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This is the text and a scan of the actual, original, first printing of the 1611 King James Version, the 'HE' Bible, for Genesis Chapter 23. The KJV does not get more original or authentic than this. View Genesis Chapter 23 as text-only. Click to switch to the standard King James Version of Genesis Chapter 23
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CHAP. XXIII.
1 The age and death of Sarah. 3 The purchase of Machpelah, 19 where Sarah was buried.
3 ¶ And Abraham stood vp from before his dead, & spake vnto the sonnes of Heth, saying,
5 And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying vnto him,
6 Heare vs, my Lord, thou art a mightie Prince amongst vs: in the choise of our sepulchres bury thy dead: none of vs shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead.6
7 And Abraham stood vp and bowed himselfe to the people of the land, euen to the children of Heth.
9 That he may giue me the caue of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field: for as much money as it is worth he shall giue it mee, for a possession of a burying place amongst you.9
10 And Ephron dwelt amongst the children of Heth. And Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, euen of all that went in at the gates of his citie, saying,10
12 And Abraham bowed downe himselfe before the people of the land.
14 And Ephron answered Abraham, saying vnto him,
View Wesley's Notes for Genesis Chapter 23
23:2 Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep - He did not only perform the ceremonies of mourning according to the custom of those times, but did sincerely lament the great loss he had, and gave proof of the constancy of his affection. Therefore these two words are used, he came both to mourn and to weep.
23:4 I am a stranger and a sojourner with you - Therefore I am unprovided, and must become a suiter to you for a burying - place. This was one occasion which Abraham took to confess that he was a stranger and a pilgrim upon earth. The death of our relations should effectually mind us that we are not at home in this world. That I may bury my dead out of my sight - Death will make those unpleasant to our sight, who while they lived were the desire of our eyes. The countenance that was fresh and lively becomes pale and ghastly, and fit to be removed into the land of darkness.
23:6 Thou art a prince of God among us - So the word is; not only great, but good. He called himself a stranger and a sojourner, they call him a great prince.
23:7 Abraham returns them thanks for their kind offer, with all possible decency and respect. Religion teaches good manners, and those abuse it that place it in rudeness and clownishness.
23:11 The field give I thee - Abraham thought he must be intreated to sell it, but upon the first mention, without intreaty, he freely gives it.
23:13 I will give thee money for the field - It was not in pride that Abraham refused the gift; but In justice. Abraham was rich in silver and gold, and therefore would not take advantage of Ephron's generosity. In prudence. He would pay for it, lest Ephron, when this good humour was over, should upbraid him with it.
23:15 The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver - About fifty pounds of our money, but what is that between me and thee? - He would rather oblige his friend than have so much money.
23:20 A burying place - 'Tis worth noting, That a burying - place was the first spot of ground Abraham was possessed of in Canaan. That it was the only piece of land he was ever possessed of, tho' it was all his own in reversion. Those that have least of this earth find a grave in it.
Genesis Chapter 23 Sidenote References (from Original 1611 KJV Bible):
6 Hebr. a Prince of God.
9 Hebr. full money.
10 Hebr. eares.
* Courtesy of Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Pennsylvania
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