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Genesis 23:6 - Honoring Abraham's greatness

Genesis 23:6 - בראשית 23:6

Hebrew Text

שְׁמָעֵנוּ אֲדֹנִי נְשִׂיא אֱלֹהִים אַתָּה בְּתוֹכֵנוּ בְּמִבְחַר קְבָרֵינוּ קְבֹר אֶת־מֵתֶךָ אִישׁ מִמֶּנּוּ אֶת־קִבְרוֹ לֹא־יִכְלֶה מִמְּךָ מִקְּבֹר מֵתֶךָ׃

English Translation

Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall with- hold from thee his tomb, but that thou mayst bury thy dead.

Transliteration

Shma'enu Adoni Nesi Elohim atah betocheinu bemivchar kevareinu kvor et-metecha ish mimeno et-kivro lo-yichaleh mimcha mikvor metecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

שְׁמָעֵ֣נוּ <b>׀</b> אֲדֹנִ֗י נְשִׂ֨יא אֱלֹהִ֤ים אַתָּה֙ בְּתוֹכֵ֔נוּ בְּמִבְחַ֣ר קְבָרֵ֔ינוּ קְבֹ֖ר אֶת־מֵתֶ֑ךָ אִ֣ישׁ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ אֶת־קִבְר֛וֹ לֹֽא־יִכְלֶ֥ה מִמְּךָ֖ מִקְּבֹ֥ר מֵתֶֽךָ׃
שְׁמָעֵ֣נוּ ׀ אֲדֹנִ֗י נְשִׂ֨יא אֱלֹהִ֤ים אַתָּה֙ בְּתוֹכֵ֔נוּ בְּמִבְחַ֣ר קְבָרֵ֔ינוּ קְבֹ֖ר אֶת־מֵתֶ֑ךָ אִ֣ישׁ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ אֶת־קִבְר֛וֹ לֹֽא־יִכְלֶ֥ה מִמְּךָ֖ מִקְּבֹ֥ר מֵתֶֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 23:6) is part of the dialogue between Avraham Avinu and the children of Chet (Hittites) when he sought to purchase a burial plot for Sarah Imenu. The Hittites recognize Avraham's elevated status and offer him the choicest of their burial sites.

Explanation of Key Phrases

  • "שְׁמָעֵנוּ אֲדֹנִי" (Hear us, my lord): Rashi explains that the Hittites addressed Avraham with great respect, acknowledging his leadership and righteousness. The term "אֲדֹנִי" (my lord) reflects their deference to him as a spiritual and communal leader.
  • "נְשִׂיא אֱלֹהִים אַתָּה" (thou art a mighty prince among us): Ramban notes that "נְשִׂיא אֱלֹהִים" implies Avraham was recognized as a divinely appointed leader. The Talmud (Bava Basra 91a) states that this title signifies his unique role as a teacher of monotheism and morality.
  • "בְּמִבְחַר קְבָרֵינוּ" (in the choice of our sepulchres): The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 58:6) explains that the Hittites were offering Avraham the most esteemed burial plots, indicating their high regard for him.

Halachic and Ethical Insights

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 46b) derives from this exchange the importance of honoring the dead with a proper burial. Avraham's insistence on purchasing the cave (rather than accepting it as a gift) teaches the principle of avoiding dependency on others, as noted by the Chofetz Chaim in his writings on ethical conduct.

Symbolism of the Burial Site

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the cave of Machpelah (later purchased by Avraham) represents the connection between physical and spiritual worlds. Its dual nature (as hinted by the name "Machpelah," meaning "double") symbolizes the eternal bond of the Jewish people with Eretz Yisrael and the Olam Haba (World to Come).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 23:6 mean?
A: Genesis 23:6 records the words of the children of Heth (Bnei Chet) to Avraham when he requested to buy a burial plot for Sarah. They recognized Avraham as a 'mighty prince' (נְשִׂיא אֱלֹהִים) and offered him the choicest of their burial sites, showing great respect. Rashi explains that they acknowledged his divine stature and leadership.
Q: Why is Avraham called a 'mighty prince' in this verse?
A: Avraham is called a 'mighty prince' (נְשִׂיא אֱלֹהִים) because he was a respected spiritual and communal leader. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) teaches that his righteousness and influence made him like royalty among the nations. The children of Heth recognized his greatness and treated him with honor.
Q: What can we learn from the children of Heth's response to Avraham?
A: We learn the importance of honoring righteous individuals and treating them with respect. The children of Heth did not hesitate to offer Avraham their best burial sites, demonstrating hakarat hatov (recognition of good) for his presence among them. The Talmud (Sotah 14a) also derives from this episode the importance of kindness in burying the dead (chesed shel emet).
Q: Why did Avraham insist on buying a burial plot instead of accepting it as a gift?
A: Avraham wanted to legally acquire the burial site (Me'arat HaMachpelah) to ensure it would remain a permanent possession for his descendants. Rashi explains that he refused to take it as a gift because he foresaw future disputes and wanted undisputed ownership, as hinted in the verse (Genesis 23:4): 'Give me possession of a burial site with you.'
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish burial customs today?
A: This verse highlights the Jewish value of honoring the dead with a proper burial (kavod ha'met). Just as Avraham sought a dignified resting place for Sarah, Jewish law (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah) emphasizes the importance of burial in a Jewish cemetery and treating the deceased with respect, a principle rooted in this biblical event.