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Genesis 23:20 - Avraham's eternal burial purchase

Genesis 23:20 - בראשית 23:20

Hebrew Text

וַיָּקָם הַשָּׂדֶה וְהַמְּעָרָה אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ לְאַבְרָהָם לַאֲחֻזַּת־קָבֶר מֵאֵת בְּנֵי־חֵת׃

English Translation

And the field, and the cave that is in it, were made over to Avraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Ḥet.

Transliteration

Vayakam hasadeh vehame'arah asher-bo le'Avraham la'achuzat-kever me'et bnei-Chet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֨קׇם הַשָּׂדֶ֜ה וְהַמְּעָרָ֧ה אֲשֶׁר־בּ֛וֹ לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם לַאֲחֻזַּת־קָ֑בֶר מֵאֵ֖ת בְּנֵי־חֵֽת׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיָּ֨קׇם הַשָּׂדֶ֜ה וְהַמְּעָרָ֧ה אֲשֶׁר־בּ֛וֹ לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם לַאֲחֻזַּת־קָ֑בֶר מֵאֵ֖ת בְּנֵי־חֵֽת׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Acquisition of the Cave of Machpelah

The verse describes the formal transfer of the field and cave of Machpelah to Avraham as a burial possession from the sons of Ḥet (Hittites). This transaction is significant as it represents the first legally acquired parcel of land in Eretz Yisrael by our forefather Avraham, fulfilling Hashem's promise of the land to his descendants (Bereishit 15:7).

Legal and Spiritual Significance

Rashi (Bereishit 23:17) emphasizes that the Torah details this transaction meticulously to demonstrate that Avraham properly acquired the land through legal purchase, not seizure. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 79:7) notes that this acquisition established a foothold in Eretz Yisrael for future generations.

  • Double Cave: The name "Machpelah" (meaning "double") is explained by Ramban as referring either to a cave within a cave or to the couples buried there (Avraham and Sarah, Yitzchak and Rivkah, Yaakov and Leah).
  • Full Price: Avraham insisted on paying full value (400 silver shekels) rather than accepting it as a gift, to avoid any future disputes (Kli Yakar).
  • Burial Site of Adam and Chava: The Zohar (1:127a) teaches that Adam and Chava were originally buried in this cave, adding to its sanctity.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Mechira 1:15) derives from this episode that land acquisitions require both payment and a formal contract (shtar). The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) notes how Avraham's insistence on proper legal formalities sets a precedent for Jewish business ethics.

Eternal Connection to Eretz Yisrael

The Sforno explains that this purchase established an eternal Jewish claim to the land, with the cave remaining a sacred site throughout Jewish history. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that this transaction demonstrated Avraham's emunah (faith) in Hashem's promise, as he invested in land he wouldn't fully possess for generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 100a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the legal acquisition of property, specifically regarding Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah as a burial site.
📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the significance of the land of Israel and the patriarchs' connection to it, particularly focusing on Abraham's acquisition of the burial site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham buy a burial plot from the sons of Ḥet?
A: Avraham wanted a proper burial place for his wife Sarah, as the Torah emphasizes the importance of honoring the dead (kavod ha'met). Purchasing the Cave of Machpelah established a permanent Jewish burial site in the Land of Israel, showing Avraham's faith in God's promise that this land would belong to his descendants (Rashi on Genesis 23:20).
Q: What is the significance of the Cave of Machpelah in Judaism?
A: The Cave of Machpelah is where our forefathers and foremothers (Avraham, Sarah, Yitzchak, Rivkah, Yaakov, and Leah) are buried. It is considered one of Judaism's holiest sites because it connects us to our roots and reminds us of God's covenant with Avraham (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 58:8).
Q: Why did Avraham insist on paying for the land instead of accepting it as a gift?
A: Avraham wanted to avoid any future disputes by ensuring clear ownership. Paying full price (400 silver shekels) demonstrated that the land legally belonged to him and his descendants (Ramban on Genesis 23:16). This also teaches the importance of honest business dealings (Mishnah Avot 5:10).
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish burial customs today?
A: Just as Avraham ensured a proper burial for Sarah, Jewish law (Halacha) requires respecting the dead through timely burial, a permanent gravesite, and avoiding desecration. The purchase of Machpelah set a precedent for these mitzvot (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 357:1).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's negotiation for the burial cave?
A: Avraham's respectful yet firm negotiation with Ephron teaches us to conduct business with dignity, clarity, and fairness—even in difficult circumstances. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) praises Avraham's ethical behavior in this transaction.