Devine Scripture

Genesis 23:7

What does Genesis 23:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 23:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 23:7 means

Abraham responds to the generous offer of the children of Heth with a humble bow, expressing his gratitude and respect for their hospitality. This gesture signifies his polite acknowledgment of their kindness, even while he prepares to decline their offer of a free burial place. His humility is consistent with his character and maintains a respectful tone in the ongoing negotiations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Abraham got up and gave honour to the children of Heth, the people of that land.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Abraham riseth and boweth himself to the people of the land, to the sons of Heth,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Abraham rose up, and bowed down to the people of the land, to wit, the children of Heth:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abraham rose up, and bowed down to the people of the land, to the sons of Heth,

Context

Following the Hittites' generous offer in verse 6, Abraham's bowing in this verse serves as a respectful acknowledgment before he proceeds to clarify his true intention. This action of humility is a bridge, showing appreciation for the offer while preparing the ground for his counter-proposal, which will seek to purchase the land rather than accept it as a gift. It sets up the next stage of the negotiation.

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.

v.7This passage

v.8And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,

Cross references

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

  • Romans 12:17

    Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.

  • 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;

  • 1 Peter 3:8

    Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded:

  • Proverbs 18:24

    He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

  • Hebrews 12:14

    Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord:

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