Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the role of a purchaser was significant in the context of trade, property transactions, and the fulfillment of legal and religious obligations. The concept of purchasing is deeply embedded in the economic and social fabric of ancient Israelite society, as reflected in various passages throughout the Bible.
Old Testament ContextThe Hebrew word often translated as "purchase" is קָנָה (qanah), which means to acquire or buy. The act of purchasing in the Old Testament is frequently associated with land transactions, livestock, and goods. One of the earliest mentions of a purchase is found in
Genesis 23, where Abraham buys the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite to bury his wife Sarah. This transaction is detailed with a formal exchange of money, emphasizing the importance of legal ownership and the permanence of the purchase: "So Ephron’s field in Machpelah near Mamre—the field with its cave and all the trees anywhere within the boundaries of the field—was deeded over to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city" (
Genesis 23:17-18).
Purchasing was also integral to the Levitical laws concerning property and redemption.
Leviticus 25 outlines the Year of Jubilee, during which land that had been sold was to be returned to its original owner, highlighting the temporary nature of land purchases and the divine ownership of the land: "The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me" (
Leviticus 25:23).
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of purchasing extends beyond physical goods to spiritual truths. The Greek word ἀγοράζω (agorazo) is used in various contexts, including the parables of Jesus. In
Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as a treasure hidden in a field and a pearl of great value, for which a man sells all he has to purchase. This illustrates the supreme value of the kingdom and the total commitment required to obtain it.
The New Testament also uses the metaphor of purchasing to describe the redemptive work of Christ. Believers are described as being "bought at a price," emphasizing the sacrificial death of Jesus as the means of their redemption: "You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men" (
1 Corinthians 7:23). This purchase is not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ (
1 Peter 1:18-19).
Cultural and Economic ImplicationsPurchasing in biblical times was not merely an economic activity but was often laden with cultural and religious significance. The act of buying and selling was governed by laws that ensured fairness and justice, reflecting God's concern for ethical dealings among His people. The prophets frequently condemned dishonest trade practices, as seen in
Amos 8:5-6, where merchants are criticized for exploiting the poor and manipulating the market.
In summary, the role of a purchaser in the Bible encompasses a wide range of activities, from acquiring land and goods to understanding the spiritual implications of redemption. The biblical narrative presents purchasing as an act that requires integrity, reflects divine principles, and ultimately points to the greater reality of God's redemptive plan for humanity.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One who purchases; one who acquires property for a consideration, generally of money; a buyer; a vendee.
2. (n.) One who acquires an estate in lands by his own act or agreement, or who takes or obtains an estate by any means other than by descent or inheritance.
Greek
728. arrabon -- an earnest (a part payment in advance for security...... given. 728 () then represents backed by the
purchaser who supplies sufficient
proof they will the entire pledge (promise). [728
...Strong's Hebrew
7069. qanah -- to get, acquire... 1), formed (1), gain acquisition (1), gained (1), get (3), gets (1), gotten (1),
owner (1), possessed (1), possessor (2), purchased (3),
purchaser (3), recover
...Library
Christ the Redeemer
... It is implied that Christ is the gloriouspurchaser of our redemption, in the words,
The redemption purchased by Christ,' and it is declared that the Spirit...
Concerning Things Belonging to the Church, which Presbyters May...
... If thepurchaser of ecclesiastical properties has realized more by the temporary
revenue of such properties than the price of the purchase, the Synod thinks...
Several Laws.
... houses also which were sold in villages; but he made a different law for such as
were sold in a city; for if he that sold it tendered thepurchaser his money...
The Same Night which Saw the Red Glare of the Burning Monastery...
... "Well, among them was apurchaser for America"Oh, you need not look
at me, my dear!"I have nothing to do with it! You shall...
Christ's Priestly Office
... Christ died both as apurchaser and as a conqueror: as apurchaser in regard of
God, having by his blood obtained our salvation, and as a conqueror in regard...
Chapter Iii Precious Answers to Prayer
... The price of the picture is L20. Now mark. Immediately the exhibition is open,
God, in His mercy, mindful of my prayer, sends me apurchaser....
The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... thepurchaser, and the price, together with the possession! Neither will
the view of his wounds of love renew our wounds of sorrow....
And Forgive us Our Debts as we Also have Forgiven Our Debtors
... Moreover, we are debtors to Christ who bought us with His own blood, just as every
house slave is also debtor to hispurchaser for the sum of money given for...
Answers to Prayer.
... As thepurchaser of their old home wanted possession as soon as possible, Mr.
Worthington had time to build only a barn before removing his family....
Habits and Condition of the People. Mission Work and Retirement.
... We saw once an amusing instance of the notion of uncleanness attached to this species
of sheep. A few sheep were being chosen by apurchaser from a flock....
Thesaurus
Purchaser (3 Occurrences)... or inheritance. Multi-Version Concordance
Purchaser (3 Occurrences). Leviticus
25:28 And if his hand have not found what sufficeth
...Purchased (24 Occurrences)
Wool (34 Occurrences)
... Thepurchaser of this washed wool submits it to a further washing with soap, ishnan
(alkali plant), "soapwort", or other cleansing agent (see FULLER), and then...
Earnest (33 Occurrences)
... If the agreement be about wages, then a part of the wages is advanced; if it be
about land, then a clod given to thepurchaser or beneficiary may stand as the...
Debit (1 Occurrence)
... account. 2. (vt) To charge with debt; -- the opposite of, and correlative
to, credit; as, to debit apurchaser for the goods sold. 3...
Buyer (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who buys; apurchaser. Multi-Version
Concordance Buyer (7 Occurrences). Leviticus 25:28 And if...
Customer (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One who collect customs; a toll gatherer. 2. (n.) One who regularly or
repeatedly makes purchases of a trader; apurchaser; a buyer....
Sufficeth (3 Occurrences)
... 25:28 And if his hand have not found what sufficeth for him to restore it to him,
then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of thepurchaser, until the...
Buying (12 Occurrences)
... This is really regulated by the supposed ignorance of thepurchaser. If you choose,
you may give him what he asks, and be laughed at all round the sookh....
Pure (160 Occurrences)
Resources
How did Judas die? | GotQuestions.orgPurchaser: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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