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Genesis 23:9

Genesis 23:9 in Multiple Translations

to 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.”

That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.

that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for the full price let him give it to me in the midst of you for a possession of a burying-place.

That he will give me the hollow in the rock named Machpelah, which is his property at the end of his field; let him give it to me for its full price as a resting-place for my dead among you.

to sell me the cave of Machpelah that belongs to him, down at the end of his field. I'm willing to pay him the full price here in your presence so I can have my own burial site.”

That he would giue me ye caue of Machpelah, which he hath in the ende of his field: that he would giue it me for as much money as it is worth, for a possession to bury in among you.

and he giveth to me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which [is] in the extremity of his field; for full money doth he give it to me, in your midst, for a possession of a burying-place.'

that he may sell me the cave of Machpelah, which he has, which is in the end of his field. For the full price let him sell it to me among you as a possession for a burial place.”

That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me, for a possession of a burying-place among you.

That he may give me the double cave, which he hath in the end of his field: for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me before you, for a possession of a burying place.

to sell to me the cave in the Machpelah area, which is at the end of his field. Ask him to sell it to me for the full price he wants, so that I can have a burial ground among you.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 23:9

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 23:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/יִתֶּן לִ֗/י אֶת מְעָרַ֤ת הַ/מַּכְפֵּלָה֙ אֲשֶׁר ל֔/וֹ אֲשֶׁ֖ר בִּ/קְצֵ֣ה שָׂדֵ֑/הוּ בְּ/כֶ֨סֶף מָלֵ֜א יִתְּנֶ֥/נָּה לִ֛/י בְּ/תוֹכְ/כֶ֖ם לַ/אֲחֻזַּת קָֽבֶר
וְ/יִתֶּן nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
לִ֗/י Prep | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
מְעָרַ֤ת mᵉʻârâh H4631 cave N-fs
הַ/מַּכְפֵּלָה֙ Makpêlâh H4375 Machpelah Art | N-proper
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
ל֔/וֹ Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בִּ/קְצֵ֣ה qâtseh H7097 end Prep | N-cs
שָׂדֵ֑/הוּ sâdeh H7704 field N-ms | Suff
בְּ/כֶ֨סֶף keçeph H3701 silver Prep | N-ms
מָלֵ֜א mâlêʼ H4392 full Adj
יִתְּנֶ֥/נָּה nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Juss-3ms | Suff
לִ֛/י Prep | Suff
בְּ/תוֹכְ/כֶ֖ם tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms | Suff
לַ/אֲחֻזַּת ʼăchuzzâh H272 possession Prep | N-fs
קָֽבֶר qeber H6913 grave N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 23:9

וְ/יִתֶּן nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִ֗/י "" Prep | Suff
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.
מְעָרַ֤ת mᵉʻârâh H4631 "cave" N-fs
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, often used to describe a dark or hidden place. It can also refer to a hole or a hollowed-out space. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural landscapes and places of refuge or hiding.
Definition: cave, den, hole
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: cave, den, hole. See also: Genesis 19:30; 1 Samuel 13:6; Psalms 57:1.
הַ/מַּכְפֵּלָה֙ Makpêlâh H4375 "Machpelah" Art | N-proper
Machpelah is a place in Palestine, near Hebron, where the patriarchs were buried. It is mentioned in Genesis as the site of a burial cave purchased by Abraham.
Definition: § Machpelah = "double" or "portion" the location of a burial cave for the patriarchs, near Hebron
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Machpelah. See also: Genesis 23:9; Genesis 25:9; Genesis 50:13.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
ל֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בִּ/קְצֵ֣ה qâtseh H7097 "end" Prep | N-cs
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
שָׂדֵ֑/הוּ sâdeh H7704 "field" N-ms | Suff
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
בְּ/כֶ֨סֶף keçeph H3701 "silver" Prep | N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
מָלֵ֜א mâlêʼ H4392 "full" Adj
Full means having no empty space, like a full cup or a full heart. It can also mean a large amount, like a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) full, fulness, that which fills 1a) fully (adv)
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] she that was with child, fill(-ed, -ed with), full(-ly), multitude, as is worth. See also: Genesis 23:9; Deuteronomy 6:11; Psalms 73:10.
יִתְּנֶ֥/נָּה nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Juss-3ms | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִ֛/י "" Prep | Suff
בְּ/תוֹכְ/כֶ֖ם 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.
לַ/אֲחֻזַּת ʼăchuzzâh H272 "possession" Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to something owned or possessed, often land inherited from family. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus. This concept of possession is important in biblical times.
Definition: 1) possession, property 1a) land 1b) possession by inheritance
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Genesis 17:8; Numbers 32:5; Psalms 2:8.
קָֽבֶר qeber H6913 "grave" N-ms
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.

Study Notes — Genesis 23:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Romans 13:8 Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
2 Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.

Genesis 23:9 Summary

[Abraham wanted to buy a special cave from Ephron to bury his wife Sarah, showing how much he loved and respected her, just like we see in Genesis 23:9. He wanted to make sure the purchase was fair and honest, so he offered to pay full price for it. This shows us the importance of being honest and fair in our dealings with others, as we see in Proverbs 11:1. By following Abraham's example, we can demonstrate our love and respect for others, and reflect the character of God in our lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Abraham want to buy the cave of Machpelah from Ephron?

Abraham wanted to buy the cave of Machpelah from Ephron as a burial site for his wife Sarah, as seen in Genesis 23:9, demonstrating his desire to provide a proper resting place for his loved ones, much like the example of Jacob in Genesis 33:19.

What does the phrase 'in your presence' mean in this verse?

The phrase 'in your presence' in Genesis 23:9 signifies that Abraham wanted the transaction to be publicly witnessed by the people of the land, ensuring the purchase was legitimate and transparent, similar to the practice of having witnesses in other biblical transactions, such as in Deuteronomy 19:15.

Why did Abraham offer to pay 'full price' for the cave?

Abraham offered to pay 'full price' for the cave, as stated in Genesis 23:9, to demonstrate his integrity and honesty in the transaction, reflecting the biblical principle of fairness and justice in business dealings, as seen in Proverbs 11:1.

What can we learn from Abraham's approach to purchasing the cave?

Abraham's approach to purchasing the cave, as seen in Genesis 23:9, teaches us the importance of honesty, fairness, and transparency in our dealings with others, reflecting the character of God and the principles outlined in Scripture, such as in Psalm 101:2-3.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about Abraham's values and priorities, and how can we apply these values to our own lives?
  2. How does Abraham's desire for a proper burial site for his wife reflect his love and respect for her, and what can we learn from his example about honoring our loved ones?
  3. In what ways can we, like Abraham, demonstrate integrity and honesty in our own transactions and interactions with others, and what impact can this have on our relationships and witness?
  4. What does this verse teach us about the importance of having a 'place' or a sense of belonging, and how can we apply this to our own lives and relationships with others?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:9

That he may, give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which [is] in the end of his field,.... The Targum of Jonathan renders it, "the double cave", and so do the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:9

That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you. Machpelah - signifies double.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 23:9

Machpelah, which seems to be the proper name of the place, ,19, so called from its duplicity, because the cave was double, either one for men, and another for women; or the one served only for an entrance into the other, which was the burying-place. For as much money as it is worth; Heb. for full money, ,24; i.e. for money of full weight, answerable to its worth.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:9

Genesis 23:9 That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which [is] in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.Ver. 9. For a possession of a burying place.] It is remarkable that the first purchase of possession mentioned in Scripture, was a place to bury in, not to build in. The Jews also had their sepulchres hewn out long before their deaths, to mind them of their mortality. Joseph of Arimathea had his tomb in his garden, to season his delights with the meditation of his end. The Egyptians had a death’ s head carried about the table at their feasts. The emperors of Constantinople had a mason who came to them on their Coronation Day with choice of tomb stones, and these verses in his mouth - “ Elige ab his saxis ex quo (invictissime Caesar) Ipse tibi tumulum me fabricare velis .” Our first parents, saith one, made them garments of fig leaves; but God, misliking that, gave them garments of skins. So in the gospel he cursed the fig tree, which did bear only leaves to cover our sin, but commended the Baptist who did wear skins to discover our mortality. Dr Playfair.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:9

(9) The cave of Machpelah.—That is, the double cave, consisting probably of an outer and an inner compartment. As the land around is also called “the field of Machpelah” (Genesis 49:30; Genesis 1:13), some imagine that it was the valley that was double; but more probably’it took its name from the cavern. For a description of the Haram, within which the bones of Abraham and Sarah probably still lie, see Palmer, Desert of the Exodus, p. 397; Stanley, Sinai and Palestine, p. 101; and also the Appendix to his Sermons in the East.For as much money as it is worth.—Heb., for full silver, rendered “the full price” in 1 Chronicles 21:22. A buryingplace amongst you.—This translation is quite wrong. Abraham had no wish that Sarah should be buried amongst the Hittites, but required that the sale should be duly attested. The Heb. is. Let him give it me in the midst of you (that is, in a general assembly of the people), for a possession and a buryingplace.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:9

9. the cave of Machpelah] Machpelah is not the name of the cave, but of the locality; cf. 17, Genesis 49:30, Genesis 50:12. The old explanation that the cave was so called, because it was “a double cave,” has therefore been questioned; but the LXX and the Lat. both render Machpelah as if it were the equivalent of “double,” LXX τὸσπήλαιοντὸδιπλοῦν, Vulg. speluncam duplicem. The name in the Hebrew always has the article, as an appellative or descriptive noun. The tradition of the cave being a double one is continuously maintained. Its correctness is indisputable. in the end of his field] Abraham here only asks for the cave at one end of the field of Machpelah. for the full price] Lit. “for full silver”; cf. 1 Chronicles 21:22. The payment was to be full value and in good money. See note on Genesis 23:16. The expression is one which was also current in the Assyrian language.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:9

9. Machpelah — This is to be regarded as a proper name applied both to the cave and to the field in which it was located. Comp. Genesis 23:17; Genesis 23:19.

Sermons on Genesis 23:9

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee Justification by Works by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the topic of faith and works in the book of James. He begins by highlighting James' unique method of presenting an illustration before
Warren Wiersbe What Time Is It? by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus Christ and how it should encourage believers to persevere. He highlights four responsibilities that Christians h
Zac Poonen (2006 Conference) 5.a Right Attitude to Money by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, avoiding extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, and recognizing that money should not rule over our lives. It
Zac Poonen (Basics) 48. Giving Everything to God by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being righteous and faithful in money matters. He encourages the audience to give back what is rightfully owed to others, i
Zac Poonen (Basics) 61. Selfishness by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of sin and its impact on our lives. He compares sin to various physical ailments, stating that sin is worse than sickness, i
Bill McLeod Love - the Heart of Christian Experience by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of showing love and compassion to others. He uses a story of a man who is cold, hungry, and friendless, and how children come
Zac Poonen Through the Bible - 2 Kings by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our debt of love towards one another, as stated in Romans 13:8. He highlights the idea that we owe it to others

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