Devine Scripture

Genesis 23:3

What does Genesis 23:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 23:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 23:3 means

After a period of intense grief, Abraham rises from his mourning to address the local inhabitants, the children of Heth. This action signifies a transition from private sorrow to public responsibility. It shows Abraham's resolve to honor his deceased wife with a proper burial, even as he deals with his personal loss. His direct approach to the Hittites reveals his immediate need for assistance in this solemn task.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Abraham rose up from before his dead, and spake unto the children of Heth, saying,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Abraham rose up from before his dead, and spake unto the children of Heth, saying,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Abraham came from his dead and said to the children of Heth,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abraham riseth up from the presence of his dead, and speaketh unto the sons of Heth, saying,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And after he rose up from the funeral obsequies, he spoke to the children of Heth, saying:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abraham rose up from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying,

Context

This verse marks a shift from Abraham's private mourning in verse 2 to his public engagement with the Hittites. It transitions the narrative from personal grief to the practical necessity of arranging a burial. This action sets in motion the entire negotiation process detailed in the subsequent verses, establishing the purpose of Abraham's interaction with the people of the land.

v.2And Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (the same is Hebron), in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

v.3This passage

v.4I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a burying-place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 27:46

    And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these, of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?

  • Genesis 23:5

    And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,

  • Genesis 10:15

    And Canaan begat Sidon his first-born, and Heth,

  • Genesis 49:30

    in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a burying-place.

  • Genesis 25:10

    the field which Abraham purchased of the children of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife.

  • 1 Samuel 26:6

    Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.

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