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Genesis 23:17 - First Jewish land purchase forever?

Genesis 23:17 - בראשית 23:17

Hebrew Text

וַיָּקָם שְׂדֵה עֶפְרוֹן אֲשֶׁר בַּמַּכְפֵּלָה אֲשֶׁר לִפְנֵי מַמְרֵא הַשָּׂדֶה וְהַמְּעָרָה אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ וְכָל־הָעֵץ אֲשֶׁר בַּשָּׂדֶה אֲשֶׁר בְּכָל־גְּבֻלוֹ סָבִיב׃

English Translation

And the field of ῾Efron, which was in Makhpela, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made over

Transliteration

Va'yakom sdeh Efron asher ba'Makhpela asher lifnei Mamre ha'sadeh ve'ha'me'arah asher-bo ve'khol ha'etz asher ba'sadeh asher be'khol gvulo saviv.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֣קׇם <b>׀</b> שְׂדֵ֣ה עֶפְר֗וֹן אֲשֶׁר֙ בַּמַּכְפֵּלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר לִפְנֵ֣י מַמְרֵ֑א הַשָּׂדֶה֙ וְהַמְּעָרָ֣ה אֲשֶׁר־בּ֔וֹ וְכׇל־הָעֵץ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּכׇל־גְּבֻל֖וֹ סָבִֽיב׃
וַיָּ֣קׇם ׀ שְׂדֵ֣ה עֶפְר֗וֹן אֲשֶׁר֙ בַּמַּכְפֵּלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר לִפְנֵ֣י מַמְרֵ֑א הַשָּׂדֶה֙ וְהַמְּעָרָ֣ה אֲשֶׁר־בּ֔וֹ וְכׇל־הָעֵץ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּכׇל־גְּבֻל֖וֹ סָבִֽיב׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah

The verse (Bereishit 23:17-18) describes the formal transfer of the field of Efron, including the Cave of Machpelah, to Avraham Avinu as a burial site for Sarah Imeinu. This transaction is significant as it represents the first legally acquired portion of Eretz Yisrael by the Avot.

Rashi's Explanation on the Details of the Transaction

Rashi (Bereishit 23:17) emphasizes that the Torah meticulously lists all components of the purchase - the field, the cave, and even the trees - to demonstrate that Avraham insisted on paying full price and acquiring clear title to every element. This counters any potential future claims that the purchase was incomplete or conditional.

The Significance of Machpelah

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 58:8) explains that the cave is called "Machpelah" (meaning "double") for several reasons:

  • It had two chambers (one atop the other)
  • It contained couples (Adam and Chava, Avraham and Sarah, etc.)
  • Its spiritual reward was doubled

Legal Aspects of the Purchase

The Rambam (Hilchot Mechira 1:15) derives from this transaction important principles of Jewish property law. The detailed description teaches that a valid acquisition requires:

  • Clear specification of boundaries
  • Inclusion of all attached features (trees, structures)
  • Public recording of the transaction

The Location Before Mamre

Kli Yakar notes that mentioning Mamre serves two purposes:

  • It identifies the precise location for future generations
  • It honors Mamre who advised Avraham regarding the Brit Milah (Bereishit Rabbah 42:8)

Spiritual Significance of the Trees

Baal HaTurim observes that the mention of "all the trees" hints at the future spiritual growth that would emerge from this sacred site, as trees symbolize Torah scholars (as in Tehillim 92:13). The fact that they were included in the purchase shows that Avraham acquired not just physical land but its spiritual potential as well.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 100a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the legal aspects of land and property transactions, particularly focusing on the details of Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah.
📖 Eruvin 53a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the significance of specific locations and their descriptions in biblical narratives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham buy the Cave of Machpela?
A: Avraham purchased the Cave of Machpela to bury his wife Sarah, establishing the first Jewish burial plot in the Land of Israel. This showed his faith in God's promise that the land would belong to his descendants (Rashi on Genesis 23:17).
Q: What is the significance of the Cave of Machpela?
A: The Cave of Machpela is where our forefathers and foremothers (Avraham, Sarah, Yitzchak, Rivka, Yaakov, and Leah) are buried. It's considered an especially holy site because Adam and Chava (Eve) are also said to be buried there according to Jewish tradition (Zohar, Ruth 96).
Q: Why does the Torah mention all the details of Avraham's purchase?
A: The Torah specifies the trees, borders, and full payment to show Avraham legally acquired the land properly, preventing future disputes. This teaches the importance of honest business dealings (Rambam, Hilchot Mechira 11:2).