Genesis 23:9

Authorized King James Version

That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִתְּנֶ֥נָּה
That he may give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
לִ֗י
H0
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
מְעָרַ֤ת
me the cave
a cavern (as dark)
#5
הַמַּכְפֵּלָה֙
of Machpelah
makpelah, a place in palestine
#6
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
ל֔וֹ
H0
#8
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
בִּקְצֵ֣ה
which he hath which is in the end
an extremity
#10
שָׂדֵ֑הוּ
of his field
a field (as flat)
#11
בְּכֶ֨סֶף
money
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#12
מָלֵ֜א
as it is worth
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
#13
יִתְּנֶ֥נָּה
That he may give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
לִ֛י
H0
#15
בְּתֽוֹכְכֶ֖ם
amongst you
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#16
לַֽאֲחֻזַּת
me for a possession
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
#17
קָֽבֶר׃
of a buryingplace
a sepulcher

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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