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◄ Genesis 23:15►

New International Version
“Listen to me, my lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”

New Living Translation
“My lord, please listen to me. The land is worth 400 pieces of silver, but what is that between friends? Go ahead and bury your dead.”

English Standard Version
“My lord, listen to me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Listen to me, my lord. The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”

King James Bible
My lord, hearken unto me: the landis worth four hundred shekels of silver; whatis that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.

New King James Version
“My lord, listen to me; the landis worth four hundred shekels of silver. Whatis that between you and me? So bury your dead.”

New American Standard Bible
“My lord, listen to me:a plot of land worth four hundred shekels of silver—what is that between me and you? So bury your dead.”

NASB 1995
“My lord, listen to me; a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you? So bury your dead.”

NASB 1977
“My lord, listen to me; a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you? So bury your dead.”

Legacy Standard Bible
“My lord, hear me; a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you? So bury your dead.”

Amplified Bible
“My lord, listen to me. The land [you seek] is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that between you and me? So bury your dead.”

Christian Standard Bible
“My lord, listen to me. Land worth four hundred shekels of silver —what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
My lord, listen to me. Land worth 400 shekels of silver—what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”

American Standard Version
My lord, hearken unto me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that betwixt me and thee? Bury therefore thy dead.

English Revised Version
My lord, hearken unto me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Sir, listen to me. The land is worth ten pounds of silver. What is that between us? Bury your wife!"

Good News Translation
"Sir, land worth only four hundred pieces of silver--what is that between us? Bury your wife in it."

International Standard Version
"Sir, listen to me! The land is worth 400 shekels of silver, but what's that between us? You may bury your dead."

NET Bible
"Hear me, my lord. The land is worth 400 pieces of silver, but what is that between me and you? So bury your dead."

New Heart English Bible
"My lord, listen to me. What is a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver between me and you? Therefore bury your dead."

Webster's Bible Translation
My lord, hearken to me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
“Listen to me, my lord. The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”

World English Bible
“My lord, listen to me. What is a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver between me and you? Therefore bury your dead.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
“My lord, hear me: the land—four hundred shekels of silver; between me and you, what [is] it? Bury your dead.”

Young's Literal Translation
My lord, hear me: the land -- four hundred shekels of silver; between me and thee, what is it? -- thy dead bury.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Lord, hear me: the land, four hundred shekels of silver; between me and between thee, what is that? and bury thy dead.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
My lord, hear me. The ground which thou desirest, is worth four hundred sicles of silver: this is the price between me and thee: but what is this? bury thy dead.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The land that you request is worth four hundred shekels of silver. This is the price between me and you. But how much is this? Bury your dead.”

New American Bible
sir, listen to me! A piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver—what is that between you and me? Bury your dead!”

New Revised Standard Version
“My lord, listen to me; a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver—what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
My lord, hearken to me; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that between me and you? You may bury your dead.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“My Lord, hear me; the land is four hundred shekels of money. What is it between me and you? Bury your dead.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
My lord, hearken unto me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Nay, my lord, I have heard indeed, the landis worth four hundred silver didrachms, but what can this be between me and thee? nay, do thou bury thy dead.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Death and Burial of Sarah
…14Ephron answered Abraham,15“Listen to me,my lord.The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver,but what is that between you and me?Bury your dead.”16Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 13:2
And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold.

Genesis 33:19
And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver.

Genesis 49:30-32
The cave is in the field of Machpelah near Mamre, in the land of Canaan. This is the field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. / There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah. / The field and the cave that is in it were purchased from the Hittites.”

2 Samuel 24:24
“No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

1 Chronicles 21:24
“No,” replied King David, “I insist on paying the full price, for I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you, nor will I offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

Jeremiah 32:9
So I bought the field in Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel, and I weighed out seventeen shekels of silver.

Acts 7:16
Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver.

Ruth 4:4-10
I thought I should inform you that you may buy it back in the presence of those seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you want to redeem it, do so. But if you will not redeem it, tell me so I may know, because there is no one but you to redeem it, and I am next after you.” “I will redeem it,” he replied. / Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and also from Ruth the Moabitess, you must also acquire the widow of the deceased in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.” / The kinsman-redeemer replied, “I cannot redeem it myself, or I would jeopardize my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption, because I cannot redeem it.” ...

Matthew 27:7
After conferring together, they used the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners.

Acts 8:20
But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!

Proverbs 20:14
“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats.

1 Kings 21:2
So Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to use as a vegetable garden, since it is next to my palace. I will give you a better vineyard in its place—or if you prefer, I will give you its value in silver.”

1 Kings 21:15-16
When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, who refused to give it to you for silver. For Naboth is no longer alive, but dead.” / And when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

Ezekiel 7:12
The time has come; the day has arrived. Let the buyer not rejoice and the seller not mourn, for wrath is upon the whole multitude.

Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Treasury of Scripture

My lord, listen to me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that between me and you? bury therefore your dead.

is worth.

Genesis 23:16
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, currentmoney with the merchant.

shekels.

Exodus 30:15
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, whenthey give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.

Ezekiel 45:12
And the shekelshall be twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh.

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Genesis 23

1.The age and death of Sarah.
3.The purchase of the field and cave of Machpelah;
19.where Sarah is buried.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Listen to me, my lord.
This phrase reflects the cultural norms of ancient Near Eastern negotiations, where respect and honorific titles were commonly used. The speaker, Ephron the Hittite, addresses Abraham with deference, acknowledging his status and wealth. This interaction occurs in the context of Abraham seeking a burial site for his wife Sarah, highlighting the importance of respectful dialogue in transactions.

The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver,
The mention of "four hundred shekels of silver" provides insight into the economic practices of the time. Shekels were a standard unit of weight and currency in the ancient world. This amount suggests a significant sum, indicating the value of the land. Archaeological findings suggest that silver was a common medium of exchange, and this transaction reflects the formalized nature of property sales in that era.

but what is that between you and me?
This phrase suggests a customary practice of bargaining, where the initial offer might be higher than the expected final price. Ephron's statement can be seen as a rhetorical device, implying that the relationship between him and Abraham transcends monetary concerns. It reflects the social dynamics of the time, where personal relationships often influenced business dealings.

Bury your dead.
The phrase underscores the urgency and importance of providing a proper burial, a significant cultural and religious practice in ancient times. It reflects the respect for the deceased and the need for a designated burial site. This moment is pivotal in the narrative, as it marks the first piece of the Promised Land that Abraham legally owns, fulfilling part of God's covenant promise. The act of securing a burial site also foreshadows the future possession of the land by Abraham's descendants.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, who is seeking a burial place for his wife, Sarah.

2.Ephron the Hittite
The owner of the field and cave of Machpelah, who offers to sell the land to Abraham.

3.Sarah
Abraham's wife, whose death prompts the negotiation for a burial site.

4.The Hittites
A group of people living in Canaan, among whom Abraham resides as a foreigner.

5.The Cave of Machpelah
The burial site that Abraham wishes to purchase for Sarah, located in Hebron.

Teaching Points

Integrity in Transactions
Abraham's insistence on paying the full price for the land demonstrates integrity and respect in dealings with others. As Christians, we are called to conduct our business with honesty and fairness.

Faith in God's Promises
Despite being a foreigner, Abraham's purchase of the land is an act of faith in God's promise to give his descendants the land. We are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when they seem distant or unfulfilled.

Respect for the Dead
The care Abraham takes in securing a proper burial site for Sarah reflects the importance of honoring loved ones. This teaches us to value and respect the lives and memories of those who have passed.

Community Relations
Abraham's interaction with the Hittites shows the importance of maintaining good relationships with those around us, even if they do not share our faith. We are called to be peacemakers and to live harmoniously with others.

The Cost of Commitment
The price of four hundred shekels of silver represents a significant investment. Our commitment to God's promises and purposes may require sacrifices and investments of time, resources, and energy.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Genesis 23:15?

2.How does Genesis 23:15 demonstrate the importance of fair transactions in life?

3.What can we learn from Abraham's negotiation approach in Genesis 23:15?

4.How does Genesis 23:15 connect to biblical teachings on honesty and integrity?

5.How can we apply Abraham's respectfulness in negotiations to our daily interactions?

6.What does Genesis 23:15 teach about valuing relationships over material possessions?

7.Why does Genesis 23:15 emphasize the price of the field in shekels of silver?

8.How does Genesis 23:15 reflect ancient Near Eastern customs and economic practices?

9.What theological significance does the transaction in Genesis 23:15 hold for the Abrahamic covenant?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 23?

11.Is the Bible without error?

12.Given the cultural norms of Hosea's time, is it plausible that a prophet would buy back and restore an adulterous wife as portrayed in Hosea 3?

13.How could Abraham host and feed three travelers identified as the Lord in human form (Genesis 18:1-5) without any hint of deception or strangeness?

14.What are the Biblical weights and measures?

What Does Genesis 23:15 Mean

Listen to me, my lord

• Ephron’s words show genuine honor toward Abraham, echoing the respectful tone found earlier in the conversation (Genesis 23:6–7).

• Scripture consistently lifts up humility in speech—see1 Peter 5:5, “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.”

• By listening first, Abraham models the patient, wise negotiating spirit praised inProverbs 18:13, “He who answers before he hears—it is folly and shame to him.”

The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver

• Ephron names a concrete price, indicating the field’s full market value; there is no hidden cost or later surprise (Genesis 23:16).

• The stated amount is substantial, emphasizing the seriousness of the transaction, much as David refused to take Araunah’s threshing floor without payment (2 Samuel 24:24;1 Chronicles 21:24).

• God’s people are shown dealing honestly in earthly matters—Jeremiah 32:9 records a formal purchase deed for a field, underscoring lawful ownership.

but what is that between you and me?

• The phrase softens the negotiation: Ephron implies that the price need not hinder their relationship. A similar expression appears in2 Kings 3:13, “What have we to do with one another?”

• Though courteous, Ephron still expects payment; the line highlights Middle-Eastern bargaining customs where friendliness and firm terms coexist.

• Abraham’s later prompt payment demonstrates integrity (Romans 12:17, “Provide things honest in the sight of all men”).

Bury your dead

• Ephron ends by granting immediate use of the tomb, reflecting compassion in a moment of grief (Genesis 23:19).

• Abraham’s purchase secures a permanent family burial place in Canaan, anchoring God’s promise of the land (Genesis 13:15;Hebrews 11:13).

• Burial practices point forward to resurrection hope; seeIsaiah 26:19, “Your dead will live… the earth will give birth to her departed.”

summary

Abraham engages Ephron with humility, integrity, and faith. The respectful hearing, the clear price, the friendly yet firm negotiation, and the final act of burying Sarah all model godly dealings. The transaction legally roots Abraham’s family in the promised land, affirming God’s covenant while showcasing practical righteousness before a watching world.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(15)The land is worth . . . --Our version misses the courtliness of Ephron's answer, who only fixes the price indirectly, saying, "Land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that betwixt me and thee?" The money amounts to about 50, no mean price, considering the high value of silver in those days.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

“Listen to me,
שְׁמָעֵ֔נִי(šə·mā·‘ê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligently

my lord.
אֲדֹנִ֣י(’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113:Sovereign, controller

The land
אֶרֶץ֩(’e·reṣ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776:Earth, land

[is worth] four
אַרְבַּ֨ע(’ar·ba‘)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 702:Four

hundred
מֵאֹ֧ת(mê·’ōṯ)
Number - feminine plural construct
Strong's 3967:A hundred

shekels
שֶֽׁקֶל־(še·qel-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8255:A weight, a commercial standard

of silver,
כֶּ֛סֶף(ke·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701:Silver, money

but what
מַה־(mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely what

is that
הִ֑וא(hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

between you and me?
בֵּינִ֥י(bê·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 996:An interval, space between

Bury
קְבֹֽר׃(qə·ḇōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6912:To inter

your dead.”
מֵתְךָ֖(mê·ṯə·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4191:To die, to kill

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OT Law: Genesis 23:15 My lord listen to me (Gen. Ge Gn)