share torah logo

Genesis 23:16 - Avraham's costly burial purchase

Genesis 23:16 - בראשית 23:16

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁמַע אַבְרָהָם אֶל־עֶפְרוֹן וַיִּשְׁקֹל אַבְרָהָם לְעֶפְרֹן אֶת־הַכֶּסֶף אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר בְּאָזְנֵי בְנֵי־חֵת אַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת שֶׁקֶל כֶּסֶף עֹבֵר לַסֹּחֵר׃

English Translation

And Avraham hearkened to ῾Efron; and Avraham weighed to ῾Efron the silver, which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Ḥet, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.

Transliteration

Va'yishma Avraham el-Efron va'yishkol Avraham le-Efron et-hakesef asher diber be'oznei venei-Chet arba me'ot shekel kesef over la'socher.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע אַבְרָהָם֮ אֶל־עֶפְרוֹן֒ וַיִּשְׁקֹ֤ל אַבְרָהָם֙ לְעֶפְרֹ֔ן אֶת־הַכֶּ֕סֶף אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֶּ֖ר בְּאׇזְנֵ֣י בְנֵי־חֵ֑ת אַרְבַּ֤ע מֵאוֹת֙ שֶׁ֣קֶל כֶּ֔סֶף עֹבֵ֖ר לַסֹּחֵֽר׃
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע אַבְרָהָם֮ אֶל־עֶפְרוֹן֒ וַיִּשְׁקֹ֤ל אַבְרָהָם֙ לְעֶפְרֹ֔ן אֶת־הַכֶּ֕סֶף אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֶּ֖ר בְּאׇזְנֵ֣י בְנֵי־חֵ֑ת אַרְבַּ֤ע מֵאוֹת֙ שֶׁ֣קֶל כֶּ֔סֶף עֹבֵ֖ר לַסֹּחֵֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Transaction

The verse (Bereishit 23:16) describes Avraham Avinu's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah from Efron the Hittite to bury Sarah Imeinu. This transaction is significant as it represents the first acquisition of land in Eretz Yisrael by the Avot, establishing a permanent Jewish connection to the land.

Rashi's Explanation of "Shekel Kesef Over LaSoher"

Rashi explains that the term "shekel kesef over laSoher" (current money with the merchant) refers to coinage that was widely accepted in commerce, not provincial or debased currency. This underscores the fairness of the transaction, as Avraham paid full value with universally recognized currency.

The Significance of 400 Shekels

  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 58:7) notes that 400 shekels corresponds to the value of the incense offered in the Mishkan (Shemot 30:13), linking this purchase to future Divine service.
  • Ramban suggests the large sum demonstrated Avraham's willingness to pay generously for a burial place in Eretz Yisrael, showing his commitment to the land.

Halachic Implications of the Transaction

The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) derives from this episode that business transactions should be conducted publicly before witnesses ("b'oznei bnei Chet"), establishing an important principle in Jewish monetary law about transparency in commerce.

Avraham's Conduct as a Model

Kli Yakar emphasizes that Avraham insisted on paying full price despite Efron's initial offer to give the land for free (23:11). This teaches the importance of avoiding even the appearance of exploiting others' generosity, especially when dealing with those outside the covenant.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 87a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the legal implications of transactions and the importance of witnesses in monetary matters, illustrating how Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah was conducted publicly and with proper procedure.
📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the righteousness of Abraham and his meticulousness in fulfilling legal and ethical obligations, even in financial transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham pay 400 shekels of silver for the burial plot?
A: Avraham paid 400 shekels of silver to Efron for the Cave of Machpelah to bury Sarah, demonstrating his commitment to honoring the dead with dignity. According to Rashi (Genesis 23:16), this was a fair and public transaction, showing Avraham's integrity in business dealings even when purchasing land for a sacred purpose.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'current money with the merchant' in this verse?
A: The phrase 'current money with the merchant' (עֹבֵר לַסֹּחֵר) means that the silver shekels Avraham used were of standard weight and accepted value in trade. Rambam (Hilchot Mechira 18:1) explains that honest weights and measures are essential in Jewish law, and Avraham set an example by ensuring the payment was fair and transparent.
Q: Why did Avraham insist on paying for the burial site instead of accepting it as a gift?
A: Avraham refused to take the land as a gift (as Efron initially offered) to avoid any future disputes over ownership. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 58:7) teaches that paying full price ensured the purchase was legally binding, reflecting Avraham's wisdom in securing a permanent burial place for his family.
Q: How does this transaction relate to Jewish values today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of honesty in financial dealings and respecting the dead. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) derives from Avraham's example that one should avoid even the appearance of impropriety in business. Today, Jews follow these principles by conducting transactions fairly and treating burial with reverence.
Q: Why is the Cave of Machpelah important in Judaism?
A: The Cave of Machpelah, purchased in this verse, became the burial site for Avraham, Sarah, Yitzchak, Rivka, Yaakov, and Leah—making it one of Judaism's holiest places. The Zohar (1:127b) emphasizes its spiritual significance as a gateway to the Garden of Eden, and Jews continue to visit it in Hebron for prayer.