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Genesis 23:13 - Buying burial with dignity?

Genesis 23:13 - בראשית 23:13

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר אֶל־עֶפְרוֹן בְּאָזְנֵי עַם־הָאָרֶץ לֵאמֹר אַךְ אִם־אַתָּה לוּ שְׁמָעֵנִי נָתַתִּי כֶּסֶף הַשָּׂדֶה קַח מִמֶּנִּי וְאֶקְבְּרָה אֶת־מֵתִי שָׁמָּה׃

English Translation

And he spoke to ῾Efron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee the price of the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there.

Transliteration

Vay'daber el-Efron b'oznei am-ha'aretz lemor, ach im-ata lu shma'eni, natati kesef hasadeh, kach mimeni v'ekb'ra et-meiti shamah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר אֶל־עֶפְר֜וֹן בְּאׇזְנֵ֤י עַם־הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר אַ֛ךְ אִם־אַתָּ֥ה ל֖וּ שְׁמָעֵ֑נִי נָתַ֜תִּי כֶּ֤סֶף הַשָּׂדֶה֙ קַ֣ח מִמֶּ֔נִּי וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה אֶת־מֵתִ֖י שָֽׁמָּה׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר אֶל־עֶפְר֜וֹן בְּאׇזְנֵ֤י עַם־הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר אַ֛ךְ אִם־אַתָּ֥ה ל֖וּ שְׁמָעֵ֑נִי נָתַ֜תִּי כֶּ֤סֶף הַשָּׂדֶה֙ קַ֣ח מִמֶּ֔נִּי וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה אֶת־מֵתִ֖י שָֽׁמָּה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereishit 23:13) describes Avraham Avinu's negotiation with Efron the Hittite to purchase the Cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah Imenu. This transaction is significant as it represents the first acquisition of land in Eretz Yisrael by the Jewish people.

Avraham's Approach to Efron

Rashi explains that Avraham insisted on paying full price for the land rather than accepting it as a gift. The phrase "אַךְ אִם־אַתָּה לוּ" ("But if thou wilt give it") demonstrates Avraham's insistence on a proper business transaction, ensuring the land would be indisputably his. Ramban adds that Avraham conducted this negotiation publicly ("בְּאָזְנֵי עַם־הָאָרֶץ") to prevent future disputes over ownership.

Halachic and Ethical Dimensions

  • The Sforno notes that Avraham's insistence on paying reflects the Torah's emphasis on honest business dealings, avoiding even the appearance of impropriety.
  • The Kli Yakar highlights that Avraham referred to Sarah as "מֵתִי" ("my dead") rather than by name, teaching the importance of modesty even in death.
  • Midrash Rabbah (Bereishit 58:7) explains that Avraham's careful negotiation established the sanctity of Eretz Yisrael as an eternal possession for his descendants.

Significance of the Purchase

The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 11:17) cites this transaction as proof of Jewish rights to the Land of Israel, noting that Avraham paid full value to establish clear ownership. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) derives from this episode that one should be meticulous in financial matters, especially when dealing with non-Jews, to avoid chillul Hashem.

Lessons in Middot

The Or HaChaim emphasizes that Avraham's respectful tone ("לוּ שְׁמָעֵנִי" - "I pray thee, hear me") demonstrates proper derech eretz even when negotiating with idolaters. This models how to maintain dignity and diplomacy in all interactions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham insist on paying for the burial plot instead of accepting it as a gift?
A: Avraham insisted on paying for the burial plot (the Cave of Machpelah) to avoid any future disputes over ownership. According to Rashi (Genesis 23:16), paying full price ensured that the transaction was legally binding and honored by all parties. This teaches the importance of clear and honest business dealings.
Q: Why did Avraham negotiate with Efron in public ('in the hearing of the people of the land')?
A: Avraham conducted the negotiation publicly to ensure transparency and avoid misunderstandings. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) emphasizes that public transactions prevent later claims of deception. This also demonstrated Avraham's integrity in business matters.
Q: What is the significance of Avraham burying Sarah in the Cave of Machpelah?
A: The Cave of Machpelah became the burial place for our forefathers and foremothers (Avraham, Sarah, Yitzchak, Rivkah, Yaakov, and Leah). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 58:8) teaches that this site was chosen because Adam and Chava were also buried there, connecting it to the very beginning of humanity.
Q: Why did Avraham refer to Sarah as 'my dead' ('et meiti') instead of by name?
A: Rashi (Genesis 23:3) explains that Avraham used the term 'my dead' out of humility and respect, avoiding unnecessary mention of her name in a public negotiation. This teaches derech eretz (proper conduct) in how we speak about those who have passed away.
Q: How does Avraham's purchase of the burial plot relate to Jewish law today?
A: This transaction established the Jewish legal principle of kinyan (proper acquisition). The Rambam (Hilchot Mechira 1:1) derives from here that a valid purchase requires clear agreement, witnesses, and payment. Additionally, it set a precedent for Jews to have ownership of burial places in Eretz Yisrael.