of Canaan, where Abraham was a foreigner, as mentioned in Genesis 23:3, and they were one of the many nations that God had promised to drive out before the Israelites, as stated in Exodus 23:23.
What can we learn from Abraham's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Abraham's actions that even in the midst of grief and sorrow, we must still take care of our responsibilities and trust in God's sovereignty, as Abraham did, and as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-4.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Abraham's life and faith, as seen in Genesis 12-25, and it points to the larger theme of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants, as stated in Genesis 12:7 and fulfilled in the New Testament, such as in Galatians 3:29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show respect and care for my loved ones, even in difficult times, like Abraham did for his wife?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, like Abraham did, when faced with challenging circumstances?
- What are some responsibilities that I have been putting off, and how can I take care of them, even when it's hard, like Abraham did in this verse?
- In what ways can I be a good neighbor and friend to those around me, like the Hittites were to Abraham, and how can I show them the love of Christ?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:3
And Abraham stood up from before his dead,.... The corpse of Sarah, by which he sat pensive and mourning, perhaps upon the ground, as was the custom of mourners, Job 1:13; where having sat awhile, he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:3
And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying, Abraham stood up, ... Eastern people are always provided with family burying-places; even nomadic shepherds have
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 23:3
To show his moderation in sorrow, and to take care for her burial, according to his duty.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:3
Genesis 23:3 And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying,Ver. 3. And Abraham stood up from before his dead.] So she is called eight several times in this chapter; to note that death makes not any such divorce between godly couples and friends, but that there remains still a blessed conjunction between them, which is founded in the hope of a happy resurrection. Job’ s children were still his, even after they were dead and buried. How else could it be said, that God "gave Job twice as much of everything as he had before," since he had afterwards but his first number of children, viz., "seven sons and three daughters"? Pareus, in loc.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:3
(3) Abraham stood up from before his dead.—His first care on arriving at Hebron had been to prostrate himself in Sarah’s tent, and give utterance to his grief. Only after this he rises to prepare for her burial. The sons of Heth.—Up to this time we have read only of Amorites, Mamre and his toothers, at Hebron. It now appears that it was the property of the Hittites, a race who, while the Israelites sojourned in Egypt, became so powerful as to contend for empire with the Egyptians themselves. Their capital was Emesa in Northern Syria, and their history is now being made known to us not only by means of Egyptian records, but also of inscriptions in their own language (See Note on Genesis 10:15).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:3
Verse 3. Abraham stood up from before his dead] He had probably sat on the ground some days in token of sorrow, as the custom then was, (see Tobit 2:12, 13; Isaiah 47:1; and Genesis 37:35;) and when this time was finished he arose and began to treat about a burying place.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:3
3. rose up] The use of this word is explained by the habitual attitude of prostration in mourning. Cf. 2 Samuel 12:16-17; 2 Samuel 12:20. the children of Heth] See note on Genesis 10:15. Cf. Genesis 26:34, Genesis 27:46, Genesis 49:32 (P). Hittites seem to have amalgamated with native Canaanites. In P, here, and in Genesis 28:1; Genesis 28:8, they seem to be identified with Canaanites. The settlements of Hittites in the N. of Palestine may have extended in groups and families southwards. But “the children of Heth” are here spoken of as the native inhabitants of Hebron. Ezekiel regards “Amorites” and “Hittites” as original dwellers in Palestine (Genesis 16:3; Genesis 45).
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:3
3. Stood up from before his dead — After being bowed down with the mourning for Sarah, he rose up from the presence of his beloved dead, and went forth to secure a burying place.
Sermons on Genesis 23:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 23:1-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the death of Sarah and Abraham's need to find a burial place for her. Despite being promised the land by God, Abraham refers to himself as a |
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(Genesis) Genesis 33:18-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sad and sordid chapter in the life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel. Jacob's life reflects a growth and development in his relationshi |