Genesis 23:6

Genesis 23:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Listen to us, sir. You are God’s chosen one among us. Bury your dead in the finest of our tombs. None of us will withhold his tomb for burying your dead.”

King James Version KJV

Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.

American Standard Version ASV

Hear us, my lord; thou art a prince of God among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.

Bible in Basic English BBE

My lord, truly you are a great chief among us; take the best of our resting-places for your dead; not one of us will keep back from you a place where you may put your dead to rest.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Listen, my lord, you are a highly-respected prince among us. Choose the very best of our burial sites to bury your dead. None of us will say no to you.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Heare vs, my lorde: thou art a prince of God among vs: in the chiefest of our sepulchres bury thy dead: none of vs shall forbid thee his sepulchre, but thou mayest bury thy dead therein.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Hear us, my lord; a prince of God [art] thou in our midst; in the choice of our burying-places bury thy dead: none of us his burying-place doth withhold from thee, from burying thy dead.'

World English Bible WEB

“Hear us, my lord. You are a prince of God among us. Bury your dead in the best of our tombs. None of us will withhold from you his tomb. Bury your dead.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Hear us, my lord; thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchers bury thy dead: none of us will withhold from thee his sepulcher, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

My Lord, hear us, thou art a prince of God among us: bury thy dead in our principal sepulchres: and no man shall have power to hinder thee from burying thy dead in his sepulchre.

Translation for Translators T4T

“Sir, you are a powerful prince among us. Choose one of our finest tombs and bury your wife’s body in it. None of us will refuse to sell land to you for a tomb for your relatives’ bodies.”

Plain English Version PEV

“Sir, we know that you are a great leader for your people, and we respect you a lot. We want you to use one of our best graves to bury your wife. Yes, you can pick any grave you want, and we will let you use it to bury your wife.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 23:6

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 23:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB שְׁמָעֵ֣/נוּ אֲדֹנִ֗/י נְשִׂ֨יא אֱלֹהִ֤ים אַתָּה֙ בְּ/תוֹכֵ֔/נוּ בְּ/מִבְחַ֣ר קְבָרֵ֔י/נוּ קְבֹ֖ר אֶת מֵתֶ֑/ךָ אִ֣ישׁ מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ אֶת קִבְר֛/וֹ לֹֽא יִכְלֶ֥ה מִמְּ/ךָ֖ מִ/קְּבֹ֥ר מֵתֶֽ/ךָ

שְׁמָעֵ֣/נוּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

אֲדֹנִ֗/י ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-ms | Suff

נְשִׂ֨יא nâsîyʼ H5387 leader N-ms

אֱלֹהִ֤ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

אַתָּה֙ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

בְּ/תוֹכֵ֔/נוּ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms | Suff

בְּ/מִבְחַ֣ר mibchâr H4005 best Prep | N-ms

קְבָרֵ֔י/נוּ qeber H6913 grave N-mp | Suff

קְבֹ֖ר qâbar H6912 to bury V-Qal-Impv-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מֵתֶ֑/ךָ mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal | Suff

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ min H4480 from Prep | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

קִבְר֛/וֹ qeber H6913 grave N-ms | Suff

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יִכְלֶ֥ה kâlâʼ H3607 to restrain V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

מִמְּ/ךָ֖ min H4480 from Prep | Suff

מִ/קְּבֹ֥ר qâbar H6912 to bury Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

מֵתֶֽ/ךָ mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 23:6

שְׁמָעֵ֣/נוּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

אֲדֹנִ֗/י ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.

Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

נְשִׂ֨יא nâsîyʼ H5387 "leader" N-ms

This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.

Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader

Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.

אֱלֹהִ֤ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

אַתָּה֙ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

בְּ/תוֹכֵ֔/נוּ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms | Suff

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.

בְּ/מִבְחַ֣ר mibchâr H4005 "best" Prep | N-ms

This word means best or choicest, describing something of the highest quality. It is used to describe God's chosen people in the Bible.

Definition: choicest, best Also means: miv.chor (מִבְחוֹר "choice" H4004)

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: choice(-st), chosen. See also: Genesis 23:6; Jeremiah 22:7; Isaiah 22:7.

קְבָרֵ֔י/נוּ qeber H6913 "grave" N-mp | Suff

A grave or sepulchre is a place where the dead are buried, often a tomb or burial site. This word is used in the Bible to describe the final resting place of individuals, and is translated as burying place or sepulchre in the KJV.

Definition: grave, sepulchre, tomb

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: burying place, grave, sepulchre. See also: Genesis 23:4; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Psalms 5:10.

קְבֹ֖ר qâbar H6912 "to bury" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To bury means to inter or lay someone to rest, often in a grave or tomb. This word is used throughout the Bible to describe the act of burying the dead, and is translated as bury in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to bury 1a) (Qal) to bury 1b) (Niphal) to be buried 1c) (Piel) to bury, bury (in masses) 1d) (Pual) to be buried

Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier). See also: Genesis 15:15; 1 Kings 14:31; Psalms 79:3.

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.

מֵתֶ֑/ךָ 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.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

קִבְר֛/וֹ qeber H6913 "grave" N-ms | Suff

Definition: grave, sepulchre, tomb

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: burying place, grave, sepulchre. See also: Genesis 23:4; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Psalms 5:10.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יִכְלֶ֥ה kâlâʼ H3607 "to restrain" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to hold something back or restrict it, often used in the Bible to describe God's control over human actions. It appears in books like Leviticus and Psalms, where it talks about restraining evil or withholding punishment. English Bibles translate it as 'restrain' or 'withhold'.

Definition: 1) to restrict, restrain, withhold, shut up, keep back, refrain, forbid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut up 1a2) to restrain 1a3) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be restrained 1c) (Piel) to finish

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: finish, forbid, keep (back), refrain, restrain, retain, shut up, be stayed, withhold. See also: Genesis 8:2; Psalms 88:9; Psalms 40:10.

מִמְּ/ךָ֖ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

מִ/קְּבֹ֥ר qâbar H6912 "to bury" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To bury means to inter or lay someone to rest, often in a grave or tomb. This word is used throughout the Bible to describe the act of burying the dead, and is translated as bury in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to bury 1a) (Qal) to bury 1b) (Niphal) to be buried 1c) (Piel) to bury, bury (in masses) 1d) (Pual) to be buried

Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier). See also: Genesis 15:15; 1 Kings 14:31; Psalms 79:3.

מֵתֶֽ/ךָ mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal | Suff

Study Notes — Genesis 23:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 23:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 23:6
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:6
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:6
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:6
Sermons on Genesis 23:6

Context — The Death and Burial of Sarah

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,

6“Listen to us, sir. You are God’s chosen one among us. Bury your dead in the finest of our tombs. None of us will withhold his tomb for burying your dead.”

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

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 24:35	“The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys.
2	Genesis 14:14	And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan.
3	Exodus 32:22	“Do not be enraged, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know that the people are intent on evil.
4	Genesis 31:35	Rachel said to her father, “Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period.” So Laban searched, but could not find the household idols.
5	1 John 3:1–2	Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.
6	Genesis 32:4–5	He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’”
7	Genesis 21:22	At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do.
8	Genesis 18:12	So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
9	Genesis 24:18	“Drink, my lord,” she replied, and she quickly lowered her jar to her hands and gave him a drink.
10	Genesis 44:8	We even brought back to you from the land of Canaan the silver we found in the mouths of our sacks. Why would we steal silver or gold from your master’s house?

Genesis 23:6 Summary

In Genesis 23:6, the Hittites show great respect and kindness to Abraham, offering him the finest of their tombs for burial. This interaction highlights the importance of showing hospitality and generosity to others, even if they are not like us (as seen in Matthew 25:35). Abraham's experience also reminds us that, as followers of God, we are called to be a witness to His presence and character in our communities, even if we feel like 'foreigners' or 'outsiders' (as in 1 Peter 2:11). By showing love and kindness to others, we can create opportunities for them to experience God's love and hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Abraham is considered God's chosen one among the Hittites?

The Hittites recognized Abraham as a man of God, and they showed respect and deference to him as a result, as seen in Genesis 23:6, where they offer him the finest of their tombs for burial.

Why did the Hittites offer Abraham the finest of their tombs for burial?

The Hittites offered Abraham the finest of their tombs because they wanted to show their respect and kindness to him, as stated in Genesis 23:6, and also because they acknowledged his special status as God's chosen one, similar to how God had chosen Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3.

Is this interaction between Abraham and the Hittites an example of how Christians should interact with non-believers?

Yes, this interaction can serve as an example of how Christians can show respect and kindness to those who do not share their faith, as seen in Genesis 23:6, and as taught in verses like Matthew 5:16, which encourages believers to let their light shine before others.

What can we learn from the Hittites' willingness to give Abraham a tomb for burial?

The Hittites' willingness to give Abraham a tomb for burial demonstrates their generosity and hospitality, as seen in Genesis 23:6, and it also highlights the importance of showing kindness to strangers, as taught in verses like Hebrews 13:2.

Reflection Questions

How can I, like Abraham, be a witness to God's presence and character in my own community, even if I am a 'foreigner' or 'outsider'?
What are some ways I can show respect and kindness to those who may not share my faith, just as the Hittites showed respect to Abraham?
What does it mean for me to be 'God's chosen one' in my own context, and how can I live out that calling in a way that honors Him?
How can I, like the Hittites, create opportunities for others to experience God's love and hospitality through my actions and words?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:6

Hear us, my lord,.... One of them spake in the name of the rest, who calls Abraham not "our lord", but "my lord"; addressing him very honourably, and desires he would hear what he had to say on the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:6

Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 23:6

Hear us, my lord: here is a conjunction of the plural and singular number, because though but one person spake, yet he spake in the name of the whole community. A mighty prince; Heb. a prince of God. Great and excellent persons or things are oft expressed by adding the name of God. See . Or, by prince of God, they understand a prince favoured and beloved of God. In the choice of our sepulchres; for each family had a distinct sepulchre.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:6

Genesis 23:6 Hear us, my lord: thou [art] a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.Ver. 6. Thou art a prince of God amongst us.] That is, excellent or prosperous, as Genesis 21:22; and it was their ingenuity and candour to acknowledge it. God’ s people are "princes in all lands" Kings they are in righteousness and peace; but somewhat obscure ones, as was Melehizedek, and therefore little set by. Unkent, unkist, as the northern proverb is. So was Christ the heir of all. But "we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him"; that is enough for us. In the meantime, "the righteous is more excellent than his neighbour" (let him dwell by whomsoever), and shall be more prosperous, if it may be for his good.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:6

(6) A mighty prince.—Heb., a prince of God. Comp. “wind of God” (Genesis 1:2); “wrestlings of God” (Genesis 30:8); “mountains of God” (Psalms 36:6); “cedars of God” (Psalms 80:10). So also “a sleep of Jehovah” for a deep sleep (1 Samuel 26:12). In the choice of our sepulchres.—The interview between Abraham and the Hittites is marked by the utmost courtesy on both sides, but it is a mistake to suppose that this acceptance of the patriarch’s proposal contained the idea that he might select a sepulchre without paying for it. The payment, in true Oriental fashion, is kept in the background, but is pre-supposed on both sides. After the acceptance of his proposal, it was Abraham’s turn to name the burying-place he wished, and the owner next consents, but while treating the purchase-money as a matter of small importance, he nevertheless asks a very high price, to which Abraham at once consents.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:6

Verse 6. Thou art a mighty prince] נשיא אלהים nesi Elohim, a prince of God - a person whom we know to be Divinely favoured, and whom, in consequence, we deeply respect and reverence.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:6

6. my lord] A title of respect, Adoni (see note on Genesis 18:3). LXX Κύριε, Lat. domine. a mighty prince] Heb. a prince of God. The Hebrew idiom for the superlative, “a prince worthy to rank with the sons of God”: cf. Deuteronomy 33:1. For other instances, cf. Psalms 36:6, “the mountains of God” = A.V. “the great mountains,” Psalms 80:10, “cedars of God” = A.V. “the goodly cedars.” See note on Genesis 10:9, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord.” For “prince,” nβsξ, cf. Ezekiel 12:10; Ezekiel 27:21; Ezekiel 30:13; Ezekiel 32:29; Ezekiel 38:2. in the choice of, &c.] In the complimentary style of Orientals the preliminaries to a business transaction are characterized by the greatest deliberateness and the greatest generosity. The opening proposal is that Abraham should make use of one of the “choicest” Hittite sepulchres, for the burial of Sarah. Even if the offer was meant seriously, Abraham will not accept it; he wishes to possess a burial-place of his own. For the phrase “the choice,” cf. Isaiah 22:7; Isaiah 37:24. It means what we should express familiarly as “the pick of.” Probably their complimentary phrase is intended to conceal their dislike of selling a grave.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:6

6. Thou art a mighty prince — Hebrews, a prince of God. These Hitties had observed that Abraham was one on whom God had put honour. Compare Abimelech’s words in Genesis 21:22.

Sermons on Genesis 23:6

	Sermon	Description
	1 Corinthians 14:1 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of being consumed by the desire for wealth and the importance of using wealth for the benefit of others. He emphasizes the need to priori
	Genesis 23:1-20 by John Calvin	John Calvin preaches about the death and burial of Sarah, highlighting Abraham's faith and reverence in securing a burial place for his wife, emphasizing the importance of honoring
	(Genesis) Genesis 24:58 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses a scene from the Bible where a servant is sent to find a bride for Isaac, the son of Abraham. The servant tells the family about Isaac's mira
	(Genesis) Genesis 24:10-14 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham's servant who was sent to find a bride for Isaac. The servant prays to God for guidance and asks for a sign to help him
	(Genesis) Genesis 24:32-35 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the relationship between Christ and the Church, using the analogy of the Church becoming the bride of Christ. He explains that the Father and
	Week of Meetings 07 7 Facets of Love by James K. Boswell	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the deep love of Jesus and how it is the driving force behind everything. The love of Jesus is described as powerful and unchanging, always
	Genesis #13 Ch. 14-15 Contrast of Abraham and Lot by Chuck Missler	In this sermon on Genesis chapters 14 and 15, Chuck Misler explores the relationship between Abraham and Lot. He introduces the concept of the law of first mention, which suggests