Genesis 23:13

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר

H1696

And he spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֶפְר֜וֹן

H6085

unto Ephron

ephron, the name of a canaanite and of two places in palestine

בְּאָזְנֵ֤י

H241

in the audience

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

עַם

H5971

of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

אַ֛ךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#10

אַתָּ֥ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#11

ל֖וּ

H3863

But if thou wilt give it I pray thee

a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!

#12

שְׁמָעֵ֑נִי

H8085

hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#13

נָתַ֜תִּי

H5414

me I will give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#14

כֶּ֤סֶף

H3701

thee money

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

#15

הַשָּׂדֶה֙

H7704

for the field

a field (as flat)

#16

קַ֣ח

H3947

take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#17

מִמֶּ֔נִּי

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#18

וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה

H6912

it of me and I will bury

to inter

#19

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#20

מֵתִ֖י

H4191

my dead

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#21

שָֽׁמָּה׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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