The Death and Burial of Sarah
Genesis 23:1-20
Gen.23.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- חיי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועשרים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושבע: NUM,m,sg,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- חיי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 17:17 (allusion): Earlier reference to Sarah’s age (stated as ninety when the promise is reiterated); contrasts the age at promise with her final recorded age (127).
- Genesis 21:5 (thematic): Gives Abraham’s age (100) at Isaac’s birth, helping locate Sarah’s earlier age (90) in the narrative timeline related to her later age at death.
- Genesis 25:7-8 (thematic): Records Abraham’s age at death (175); parallels Genesis 23:1 as part of the patriarchal pattern of stating lifespans and deaths.
- Genesis 35:28-29 (thematic): Records Isaac’s age at death (180); another instance of the narrative practice of noting a patriarch’s lifespan, comparable to Sarah’s recorded years.
- Psalm 90:10 (thematic): A poetic reflection on human lifespan (“threescore and ten… fourscore”), providing a theological/sociological contrast to the long ages recorded for biblical patriarchs like Sarah (127).
Alternative generated candidates
- And the life of Sarah was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years—the years of the life of Sarah.
- And Sarah’s life was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years—these were the years of Sarah’s life.
Gen.23.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותמת: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- שרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בקרית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cs
- ארבע: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- חברון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- כנען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לספד: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- לשרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולבכתה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Gen.25:8-10 (structural): Another patriarchal death-and-burial scene: Abraham himself dies and is buried in the cave of Machpelah (the same family burial site tied to Hebron), continuing the narrative pattern of mourning and interment.
- Gen.49:29-33 (allusion): Jacob’s instructions to be buried with his ancestors in the cave of Machpelah (near Hebron) allude to the same family tomb and highlight the importance of Hebron as the ancestral burial place.
- Gen.35:19-20 (thematic): The death and burial of Rachel (a matriarch) in the land of Canaan parallels Sarah’s death: both are matriarchal deaths within the patriarchal narratives and involve local burial traditions.
- Gen.50:1-3 (thematic): Joseph’s mourning and the Egyptian mourning/embalming for Jacob echo the communal grieving and funerary practices introduced earlier in the patriarchal death scenes, paralleling Abraham’s lament for Sarah.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan; and Abraham came to lament for Sarah and to weep for her.
- And Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to lament Sarah and to weep for her.
Gen.23.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעל: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- חת: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Gen.23:16-20 (structural): Direct continuation of the scene: Abraham's rising to speak leads to the formal purchase of the cave of Machpelah from Ephron — the transaction that resolves the burial issue begun in v.3.
- Jer.32:7-15 (structural): Jeremiah's legal purchase of a field from Hanamel (with deed and witnesses) parallels Abraham's legally securing land by purchase as a means of asserting possession and hope for future inheritance.
- John 19:38-42 (thematic): Joseph of Arimathea obtains Jesus' body and provides a tomb, echoing the theme of arranging burial-place rights and negotiating with authorities/owners on behalf of the deceased.
- 2 Sam.24:24 (1 Chr.21:24-25) (thematic): David insists on paying full price to Araunah for the threshing-floor/land where he will build an altar — parallels Abraham's insistence on an overt, proper purchase from the local owner rather than taking the site without payment.
- 2 Sam.12:20-23 (thematic): After mourning his child David rises, washes, and resumes worship and speech — thematically parallels Abraham 'rising from before his dead' and then speaking/acting on behalf of the deceased (Sarah).
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abraham rose from before his dead and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying:
- And Abraham rose up from before his dead and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying,
Gen.23.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותושב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- עמכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- תנו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אחזת: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- קבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- ואקברה: VERB,qal,impf,1,-,sg
- מתי: ADV,int
- מלפני: PREP
Parallels
- Genesis 17:8 (thematic): God's promise to give Abraham and his offspring the land contrasts with Abraham's present claim to a burial plot as a 'stranger,' highlighting the tension between temporary residence and future possession.
- Genesis 23:16-20 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Abraham negotiates and purchases the cave of Machpelah as the burial plot he requested, fulfilling the petition of 23:4.
- Hebrews 11:9-10 (thematic): Portrays Abraham as sojourning in the land 'as in a strange country' and looking for a city of God, echoing the 'stranger and sojourner' motif and the notion of an ultimate possession.
- Acts 7:16 (allusion): Stephen refers to the patriarchs being laid in the tomb Abraham bought, alluding to Abraham's purchase of a burial site and his status as an alien in the land.
- Psalm 39:12 (verbal): Uses closely similar language ('I am a stranger and a sojourner'), echoing the motif of human transience and alien status found in Genesis 23:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- A sojourner and a resident alien I am among you; give me a holding of a burial-place among you, that I may bury my dead from before me.
- 'A sojourner and a resident am I among you; give me a holding for a burial place among you, that I may bury my dead from before me.'
Gen.23.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויענו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- חת: NOUN,m,sg,const
- את: PRT,acc
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 23:6 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same exchange: the Hittites again 'answer' Abraham and offer hospitality/land — same dialogic formula and negotiation context.
- Genesis 23:10 (verbal): Ephron the Hittite 'answered Abraham' with a formal spoken offer and price — repeats the verbal formula and shows the bargaining sequence within the same scene.
- Genesis 33:19 (thematic): Jacob buys a parcel of land from the local inhabitants at Shechem — thematically parallels Abraham's purchase of a burial site from native owners (land transaction between foreign patriarch and locals).
- Jeremiah 32:7-15 (structural): Jeremiah's purchase of a field from Hanamel, witnessed and legally documented, parallels the formal land-buying procedure and use of witnesses/sealed deeds found in Genesis 23's negotiation and conveyance.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him:
- And the sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him,
Gen.23.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שמענו: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- נשיא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- בתוכנו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+1p
- במבחר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קברינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1p
- קבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- מתך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2m
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- קברו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3m
- לא: PART_NEG
- יכלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- ממך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- מקבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2m
Parallels
- Genesis 23:4 (verbal): Abraham's request uses the same verbal formula 'that I may bury my dead' (וְקָבֹר אֶת־מֵתִי); verse 23:6 is the Hittites' response to that very petition, echoing the language of burial rights.
- Genesis 23:9 (structural): Ephron's formal offer and sale of the cave and field immediately follows 23:6; the chapter as a whole centers on granting burial land—23:9 continues the legal/ceremonial resolution of the request voiced in 23:6.
- Genesis 25:9–10 (thematic): These verses report that Abraham was buried by his sons in the cave of Machpelah—directly connecting the burial negotiated in 23:6 with its fulfillment.
- Genesis 49:29–32 (thematic): Jacob's instructions to be buried 'in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah' link the family concern for ancestral tombs and the settled tradition of Machpelah as the patriarchal burial site evoked in 23:6.
- Acts 7:16 (allusion): In Stephen's retelling of the patriarchal narratives he likewise refers to patriarchs acquiring burial sites (though his geography differs); Acts alludes to the motif of purchasing/possessing a burial place for the patriarchs, paralleling the legal/communal assurance in 23:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hear us, my lord: a prince of God you are among us. In the choicest of our tombs bury your dead; no man of us will withhold his grave from you, from burying your dead.
- 'Hear us, my lord: you are a prince of God among us; in the choicest of our tombs bury your dead. None of us will withhold his tomb from you, from burying your dead.'
Gen.23.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לעם: PREP
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לבני: PREP
- חת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 18:2 (verbal): Abraham runs to and prostrates himself (falls on his face) before visitors — same verb/gesture of bowing/prostration as an act of respect/hospitality.
- Genesis 23:12 (verbal): Later in the same chapter Abraham again bows down before the people of the land during the negotiation for the cave of Machpelah — a parallel repetition of the same act.
- Genesis 33:3 (thematic): Jacob bows himself to the ground seven times before Esau — a similar act of prostration used to show deference and placate a potentially hostile counterpart.
- Joshua 9:6 (thematic): The Gibeonites bow down to the Israelites to obtain a treaty — another instance of local peoples prostrating themselves before a (perceived) superior party to secure favor.
- 1 Samuel 25:23 (thematic): Abigail falls at David's feet (bows) to avert violence — uses the same gesture of submission/deference to negotiate peacefully.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abraham rose and bowed himself to the people of the land, to the sons of Heth.
- And Abraham rose and bowed himself to the people of the land, to the sons of Heth.
Gen.23.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אם: CONJ
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נפשכם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:2,m,pl
- לקבר: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- מתי: ADV
- מלפני: PREP
- שמעוני: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg,obj:1,sg
- ופגעו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- בעפרון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צחר: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 23:3-20 (structural): The surrounding narrative: Abraham's request to the Hittites and the subsequent negotiation with Ephron; this passage gives the full context for v.8's petition to have Sarah buried.
- Genesis 50:13 (allusion): Reports that Jacob (and later the patriarchs) were buried in the cave of Machpelah "which Abraham bought," explicitly recalling Abraham's purchase/negotiation over a burial site.
- Genesis 50:5 (thematic): Joseph requests Pharaoh's permission to go bury his father in Canaan — parallels Abraham's request to the Hittites for permission and arrangements to bury Sarah in the ancestral land.
- Genesis 33:19 (verbal): Jacob's purchase of a parcel of ground at Shechem uses similar language of buying land among resident inhabitants, paralleling the legal/transactional aspect of Abraham's negotiation for a burial site.
- Acts 7:16 (quotation): Stephen's speech in Acts cites the patriarchs being laid in a tomb that Abraham had bought, explicitly referencing and alluding to the Abrahamic purchase of a burial cave described in Genesis 23.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he spoke with them, saying, If it is your desire to bury my dead from before me, hear me, and intercede for me with Ephron son of Zohar,
- And he spoke with them, saying, 'If it is your desire to bury my dead from before me, hear me, and intercede for me with Ephron son of Zohar,
Gen.23.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מערת: NOUN,f,sg,cst
- המכפלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בקצה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שדהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בכסף: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלא: ADJ,m,sg
- יתננה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- בתוככם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- לאחזת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,construct
- קבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.23.16 (verbal): Direct continuation of the same episode: Ephron names the price and Abraham pays 'four hundred shekels of silver' for the cave — same purchase transaction language.
- Gen.23.19 (structural): Narrative consequence: Sarah is buried in the cave of Machpelah Abraham bought, showing the sale's purpose as an ancestral burial place.
- Gen.25.9 (thematic): Later summary of Abraham's burial: Abraham and Isaac bury Abraham in the cave of Machpelah, reinforcing the cave as the family burial site acquired in Genesis 23.
- Gen.49:29-32 (thematic): Jacob's instructions to be buried in the ancestral cave (Machpelah) echo the cave's status as the patriarchal tomb and the legal claim Abraham established by purchase.
- Acts 7:16 (allusion): Stephen's retelling of the patriarchal traditions mentions Abraham's purchase of a burial site (though conflating locations), echoing the motif of Abraham legally acquiring land for a family tomb.
Alternative generated candidates
- that he may give me the cave of Machpelah that is his, which is at the edge of his field—for full silver let him give it to me in your midst—for a holding of a burial-place.
- that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which belongs to him, which is at the end of his field. For full price let him give it to me among you as a burial holding.'
Gen.23.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועפרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בתוך: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- חת: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עפרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- החתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באזני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- חת: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- לכל: PREP
- באי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עירו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Ruth 4:1-11 (structural): Both scenes place a legal transaction before the city gate with elders/witnesses present: a public negotiation and transfer of rights (redeemer/purchaser) conducted in the hearing of the townsmen.
- Jeremiah 32:7-15 (thematic): Jeremiah purchases a field from a relative and formally documents the sale as a legitimate, witnessed transaction—like Abraham’s legally binding acquisition of the cave/field as family property.
- 2 Samuel 24:21-25 (thematic): David buys the threshing floor (and oxen) from Araunah rather than taking it, insisting on a proper purchase for a sacred purpose—paralleling Abraham’s insistence on buying the burial site free of charge.
- Genesis 23:11-16 (structural): Immediate continuation of v.10: Ephron’s offer and Abraham’s formal bargaining and payment for the cave of Machpelah—shows the same legal formula and witness procedure described in v.10.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth; and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the sons of Heth, of all who came into the gate of his city, saying:
- Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth, and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the sons of Heth, before all who entered the gate of his city, saying,
Gen.23.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- שמעני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- והמערה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- נתתיה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לעיני: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- נתתיה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- קבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 23:17-20 (structural): Direct continuation/fulfillment of v.11: the formal public sale is recorded (Ephron paid 400 shekels), showing the legal transfer of the field and cave.
- Genesis 25:8-10 (thematic): Abraham himself is later buried in the cave of Machpelah—shows the gift/purchase in v.11 functioned as the family burial place.
- Genesis 49:29-32 (allusion): Jacob’s instructions to be buried with the ancestors in the cave of Machpelah echo the significance of a purchased family tomb and continuity of patriarchal burial rights.
- Exodus 13:19 (thematic): Moses takes Joseph’s bones from Egypt to be buried in the land of Canaan—continues the theme of preserving patriarchal burial places in purchased land.
- Joshua 24:32 (thematic): Joseph’s bones are finally buried in the land (Shechem) in the parcel that was acquired by the family—parallels the motif of buying/holding land as ancestral burial property.
Alternative generated candidates
- No, my lord, hear me: the field I give you, and the cave that is in it—I give it to you; in the sight of the sons of my people I give it to you—bury your dead.
- 'No, my lord, hear me: the field I give you, and the cave that is in it, I give it to you; in the sight of the sons of my people I give it to you—bury your dead.'
Gen.23.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- עם: PREP
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Gen.18.2 (verbal): Abraham 'bowed down' to visitors (same verb and physical gesture), showing hospitality and reverence by lowering himself to the ground.
- Gen.33.3 (verbal): Jacob 'bowed himself' to Esau seven times — a repeated instance of bowing before people as an act of humility and deference.
- Josh.9.6 (thematic): The Gibeonites 'bowed their heads to the ground' before Joshua and the leaders — bowing as a political/diplomatic act of submission in negotiations with the inhabitants of the land.
- 1 Sam.25.23 (thematic): Abigail 'bowed herself on her face to the ground' before David — a comparable gesture of submission, pleading, and respect in a delicate interpersonal negotiation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abraham bowed himself before the people of the land.
- And Abraham bowed himself before the people of the land.
Gen.23.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- עפרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באזני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+1cs
- עם: PREP
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אך: PART
- אם: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- שמעני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg+1cs
- נתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קח: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- ואקברה: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מתי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1cs
- שמה: ADV
Parallels
- Gen.23.16 (quotation): Immediate continuation of the same negotiation — Ephron’s spoken reply and the formal offer to sell the field, showing the verbal exchange and legal transaction recorded in full.
- Gen.33.19 (verbal): Jacob’s purchase of a parcel of ground from the sons of Hamor (‘for a hundred pieces of money’) parallels Abraham’s payment for Machpelah as a formal, paid acquisition of land for family use.
- 2 Sam.24.24 (thematic): David’s purchase of Araunah’s threshing floor (to offer sacrifice and secure the site) echoes the theme of acquiring land by payment to establish religious/burial use and to settle claims by purchase rather than seizure.
- Acts 7:16 (allusion): Stephen’s summary of patriarchal land purchases refers back to Abraham’s buying of burial/land sites, echoing the tradition that Abraham legally acquired ancestral burial ground for his family.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, But if you will—please hear me—I will give the silver for the field; take it from me, and I will bury my dead there.
- And he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, 'But if you would, hear me: I give the price of the field; take it from me, and I will bury my dead there.'
Gen.23.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עפרון: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ruth 4:1-11 (structural): Public land-transfer negotiation at the city gate with witnesses present and a formal declaration/payment—closely parallels Abraham’s purchase of the cave before the elders at the gate.
- Jeremiah 32:6-9 (thematic): Jeremiah’s legally witnessed purchase of a field (Hanamel’s sale) — another prophetic/legal instance where a land sale is enacted as a public, covenantal deed.
- 2 Samuel 24:21-24 (verbal): Araunah’s words offering the threshing floor and oxen to David (’take it; I give it’) parallel Ephron’s spoken offer/response in the negotiation over the site.
- Gen.33:19 (thematic): Jacob’s purchase of a parcel of land (Shechem) echoes the motif of patriarchal land acquisition by negotiated purchase.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him:
- And Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him,
Gen.23.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- שמעני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ארבע: NUM,card,f,sg
- מאת: PREP
- שקל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביני: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ובינך: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- מה: PRON,int
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- מתך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- קבר: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Gen.23.9 (verbal): Closely related wording — Abraham's appeal to Ephron: “My lord, hear me; the land is before you; bury your dead,” the immediate precedent to the offer of silver in v.15.
- Gen.23.16-20 (structural): The completion of the same transaction — Ephron names the price (four hundred shekels) and Abraham pays, legally securing the cave of Machpelah as a burial site.
- Gen.33.19 (thematic): Jacob's purchase of a plot near Shechem for silver (one hundred pieces) parallels the negotiation motif of buying land in Canaan with money.
- 2 Sam.24.24 (thematic): David's purchase of Araunah's threshing floor for fifty shekels to provide a proper site (for sacrifice/temple) echoes the principle of formally buying land for sacred use rather than taking it.
- Gen.47.29-31 (thematic): Jacob's dying request to be buried in the ancestral land (Canaan) parallels Abraham's concern to secure a burial place in the land promised to his descendants.
Alternative generated candidates
- My lord, hear me: land worth four hundred shekels of silver—what is that between me and you? And bury your dead.
- 'My lord, hear me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver—what is that between me and you? Bury your dead.'
Gen.23.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- עפרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישקל: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעפרן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הכסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באזני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- חת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שקל: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לסחר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 25:9 (verbal): Later narrative reiterates that Abraham bought the cave of Machpelah from the Hethites—explicitly echoing the purchase language of Gen 23 (the bought burial site).
- Acts 7:16 (quotation): Stephen’s retelling of Israel’s history cites Abraham’s purchase of a burial place ‘for a sum of money,’ directly alluding to the Gen 23 transaction in the NT defense.
- Ruth 4:7-10 (structural): Boaz’s legally witnessed purchase/redeeming of Naomi’s land at the city gate (with payment before witnesses) parallels the formal, monetary transfer mechanism used when Abraham bought the field.
- Genesis 33:19 (thematic): Jacob’s purchase of a parcel at Shechem for money (hundred pieces) parallels the patriarchal practice of acquiring land by payment—a thematic parallel to Abraham’s 400 shekels.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out to Ephron the silver that he had spoken of in the hearing of the sons of Heth—four hundred shekels of silver, current with the merchant.
- And Abraham listened to Ephron, and Abraham weighed out to Ephron the silver that he had spoken of in the hearing of the sons of Heth—four hundred shekels of silver, current with the merchant.
Gen.23.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- שדה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עפרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- במכפלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לפני: PREP
- ממרא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והמערה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העץ: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבלו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- סביב: ADV
Parallels
- Gen.23.16 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same purchase narrative — mentions the field and the cave of Machpelah, the trees and the boundary language that 23:17 summarizes/recapitulates.
- Gen.25.9 (thematic): Records Abraham’s burial in the cave of Machpelah (the place bought in ch.23), linking the purchase to its function as an ancestral burial site.
- Gen.49:29-32 (allusion): Jacob’s charge about burial in the cave of Machpelah and the ancestral holdings echoes the significance of the purchased field as a family burial plot.
- Gen.50:13 (structural): Joseph’s burial of Jacob in the cave of Machpelah shows the continued use and legal/ritual importance of the field and cave acquired by Abraham.
- 2 Sam.24:24 (thematic): David’s purchase of Araunah’s threshing floor (refusing it as a gift) parallels the legal/ethical concern to secure property legitimately from a native owner — a similar motif to Abraham buying Ephron’s field.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the field of Ephron that was in Machpelah, which is before Mamre—the field and the cave that is in it, and every tree that was in the field that was within all its border all around—was established:
- So the field of Ephron that is in Machpelah, which is before Mamre—the field and the cave that is in it, and all the trees that were in the field within all its boundary all around—
Gen.23.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לאברהם: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- למקנה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- חת: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באי: PREP+VERB,qal,ptcp,m,pl
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עירו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:3,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 23:17 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same purchase narrative: verse 17 gives the full legal formula describing the field and cave 'made sure unto Abraham for a possession,' closely repeating the language and legal act referred to in 23:18.
- Genesis 49:29-32 (thematic): Jacob's burial instructions invoke the cave of Machpelah and the 'field of Ephron the Hittite,' echoing the significance of Abraham's legally secured possession as the ancestral burial site.
- Ruth 4:1-11 (structural): Describes a formal land/kinsman-redeemer transaction conducted at the city gate with witnesses and elders — parallel in procedure to Abraham's purchase being confirmed 'before all that went in at the gate of his city.'
- Joshua 24:32 (thematic): Reports the burial of Joseph's bones at Shechem in land that Jacob bought, paralleling the motif of patriarchal purchases of land/tombs as lasting family possessions.
- Acts 7:15-16 (allusion): Stephen's speech recalls the patriarchal practice of buying tombs ('the tomb that Abraham bought...'), alluding to Abraham's legal acquisition of ancestral burial ground and its communal recognition.
Alternative generated candidates
- to Abraham as a purchase, in the sight of the sons of Heth, of all who came into the gate of his city.
- was established to Abraham as purchased property in the sight of the sons of Heth, among all who entered the gate of his city.
Gen.23.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואחרי: CONJ
- כן: ADV
- קבר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- שרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשתו: NOUN,f,sg,cs+3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- מערת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שדה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המכפלה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ממרא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- חברון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- כנען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 23:1-20 (structural): The larger narrative containing Sarah’s death, Abraham’s negotiation and the purchase of the cave of Machpelah — Gen 23:19 serves as the chapter’s concluding burial statement.
- Genesis 25:8-10 (verbal): Reports Abraham’s own death and burial ‘in the cave of Machpelah’ — repeats the same burial site and family tomb tradition.
- Genesis 49:29-32 (verbal): Jacob instructs to be buried in the cave of Machpelah with Abraham and Isaac, explicitly linking the patriarchal burial place and family continuity.
- Acts 7:15-16 (thematic): Stephen’s review of the patriarchs recalls purchases of ancestral burial sites and the burial of the fathers — a later tradition reflecting the significance of purchased tombs (though Stephen mentions Shechem).
Alternative generated candidates
- And after this Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah facing Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan.
- And after this Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre (that is, Hebron), in the land of Canaan.
Gen.23.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והמערה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאברהם: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאחזת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,construct
- קבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאת: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- חת: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.23:17-18 (verbal): Immediate context — records Abraham’s legal purchase of the field and cave from Ephron the Hittite, which Genesis 23:20 then states was secured to Abraham as a burial possession.
- Gen.25:9-10 (verbal): Later narrative: Isaac and Ishmael bury Abraham in the cave of Machpelah, showing the cave’s continuing use as the family burial place purchased in Gen 23:20.
- Gen.49:29-32 (verbal): Jacob’s instructions and account of burials explicitly identify the cave in the field of Machpelah ‘which Abraham bought of the sons of Heth,’ echoing the purchase and possession language of Gen 23:20.
- Acts 7:16 (allusion): Stephen’s summary of the patriarchal promises and possessions cites the cave of Machpelah as a possession given to Abraham—an NT retelling that alludes to the purchase/possession motif of Gen 23:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the field and the cave that is in it were established to Abraham for a holding of a burial-place from the sons of Heth.
- So the field and the cave that was in it were established to Abraham as a burial holding from the sons of Heth.
And the years of Sarah’s life were one hundred years and twenty years and seven years—these were the years of Sarah’s life. And Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), in the land of Canaan, and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. And Abraham rose from before his dead and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying,
'A sojourner and a resident alien I am among you; give me a possession of a burial-place among you, that I may bury my dead from before me.' And the sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him,
'Hear us, my lord: you are a prince of God among us. In the choicest of our tombs bury your dead; none of us will withhold his tomb from you, to keep you from burying your dead.' And Abraham rose and bowed himself to the people of the land, to the sons of Heth. And he spoke with them, saying, 'If it is your desire that I bury my dead from before me, hear me, and intercede for me with Ephron son of Zohar,
that he may give me the cave of Machpelah that belongs to him, which is at the edge of his field. For full price in silver let him give it to me in your midst for a possession of a burial-place.' And Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth, and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the sons of Heth, of all who entered the gate of his city, saying,
'No, my lord, hear me: the field I give you, and the cave that is in it—I give it to you; in the sight of the sons of my people I give it to you—bury your dead.' And Abraham bowed before the people of the land. And he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, 'But if you will, please hear me: I will give the price of the field; take it from me, that I may bury my dead there.' And Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him,
'My lord, hear me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver—between me and you, what is that? Bury your dead.' And Abraham listened to Ephron, and Abraham weighed out to Ephron the silver of which he had spoken in the hearing of the sons of Heth—four hundred shekels of silver, according to the merchant's standard. And the field of Ephron that was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre—the field and the cave that was in it, and every tree that was in the field within all its boundary all around—was established;
to Abraham for a purchased possession, in the sight of the sons of Heth, of all who entered the gate of his city. And after this Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre (that is, Hebron), in the land of Canaan. And the field and the cave that was in it were established to Abraham for a possession of a burial-place, from the sons of Heth.