Devine Scripture

Genesis 23:13

What does Genesis 23:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 23:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 23:13 means

Abraham, despite Ephron's offer of a gift, insists on purchasing the field for its full price. He understands that a gift might imply obligations or lesser ownership, whereas a purchase ensures absolute and undisputed possession for himself and his descendants. This resolve to pay for the land, specifically for a burial place, underscores his faith in God's promise to give him the land, securing a tangible piece of it through legal means.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Abraham said to Ephron, in the hearing of the people of the land, If only you will give ear to me, I will give you the price of the field; take it, and let me put my dead to rest there.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and speaketh unto Ephron in the ears of the people of the land, saying, `Only--if thou wouldest hear me--I have given the money of the field--accept from me, and I bury my dead there.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he spoke to Ephron, in the presence of the people: I beseech thee to hear me: I will give money for the field; take it, and so will I bury my dead in it.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and he spoke to Ephron, in the ears of the people of the land, saying, But if only thou wouldst listen to me, I give the money for the field: take [it] of me, and I will bury my dead there.

Context

Following Ephron's offer to give the land in verse 11 and Abraham's respectful bow in verse 12, this verse is Abraham's direct and firm refusal of the gift. He reiterates his intent to pay the full price for the field, moving the negotiation toward a clear financial transaction. This is a decisive pivot, setting the stage for Ephron to name a price.

v.12And Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land.

v.13This passage

v.14And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him,

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 14:22

    And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up my hand unto Jehovah, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,

  • Acts 20:35

    In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

  • Romans 13:8

    Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.

  • Colossians 4:5

    Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

  • Hebrews 13:5

    Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.

  • 2 Samuel 24:24

    And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will verily buy it of thee at a price; neither will I offer burnt-offerings unto Jehovah my God which cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing-floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

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