Genesis 23:16 - Abraham listened to Ephron. Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the current merchants’ standard.
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What does "Genesis 23:16" mean?
This verse from Genesis 23:16 describes the actual payment Abraham made to Ephron for the field containing the cave of Machpelah, which Abraham wanted to use as a burial place for his wife Sarah. Let's break it down:
"Abraham listened to Ephron": This highlights that Abraham accepted Ephron's offer, even though it seemed quite expensive. Abraham valued securing a permanent burial place in the land.
"Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the children of Heth": Abraham paid the amount of silver that was publicly agreed upon between him and Ephron, in front of witnesses (the children of Heth, the local people). This emphasized the transparency and legitimacy of the transaction.
"four hundred shekels of silver": This is the exact amount Abraham paid. It was a significant sum, indicating the value of the land or Ephron's bargaining skill.
"according to the current merchants' standard": This specifies that the weight and purity of the silver were measured using the accepted standards of the time. This was important for ensuring that the transaction was fair and that everyone understood the value being exchanged. It meant the shekels were of a standard weight and quality recognized by merchants, ensuring its real value.
In summary: This verse emphasizes that Abraham, in a public and legitimate transaction, paid Ephron the agreed-upon price of 400 shekels of silver, weighed to the accepted merchant standard, for the field he wanted to use as a burial place. This underscores the legal and binding nature of the purchase. This was not a gift, but a genuine commercial transaction.
Genesis 23:16 - Abraham listened to Ephron. Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the current merchants’ standard.
What does "Genesis 23:16" mean?
This verse from Genesis 23:16 describes the actual payment Abraham made to Ephron for the field containing the cave of Machpelah, which Abraham wanted to use as a burial place for his wife Sarah. Let's break it down:
"Abraham listened to Ephron": This highlights that Abraham accepted Ephron's offer, even though it seemed quite expensive. Abraham valued securing a permanent burial place in the land.
"Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the audience of the children of Heth": Abraham paid the amount of silver that was publicly agreed upon between him and Ephron, in front of witnesses (the children of Heth, the local people). This emphasized the transparency and legitimacy of the transaction.
"four hundred shekels of silver": This is the exact amount Abraham paid. It was a significant sum, indicating the value of the land or Ephron's bargaining skill.
"according to the current merchants' standard": This specifies that the weight and purity of the silver were measured using the accepted standards of the time. This was important for ensuring that the transaction was fair and that everyone understood the value being exchanged. It meant the shekels were of a standard weight and quality recognized by merchants, ensuring its real value.
In summary: This verse emphasizes that Abraham, in a public and legitimate transaction, paid Ephron the agreed-upon price of 400 shekels of silver, weighed to the accepted merchant standard, for the field he wanted to use as a burial place. This underscores the legal and binding nature of the purchase. This was not a gift, but a genuine commercial transaction.