Genesis 23:16

Authorized King James Version

And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע

H8085

hearkened

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

אַבְרָהָם֙

H85

And Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְעֶפְרֹ֔ן

H6085

to Ephron

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

וַיִּשְׁקֹ֤ל

H8254

weighed

to suspend or poise (especially in trade)

אַבְרָהָם֙

H85

And Abraham

abraham, the later name of abram

לְעֶפְרֹ֔ן

H6085

to Ephron

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

אֶת

H853

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

כֶּ֔סֶף

H3701

of silver

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

#10

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

דִּבֶּ֖ר

H1696

which he had named

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

#12

בְּאָזְנֵ֣י

H241

in the audience

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

#13

בְנֵי

H1121

of the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#14

חֵ֑ת

H2845

of Heth

cheth, an indigenous canaanite

#15

אַרְבַּ֤ע

H702

four

#16

מֵאוֹת֙

H3967

hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

#17

שֶׁ֣קֶל

H8255

shekels

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

#18

כֶּ֔סֶף

H3701

of silver

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

#19

עֹבֵ֖ר

H5674

current

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#20

לַסֹּחֵֽר׃

H5503

money with the merchant

to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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 divine revelation. 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 this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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