← Back to Genesis

Genesis 23

20 verses

TL;DR

Abraham purchases the Cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite to bury his wife Sarah, establishing a family burial site outside Canaanite territory.

Summary

Sarah dies at the age of 127 in Hebron, prompting Abraham to mourn publicly. He requests a burial place from the Hittite people, who offer him a cave in their land. Abraham negotiates with Ephron, the cave’s owner, and agrees to pay four hundred shekels of silver. The transaction is witnessed by the sons of Heth, confirming the purchase. Abraham then buries Sarah in the newly acquired cave, making it a lasting family tomb.

Outline
  1. Sarah’s death and Abraham’s mourning in Hebron.
  2. Abraham’s request for a burial site and negotiation with the Hittites.
  3. Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah and the burial of Sarah.
Themes
Respect for the dead and proper burial.Negotiation and covenantal agreements.Transition from covenantal promise to tangible possession.
Keywords
SarahAbrahamburialCave of MachpelahHittitesilvercovenantHebron
People
AbrahamSarahEphronZoharsons of HethHittite people
Places
KirjatharbaHebronCave of MachpelahMamreland of Canaan
Things
Cave of MachpelahField of MachpelahFour hundred shekels of silverBurial site
Key Verses
  • Genesis 23:4: Abraham’s initial request for a burial place establishes the narrative’s central conflict.
  • Genesis 23:14: The offer of payment marks the transition from request to transaction.
  • Genesis 23:19: The completion of the purchase and burial of Sarah signifies the covenant’s fulfillment.
Questions
  • Why did Abraham choose to negotiate with the Hittites rather than relying solely on divine promise?
  • How does the purchase of the burial site reflect the evolution of Abraham’s relationship with God?
  • What does the transaction tell us about property rights and cross-cultural agreements in ancient Canaan?
Sentiment

neutral
The chapter conveys solemnity and practical action without overt emotional tone.