Devine Scripture

Genesis 23:12

What does Genesis 23:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 23:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 23:12 means

Abraham again bows before the people of the land, signifying his deep respect and gratitude for Ephron's offer, even as he internally prepares to insist on a purchase. This repeated act of humility demonstrates Abraham's consistent character and his adherence to proper social etiquette, crucial for navigating this important land transaction. It creates a respectful atmosphere for his persistent request.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Abraham went down on his face before the people of the land.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abraham boweth himself before the people of the land,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Abraham bowed down before the people of the land.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abraham bowed down before the people of the land;

Context

This verse shows Abraham's repeated gesture of bowing, following Ephron's offer in verse 11. This act of respect is crucial for maintaining goodwill in the ongoing negotiation, as Abraham is about to decline Ephron's offer of a gift and insist on paying. The humility shown here paves the way for his firm but polite counter-proposal.

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.

v.12This passage

v.13And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt, I pray thee, hear me: I will give the price of the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 23:7

    And Abraham rose up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.

  • Genesis 18:2

    and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,

  • Genesis 19:1

    And the two angels came to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot saw them, and rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face to the earth;

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