Devine Scripture

Genesis 23:9

What does Genesis 23:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 23:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 23:9 means

Abraham specifically asks for the cave of Machpelah, located at the end of Ephron's field, and emphasizes his intention to pay the full price. This insistence on purchase, even when offered a free burial ground, reflects his desire for legitimate, unquestionable ownership for a permanent family burial site. This demonstrates his commitment to the land as a possession, anticipating God's promise of a homeland for his descendants, and ensures a lawful transaction witnessed by the community.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for the full price let him give it to me in the midst of you for a possession of a burying-place.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for the full price let him give it to me in the midst of you for a possession of a burying-place.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

That he will give me the hollow in the rock named Machpelah, which is his property at the end of his field; let him give it to me for its full price as a resting-place for my dead among you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he giveth to me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which <FI>is<Fi> in the extremity of his field; for full money doth he give it to me, in your midst, for a possession of a burying-place.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That he may give me the double cave, which he hath in the end of his field: For as much money as it is worth he shall give it me before you, for a possession of a burying place.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which is his, which is at the end of his field; for the full money let him give it to me amongst you for a possession of a sepulchre.

Context

This verse further defines Abraham's specific request made in verse 8. By explicitly naming the cave of Machpelah and stating his willingness to pay "the full price," Abraham solidifies his intent to *purchase* the land, rather than receive it as a gift. This declaration sets up the direct negotiation with Ephron that follows, detailing the precise nature of the desired transaction.

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,

v.9This passage

v.10Now Ephron was sitting in the midst of the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,

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.

  • Romans 13:8

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

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