Old Testament
Genesis 23:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, Abraham is negotiating with Ephron to buy a piece of land for a burial site.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
He spoke to Ephron in the hearing of all the people of the land, saying, "Please, if you are willing, listen to me. Let me pay you for the field. Accept my payment, and I will lay my dead to rest there."
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Abraham is negotiating with Ephron to buy a piece of land for a burial site. He speaks openly in front of the local people, showing his respect for the community and the importance of the transaction. Abraham emphasizes his willingness to pay for the field, indicating that he values the land and wants to honor his deceased loved ones properly. This moment highlights the significance of land ownership and the customs surrounding burial practices in Abraham's culture. By asking Ephron to accept his payment, Abraham demonstrates integrity and a desire to do things the right way. This interaction also reflects the importance of community relationships and the need for transparency in dealings. Abraham's respectful approach sets a standard for how we should conduct ourselves in negotiations, valuing both the people involved and the agreements made. His commitment to honoring his family through a proper burial site resonates with anyone who has experienced loss and understands the need for closure.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 23:13 to your life
When faced with important decisions, approach them with respect and integrity, just as Abraham did. Be open and transparent in your dealings with others. This builds trust and strengthens relationships, whether in personal or professional contexts. Remember the significance of honoring loved ones in your life decisions, too.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 23:13 mean?
Genesis 23:13 describes Abraham negotiating with Ephron for a burial site. It shows Abraham's respect for the community and his commitment to properly honor his deceased loved ones by purchasing the land.
What is the significance of Abraham's negotiation in Genesis 23:13?
Abraham's negotiation highlights the importance of integrity and transparency in transactions. By openly discussing the purchase in front of the community, he sets a standard for respectful dealings.
What does the phrase 'I will give thee money for the field' mean in Genesis 23:13?
This phrase emphasizes Abraham's willingness to pay for the land, reflecting his respect for ownership and the customs surrounding burial practices in his culture.
How does Genesis 23:13 reflect cultural practices of the time?
The verse reflects the cultural practices of land ownership and burial customs in Abraham's time, showing the importance of paying for land and honoring the deceased within the community.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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