Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the Cave of Makhpela in Genesis 23:9?
A: The Cave of Makhpela is significant because it became the burial place for our forefathers and foremothers—Avraham and Sarah, Yitzchak and Rivkah, Yaakov and Leah. According to Rashi and Midrashic sources, it is called 'Makhpela' (meaning 'double') because it had a double cave structure or because it contained pairs of burial chambers. Acquiring this land was the first legal Jewish ownership in Eretz Yisrael.
Q: Why did Avraham insist on paying full price for the Cave of Makhpela?
A: Avraham insisted on paying full price (as emphasized in the words 'בְּכֶסֶף מָלֵא'—'for full silver') to avoid any future disputes about ownership. The Ramban explains that Avraham wanted a clear, legal transaction so no one could later claim the land was given as a gift or taken unfairly. This teaches the importance of honesty and proper business dealings in Jewish law (Halacha).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's negotiation for the Cave of Makhpela?
A: From Avraham's negotiation, we learn the importance of respecting local customs while maintaining Jewish values. Though Efron initially offered the land for free (as was customary), Avraham insisted on paying to avoid future obligations (Rashi). This teaches that kindness should not come with hidden expectations, and transactions should be clear and fair—a principle later codified in Jewish business ethics (Choshen Mishpat).
Q: Why is the Cave of Makhpela called a 'possession of a buryingplace' (אֲחֻזַּת־קָבֶר)?
A: The term 'אֲחֻזַּת־קָבֶר' (possession of a buryingplace) shows this was a permanent Jewish acquisition. Unlike temporary dwelling, burial land signifies eternal connection to the land. The Talmud (Bava Batra 100b) derives from here that burial grounds must be treated with utmost respect. Today, the Cave of Makhpela in Chevron remains a sacred site and a symbol of our ancestral ties to Eretz Yisrael.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish burial practices today?
A: This verse establishes the Jewish value of proper burial (כְּבוֹד הַמֵּת). Just as Avraham ensured a dignified burial place for Sarah, Jewish law (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah) requires burying the dead with honor and securing burial plots permanently. The purchase of Makhpela also sets a precedent for Jewish ownership of cemeteries, ensuring they remain undisturbed—a practice still followed in Jewish communities worldwide.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Genesis 23:9) records Avraham's request to purchase the Cave of Makhpela from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site for Sarah. This transaction is significant as it represents the first acquisition of land in Eretz Yisrael by the Avot (Patriarchs), establishing a permanent Jewish connection to the land.
Significance of the Cave of Makhpela
Rashi explains that the cave was called "Makhpela" (from the root כפל, meaning "double") because it contained either:
The Midrash (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 36) states this was the burial place of Adam and Chava, making it especially sacred.
Avraham's Negotiation Strategy
Ramban notes that Avraham:
This demonstrates Avraham's commitment to honest business dealings and establishing legal rights to the land.
Halachic Dimensions of the Purchase
The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) derives from this episode that:
Symbolic Meaning
The Kli Yakar explains that Avraham's acquisition of this burial site represents: