Genesis 23:17 - So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all of its borders, were deeded
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What does "Genesis 23:17" mean?
This verse, Genesis 23:17, is part of the story of Abraham purchasing a burial plot for his wife Sarah. Let's break it down:
"So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre..." This identifies the location. It's the field owned by a man named Ephron. Machpelah and Mamre are geographical references to further pinpoint the location. Mamre, specifically, was associated with Abraham's settlement.
"...the field, the cave which was in it..." The most important part of the property was a cave located within the field. This cave, later known as the Cave of Machpelah, is where Abraham wanted to bury Sarah.
"...and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all of its borders..." This emphasizes that the entire property, including all the trees within its boundaries, was included in the transaction. This is significant because it signifies that Abraham wasn't just purchasing the cave itself, but the entire parcel of land.
"...were deeded." This is the crucial part. It means the property was legally transferred to Abraham. The transaction was finalized, and Abraham had the right to the land.
In essence, this verse is stating that Abraham legally acquired full ownership of the entire field of Ephron, including the cave within it and all the trees on its borders. It was a complete and legally recognized purchase.
Significance of the Verse
Land Ownership: In the patriarchal narratives of Genesis, this is one of the first instances where a permanent land ownership is established. Abraham, a sojourner, is now a landowner.
Promise of Inheritance: This purchase could be viewed as a symbolic down payment on God's promise to give Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan. While he only owned a small plot, it represented the future inheritance.
Importance of Burial: The verse emphasizes the importance of proper burial and the establishment of a family burial plot. The Cave of Machpelah became a significant burial site for Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah.
Legal Validation: The verse suggests that there were established customs and procedures for land transactions at that time. The detailed description of the property and the final "deed" indicate a formal and legally binding agreement.
Religious Significance: The Cave of Machpelah remains a site of great religious importance to Jews, Muslims, and Christians. The fact that Abraham purchased this specific piece of land for burial adds to its sanctity and significance in the Abrahamic religions.
Genesis 23:17 - So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all of its borders, were deeded
What does "Genesis 23:17" mean?
This verse, Genesis 23:17, is part of the story of Abraham purchasing a burial plot for his wife Sarah. Let's break it down:
"So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre..." This identifies the location. It's the field owned by a man named Ephron. Machpelah and Mamre are geographical references to further pinpoint the location. Mamre, specifically, was associated with Abraham's settlement.
"...the field, the cave which was in it..." The most important part of the property was a cave located within the field. This cave, later known as the Cave of Machpelah, is where Abraham wanted to bury Sarah.
"...and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all of its borders..." This emphasizes that the entire property, including all the trees within its boundaries, was included in the transaction. This is significant because it signifies that Abraham wasn't just purchasing the cave itself, but the entire parcel of land.
"...were deeded." This is the crucial part. It means the property was legally transferred to Abraham. The transaction was finalized, and Abraham had the right to the land.
In essence, this verse is stating that Abraham legally acquired full ownership of the entire field of Ephron, including the cave within it and all the trees on its borders. It was a complete and legally recognized purchase.
Significance of the Verse
Land Ownership: In the patriarchal narratives of Genesis, this is one of the first instances where a permanent land ownership is established. Abraham, a sojourner, is now a landowner.
Promise of Inheritance: This purchase could be viewed as a symbolic down payment on God's promise to give Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan. While he only owned a small plot, it represented the future inheritance.
Importance of Burial: The verse emphasizes the importance of proper burial and the establishment of a family burial plot. The Cave of Machpelah became a significant burial site for Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah.
Legal Validation: The verse suggests that there were established customs and procedures for land transactions at that time. The detailed description of the property and the final "deed" indicate a formal and legally binding agreement.
Religious Significance: The Cave of Machpelah remains a site of great religious importance to Jews, Muslims, and Christians. The fact that Abraham purchased this specific piece of land for burial adds to its sanctity and significance in the Abrahamic religions.