Devine Scripture

Genesis 23:10

What does Genesis 23:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 23:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 23:10 means

Ephron, owner of the desired cave and field, was present among the children of Heth and responded publicly to Abraham's request. His presence and public answer in the city gate, where legal and business matters were conducted, ensure transparency and witness to the transaction. This detail emphasizes the customary legal practices of the time, validating any agreement made between Abraham and Ephron.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Ephron was dwelling among the sons of Heth. And Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham, in the ears of the sons of Heth, [even] of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,

Context

This verse introduces Ephron, the owner of the desired cave, and notes his presence among the Hittites. It immediately establishes that the impending negotiation will be a public, legally witnessed event in the city gate, which was the customary place for such transactions. This detail is crucial for understanding the validity and permanence of the land purchase that is about to unfold.

v.9that 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.

v.10This passage

v.11Nay, my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that is therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the children of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Job 29:7

    When I went forth to the gate unto the city, When I prepared my seat in the street,

  • Genesis 23:18

    unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city.

  • Isaiah 28:6

    and a spirit of justice to him that sitteth in judgment, and strength to them that turn back the battle at the gate.

  • Genesis 34:24

    And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.

  • Genesis 34:20

    And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,

  • Luke 2:3

    And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.

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