Genesis 23:5
What does Genesis 23:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Genesis 23:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Genesis 23:5 means
The children of Heth respond to Abraham's plea, demonstrating respect and willingness to help. Their answer initiates the conversation, showing their recognition of Abraham's need and their openness to his request for a place to bury Sarah. This initial response sets a positive tone for the ensuing dialogue, indicating a desire for cooperative interaction rather than immediate refusal or resistance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And in answer the children of Heth said to Abraham,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the sons of Heth answer Abraham, saying to him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The children of Heth answered, saying:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him,
Context
This verse records the Hittites' immediate reply to Abraham's request in verse 4. Their positive tone sets the stage for the specific offers and counter-offers that follow. This response is critical for moving the narrative forward, as it shows their receptiveness, prompting Abraham to then consider their proposed generosity and refine his requirement more specifically.
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.
v.5This passage
v.6Hear us, my lord; thou art a prince of God among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.
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