1
וַיִּהְיוּ֙ חַיֵּ֣י שָׂרָ֔ה מֵאָ֥ה שָׁנָ֛ה וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וְשֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֑ים שְׁנֵ֖י חַיֵּ֥י שָׂרָֽה
And the life of Sarah was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years; these were the years of the life of Sarah.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיִּהְיוּ֙and wereconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol main clause verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; here introduces solemn life-span notice.
חַיֵּ֣יthe life ofN m pl constr · חַי (H2416)Subject (construct chain head)חַי (H2416) 'life, living'; pl constr links to Sarah's name.
שָׂרָ֔הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Construct chain genitiveשָׂרָה (H8283) 'princess'; the matriarch whose full lifespan is now formally recorded.
מֵאָ֥הa hundrednumeral c sg abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Predicate numeral (first unit)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; first of three additive age units for Sarah.
שָׁנָ֛הyearN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Apposition to numeralשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; repeated three times for solemn rhetorical effect.
וְעֶשְׂרִ֥יםand twentyconj וְ + numeral c pl abs · עֶשְׂרִים (H6242)Additive numeral (second unit)עֶשְׂרִים (H6242) 'twenty'; second additive component of Sarah's age.
שָׁנָ֖הyearN f sg abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Apposition to numeralשָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; repeated for each numeral in the solemn tally.
וְשֶׁ֣בַעand sevenconj וְ + numeral f sg abs · שֶׁבַע (H7651)Additive numeral (third unit)שֶׁבַע (H7651) 'seven'; final and smallest unit of Sarah's lifespan.
שָׁנִ֑יםyearsN f pl abs · שָׁנָה (H8141)Apposition to numeral (pl)שָׁנָה (H8141) 'year'; plural form closes the triple numeral sequence.
שְׁנֵ֖יthe years ofN f dual constr · שָׁנָה (H8141)Resumptive apposition (summary)שָׁנָה (H8141) dual constr; resumes and frames the total as 'years of the life of.'
חַיֵּ֥יthe life ofN m pl constr · חַי (H2416)Construct chain head (resumptive)חַי (H2416) 'life'; second occurrence closes the envelope around her full lifespan.
שָׂרָֽהSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Construct chain genitive (final)שָׂרָה (H8283); the verse ends as it began, with her name, framing her completed life.
2
וַתָּ֣מָת שָׂרָ֗ה בְּקִרְיַ֥ת אַרְבַּ֛ע הִ֥וא חֶבְר֖וֹן בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן וַיָּבֹא֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם לִסְפֹּ֥ד לְשָׂרָ֖ה וְלִבְכֹּתָֽהּ
And Sarah died in Kiriath-arba, that is Hebron, in the land of Canaan, and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַתָּ֣מָתand she diedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · מוּת (H4191)Wayyiqtol main clause verb→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; the stark announcement following the life-span notice.
שָׂרָ֗הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Subjectשָׂרָה (H8283); subject of the death notice; name repeated for solemnity.
בְּקִרְיַ֥תin Kiriath-prep בְּ + proper noun (constr) · קִרְיַת אַרְבַּע (H7153)Locative prepositional phraseקִרְיַת אַרְבַּע (H7153) 'city of Arba'; ancient name for Hebron; burial location.
אַרְבַּ֛עarbanumeral f sg abs · אַרְבַּע (H7153)Construct chain complement (place name)Second element of place name Kiriath-arba; 'four' or name of giant Arba (cf. Josh 14:15).
הִ֥ואthat ispersonal pronoun 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Identifying copula (gloss)הוּא (H1931) used as copula to identify the older name with the current name Hebron.
חֶבְר֖וֹןHebronproper noun · חֶבְרוֹן (H2275)Predicate of identifying clauseחֶבְרוֹן (H2275) 'Hebron'; major Judean highland city, Abraham's base in Canaan.
בְּאֶ֣רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; constr form links to Canaan — the promise-land setting.
כְּנָ֑עַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Construct chain genitiveכְּנַעַן (H3667) 'Canaan'; the promised land; death occurs within the inheritance.
וַיָּבֹא֙and he cameconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; Abraham arrives to perform mourning rites.
אַבְרָהָ֔םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subjectאַבְרָהָם (H85) 'father of a multitude'; protagonist of the burial negotiation.
לִסְפֹּ֥דto mournprep לְ + Qal inf constr · סָפַד (H5594)Purpose infinitive→ Infinitive: purpose/resultסָפַד (H5594) 'to wail, lament, mourn'; formal public mourning for the dead.
לְשָׂרָ֖הfor Sarahprep לְ + proper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Prepositional object of mourningשָׂרָה (H8283); the mourning is for her specifically, solemnized by name.
וְלִבְכֹּתָֽהּand to weep for herconj וְ + prep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3fs suffix · בָּכָה (H1058)Coordinated purpose infinitive→ Infinitive: purpose/resultבָּכָה (H1058) 'to weep'; paired with סָפַד: public mourning + personal tears.
3
וַיָּ֨קָם֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם מֵעַ֖ל פְּנֵ֣י מֵת֑וֹ וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר אֶל בְּנֵי חֵ֖ת לֵאמֹֽר
And Abraham rose from before his dead and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying,
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיָּ֨קָם֙and he roseconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) 'to arise, stand up'; grief gives way to purposeful action.
אַבְרָהָ֔םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subjectאַבְרָהָם (H85); rises from mourning to begin the land negotiation.
מֵעַ֖לfrom beforeprep מִן + prep עַל · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseמֵעַל (H5921) 'from upon/before'; idiom for rising away from the bier.
פְּנֵ֣יthe face ofN m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct chain head (locative)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence, before'; here the visible body of the deceased.
מֵת֑וֹhis deadQal ptc ms constr + 3ms suffix · מוּת (H4191)Substantival participle (genitive)→ Participle: substantival — the deceased oneמוּת (H4191) 'die'; ptc used as noun 'his dead one' = Sarah's body.
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokeconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; Piel intensifies the formal public address.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressees of Abraham's formal request.
בְּנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional object (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; pl constr 'sons of Heth' = the Hittite community.
חֵ֖תHethproper noun · חֵת (H2845)Construct chain genitiveחֵת (H2845) ancestor of the Hittites; Abraham's Hebronite neighbors and landlords.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Manner infinitive (introducing speech)→ Infinitive: introduces direct discourseאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; formulaic לֵאמֹר introduces the direct speech that follows.
4
גֵּר וְתוֹשָׁ֥ב אָנֹכִ֖י עִמָּכֶ֑ם תְּנ֨וּ לִ֤י אֲחֻזַּת קֶ֨בֶר֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה מֵתִ֖י מִלְּפָנָֽי
"I am a resident alien and a settler among you; give me a burial holding among you, so that I may bury my dead from before me."
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
גֵּרa sojournerN m sg abs · גֵּר (H1616)Predicate noun (verbless clause)גֵּר (H1616) 'alien, sojourner'; one with no inherited land rights; legal category.
וְתוֹשָׁ֥בand a settlerconj וְ + N m sg abs · תּוֹשָׁב (H8453)Coordinated predicate nounתּוֹשָׁב (H8453) 'resident, settler'; paired with גֵּר: recognized as dwelling among them yet landless.
אָנֹכִ֖יI ampersonal pronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of verbless clauseאָנֹכִי (H595) emphatic 'I'; Abraham publicly names his legal status before making his request.
עִמָּכֶ֑םamong youprep עִם + 2mp suffix · עִם (H5973)Locative prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) 'with, among'; marks Abraham's social proximity without land ownership.
תְּנ֨וּgiveQal impv 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Imperative (main request)→ Volitional: direct appeal/requestנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the operative verb of Abraham's petition to the assembly.
לִ֤יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְIndirect objectDative prep לְ with 1cs suffix; marks Abraham as recipient of the requested holding.
אֲחֻזַּתa holding ofN f sg constr · אֲחֻזָּה (H272)Direct object (construct head)אֲחֻזָּה (H272) 'holding, possession'; legal term for inheritable landed property.
קֶ֨בֶר֙burialN m sg abs · קֶבֶר (H6913)Construct chain genitive (purpose)קֶבֶר (H6913) 'grave, tomb'; the holding is specifically for burial, not living use.
עִמָּכֶ֔םamong youprep עִם + 2mp suffix · עִם (H5973)Locative prepositional phraseעִם (H5973) repeated for emphasis: the holding is to be among their holdings.
וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥הthat I may buryconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cs · קָבַר (H6912)Purpose/result cohortative→ Cohortative: volitional purpose following imperativeקָבַר (H6912) 'to bury'; cohortative expresses Abraham's purpose in requesting the holding.
מֵתִ֖יmy deadQal ptc ms constr + 1cs suffix · מוּת (H4191)Direct object (substantival ptc)→ Participle: substantival — the deceased oneמוּת (H4191); substantival ptc 'my dead one' = Sarah; same idiom as v.3.
מִלְּפָנָֽיfrom before meprep מִן + prep לְ + N m pl constr + 1cs suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative-adverbial phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom 'from my presence' — the body lying before him demands burial.
5
וַיַּעֲנ֧וּ בְנֵי חֵ֛ת אֶת אַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֥ר לֽוֹ
And the sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him,
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיַּעֲנ֧וּand they answeredconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, respond'; the community's collective formal reply.
בְנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the Hittite community speaks collectively.
חֵ֛תHethproper noun · חֵת (H2845)Construct chain genitiveחֵת (H2845); the sons of Heth = the Hittite group at Hebron who received Abraham's appeal.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi marking Abraham as definite direct object of the verb 'answered.'
אַבְרָהָ֖םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Direct objectאַבְרָהָם (H85); the one addressed and answered by the Hittite assembly.
לֵאמֹ֥רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Manner infinitive (introduces speech)→ Infinitive: introduces direct discourseאָמַר (H559); formulaic; introduces the Hittites' honorific reply to Abraham.
לֽוֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect object of speechDative prep with 3ms suffix; the reply is directed personally to Abraham.
6
שְׁמָעֵ֣נוּ אֲדֹנִ֗י נְשִׂ֨יא אֱלֹהִ֤ים אַתָּה֙ בְּתוֹכֵ֔נוּ בְּמִבְחַ֣ר קְבָרֵ֔ינוּ קְבֹ֖ר אֶת מֵתֶ֑ךָ אִ֣ישׁ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ אֶת קִבְר֛וֹ לֹֽא יִכְלֶ֥ה מִמְּךָ֖ מִקְּבֹ֥ר מֵתֶֽךָ
"Hear us, my lord: you are a prince of God among us. In the choicest of our tombs bury your dead. No man among us will withhold his tomb from you, from burying your dead."
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
שְׁמָעֵ֣נוּhear usQal impv 2ms + 1cp suffix · שָׁמַע (H8085)Imperative (opening address)→ Volitional: courteous appeal for attentionשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen'; the Hittites open with a polite call to attention.
אֲדֹנִ֗יmy lordN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · אָדוֹן (H113)Vocative (address)אָדוֹן (H113) 'lord, master'; honorific address acknowledging Abraham's elevated status.
נְשִׂ֨יאa prince ofN m sg constr · נָשִׂיא (H5387)Predicate noun (verbless clause)נָשִׂיא (H5387) 'leader, prince, chief'; from נָשָׂא 'to lift'; highest public honorific.
אֱלֹהִ֤יםof GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Construct chain genitive (superlative)אֱלֹהִים (H430) 'God'; the construct 'prince of God' is a superlative: a godly/divinely honored prince.
אַתָּה֙you arepersonal pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of verbless clauseאַתָּה (H859) 'you'; pronoun serves as copula subject in the honorific verbless clause.
בְּתוֹכֵ֔נוּamong usprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 1cp suffix · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst, middle'; Abraham is publicly recognized within their community.
בְּמִבְחַ֣רin the choicest ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · מִבְחָר (H4005)Locative prepositional phrase (choice)מִבְחָר (H4005) 'choice, select'; from בָּחַר 'to choose'; the best of their tombs offered.
קְבָרֵ֔ינוּour tombsN m pl constr + 1cp suffix · קֶבֶר (H6913)Construct chain genitiveקֶבֶר (H6913) 'grave, tomb'; their finest burial sites are placed at Abraham's disposal.
קְבֹ֖רburyQal impv 2ms · קָבַר (H6912)Imperative (permission granted)→ Volitional: granting permissionקָבַר (H6912) 'to bury'; the Hittites formally grant Abraham burial access.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks מֵתֶךָ as definite direct object of 'bury.'
מֵתֶ֑ךָyour deadQal ptc ms constr + 2ms suffix · מוּת (H4191)Direct object (substantival ptc)→ Participle: substantival — the deceasedמוּת (H4191); 'your dead one' = Sarah; same substantival ptc pattern as vv.3-4.
אִ֣ישׁno manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of negated clauseאִישׁ (H376) 'man, person'; with לֹא: 'no man among us will withhold.'
מִמֶּ֔נּוּfrom among usprep מִן + 1cp suffix · מִן (H4480)Partitive prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from'; partitive — 'any one from among us' — emphasizing community solidarity.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853); marks קִבְרוֹ as definite direct object of יִכְלֶה.
קִבְר֛וֹhis tombN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · קֶבֶר (H6913)Direct objectקֶבֶר (H6913) 'grave'; each man's own tomb is offered without restriction.
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negationלֹא (H3808) standard negative; negates the imperfect יִכְלֶה: 'will not withhold.'
יִכְלֶ֥הwill withholdQal impf 3ms · כָּלָא (H3607)Negated predicate verb→ Yiqtol: imperfective — general future prohibitionכָּלָא (H3607) 'to restrain, withhold, shut up'; no one will withhold their tomb from him.
מִמְּךָ֖from youprep מִן + 2ms suffix · מִן (H4480)Prepositional object (deprived party)מִן (H4480) 'from'; the one from whom nothing will be withheld = Abraham.
מִקְּבֹ֥רfrom buryingprep מִן + Qal inf constr · קָבַר (H6912)Infinitive of means (negated activity)→ Infinitive: specifies the act being un-withheldקָבַר (H6912) 'to bury'; the inf specifies what no man will hinder Abraham from doing.
מֵתֶֽךָyour deadQal ptc ms constr + 2ms suffix · מוּת (H4191)Direct object (substantival ptc)→ Participle: substantival — the deceasedמוּת (H4191); the verse closes with the same phrase as the impv above: bury your dead.
7
וַיָּ֧קָם אַבְרָהָ֛ם וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ לְעַם הָאָ֖רֶץ לִבְנֵי חֵֽת
And Abraham rose and bowed to the people of the land, to the sons of Heth.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיָּ֧קָםand he roseconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) 'to arise'; formal gesture of rising precedes the bow — protocol in action.
אַבְרָהָ֛םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subjectאַבְרָהָם (H85); his rising and bowing enact the formal courtesy required of a petitioner.
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּand bowed downconj וְ + Hitpael wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁחָה (H7812)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁחָה (H7812) 'to bow, prostrate'; Hishtaphel; formal public homage to the assembled Hittites.
לְעַםto the people ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · עַם (H5971)Prepositional object of bowingעַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; Abraham directs his homage to the whole assembled community.
הָאָ֖רֶץthe landart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain genitiveאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; 'people of the land' = the local landowning citizenry with legal standing.
לִבְנֵיto the sons ofprep לְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Appositional prepositional phraseבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the second prepositional phrase specifies who 'people of the land' are.
חֵֽתHethproper noun · חֵת (H2845)Construct chain genitiveחֵת (H2845); the Hittite community before whom Abraham formally conducts his petition.
8
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר אִתָּ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר אִם יֵ֣שׁ אֶֽת נַפְשְׁכֶ֗ם לִקְבֹּ֤ר אֶת מֵתִי֙ מִלְּפָנַ֔י שְׁמָע֕וּנִי וּפִגְעוּ לִ֖י בְּעֶפְר֥וֹן בֶּן צֹֽחַר
And he spoke with them, saying, "If it is with your desire to bury my dead from before me, hear me and entreat for me with Ephron son of Zohar,
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand he spokeconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; second formal address, now naming Ephron specifically.
אִתָּ֖םwith themprep אֵת + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; distinguishes from H853 obj-marker; comitative prep here.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Manner infinitive (introduces speech)→ Infinitive: introduces direct discourseאָמַר (H559); formulaic לֵאמֹר; introduces Abraham's conditional request.
אִםifconjunction · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunctionאִם (H518) 'if'; opens the conditional that politely frames Abraham's real request.
יֵ֣שׁit isparticle of existence · יֵשׁ (H3426)Existential predicateיֵשׁ (H3426) 'there is, exists'; with אֶת נַפְשְׁכֶם = 'if it is with your desire/soul.'
אֶֽתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositionאֵת (H854) comitative 'with'; יֵשׁ אֶת נַפְשְׁכֶם = 'if your desire/soul is for [this].'
נַפְשְׁכֶ֗םyour desireN f sg constr + 2mp suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of existential clauseנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, desire, self'; here = 'your will/desire'; a polite way of asking consent.
לִקְבֹּ֤רto buryprep לְ + Qal inf constr · קָבַר (H6912)Purpose infinitive→ Infinitive: specifies the desired actionקָבַר (H6912) 'to bury'; the act Abraham wishes the Hittites to facilitate.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks 'my dead' as definite direct object of 'bury.'
מֵתִי֙my deadQal ptc ms constr + 1cs suffix · מוּת (H4191)Direct object (substantival ptc)→ Participle: substantival — the deceasedמוּת (H4191); recurring idiom 'my dead one' = Sarah's body awaiting burial.
מִלְּפָנַ֔יfrom before meprep מִן + prep לְ + N m pl constr + 1cs suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative-adverbial phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom: body lies before Abraham, pressing for burial.
שְׁמָע֕וּנִיhear meQal impv 2mp + 1cs suffix · שָׁמַע (H8085)Imperative (main request)→ Volitional: direct appealשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; Abraham formally petitions the assembly to act on his behalf.
וּפִגְעוּand entreatconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · פָּגַע (H6293)Coordinated imperative→ Volitional: request to intercedeפָּגַע (H6293) 'to meet, encounter, entreat'; here = intercede with Ephron on his behalf.
לִ֖יfor meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְDative of interestDative prep; the entreaty is on Abraham's behalf — he needs a go-between.
בְּעֶפְר֥וֹןwith Ephronprep בְּ + proper noun · עֶפְרוֹן (H6085)Prepositional object of entreatyעֶפְרוֹן (H6085) 'Ephron'; the specific owner of the cave of Machpelah; now named.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (patronymic)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; patronymic construct links Ephron to his father for identification.
צֹֽחַרZoharproper noun · צֹחַר (H6714)Construct chain genitive (father)צֹחַר (H6714) 'Zohar'; Ephron's father; the full identification lends formal legal precision.
9
וְיִתֶּן לִ֗י אֶת מְעָרַ֤ת הַמַּכְפֵּלָה֙ אֲשֶׁר ל֔וֹ אֲשֶׁ֖ר בִּקְצֵ֣ה שָׂדֵ֑הוּ בְּכֶ֨סֶף מָלֵ֜א יִתְּנֶ֥נָּה לִ֛י בְּתוֹכְכֶ֖ם לַאֲחֻזַּת קָֽבֶר
and let him give me the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to him, which is at the end of his field. For full silver let him give it to me among you for a burial holding."
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וְיִתֶּןthat he giveconj וְ + Qal jussive 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Jussive (volitional purpose)→ Jussive: third-person volitive — desire/requestנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; jussive after the imperative petition: 'let him give me.'
לִ֗יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְIndirect objectDative prep; Abraham is the recipient of the requested property transfer.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks the cave of Machpelah as the definite object.
מְעָרַ֤תthe cave ofN f sg constr · מְעָרָה (H4631)Direct object (construct head)מְעָרָה (H4631) 'cave'; from עוּר; the specific burial site Abraham has targeted.
הַמַּכְפֵּלָה֙the Machpelahart + proper noun · מַכְפֵּלָה (H4375)Construct chain genitive (place name)מַכְפֵּלָה (H4375) 'double' or place name; the patriarchal burial cave east of Hebron.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that'; introduces first relative clause identifying the cave's owner.
ל֔וֹbelongs to himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְPossessive prepositional predicatePossessive לְ with 3ms suffix; legally identifies Ephron as the cave's owner.
אֲשֶׁ֖רwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (second)אֲשֶׁר (H834); second relative clause identifies the cave's precise location in the field.
בִּקְצֵ֣הat the end ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · קָצֶה (H7097)Locative prepositional phraseקָצֶה (H7097) 'end, edge, extremity'; the cave is at the border of Ephron's field.
שָׂדֵ֑הוּhis fieldN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Construct chain genitiveשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open land'; Ephron owns the whole field; the cave is a part of it.
בְּכֶ֨סֶףfor silverprep בְּ + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Instrumental/price prepositional phraseכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; Abraham insists on full payment, not a gift.
מָלֵ֜אfulladj m sg abs · מָלֵא (H4392)Attributive adjective (modifies כֶּסֶף)מָלֵא (H4392) 'full, complete'; 'full silver' = full market price; no partial payment or gift.
יִתְּנֶ֥נָּהlet him give itQal jussive 3ms + 3fs suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Jussive (volitional request)→ Jussive: third-person volitive — desire/requestנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; resumes the jussive; the 3fs suffix refers back to the cave.
לִ֛יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffix · לְIndirect objectDative prep; repeated — Abraham again marks himself as the intended recipient.
בְּתוֹכְכֶ֖םamong youprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 2mp suffix · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; the transaction is to be a witnessed public act among the Hittites.
לַאֲחֻזַּתas a holding ofprep לְ + N f sg constr · אֲחֻזָּה (H272)Purpose prepositional phraseאֲחֻזָּה (H272) 'possession, holding'; the legal status of what is being purchased.
קָֽבֶרburialN m sg abs · קֶבֶר (H6913)Construct chain genitive (purpose)קֶבֶר (H6913) 'grave, tomb'; the holding is specifically and permanently for burial use.
10
וְעֶפְר֥וֹן יֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּת֣וֹךְ בְּנֵי חֵ֑ת וַיַּעַן֩ עֶפְר֨וֹן הַחִתִּ֤י אֶת אַבְרָהָם֙ בְּאָזְנֵ֣י בְנֵי חֵ֔ת לְכֹ֛ל בָּאֵ֥י שַֽׁעַר עִיר֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר
Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth, and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the sons of Heth, before all who entered the gate of his city, saying,
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְעֶפְר֥וֹןnow Ephronconj וְ + proper noun · עֶפְרוֹן (H6085)Circumstantial subject (scene-setting)עֶפְרוֹן (H6085) 'Ephron'; the waw introduces Ephron into the scene before his reply.
יֹשֵׁ֖בwas sittingQal ptc ms abs · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate participle (circumstantial)→ Participle: durative background circumstanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; ptc marks his ongoing position among the Hittites.
בְּת֣וֹךְin the midst ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · תָּוֶךְ (H8432)Locative prepositional phraseתָּוֶךְ (H8432) 'midst'; Ephron is seated within the assembly, not summoned from elsewhere.
בְּנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain head (genitive phrase)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Ephron is already present among the Hittite community.
חֵ֑תHethproper noun · חֵת (H2845)Construct chain genitiveחֵת (H2845); situates Ephron within the assembled Hittite community.
וַיַּעַן֩and answeredconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer'; Ephron's response is formal and public at the city gate.
עֶפְר֨וֹןEphronproper noun · עֶפְרוֹן (H6085)Subject (named again for emphasis)עֶפְרוֹן (H6085); named explicitly again to emphasize the formal, witnessed character of the reply.
הַחִתִּ֤יthe Hittiteart + gentilic adj m sg abs · חִתִּי (H2850)Appositive (ethnic identification)חִתִּי (H2850) 'Hittite'; ethnic designation formalizes the legal standing of the respondent.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Abraham as definite object of the verb 'answered.'
אַבְרָהָם֙Abrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Direct objectאַבְרָהָם (H85); addressed directly by Ephron before the assembly.
בְּאָזְנֵ֣יin the hearing ofprep בְּ + N f dual constr · אֹזֶן (H241)Locative prepositional phrase (auditors)אֹזֶן (H241) 'ear'; 'in the ears of' = publicly, within earshot of witnesses.
בְנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain head (genitive)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the Hittite witnesses authenticate the public transaction.
חֵ֔תHethproper noun · חֵת (H2845)Construct chain genitiveחֵת (H2845); the sons of Heth as witnesses make this a legally binding exchange.
לְכֹ֛לbefore allprep לְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phrase (audience)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; broadens witness group to all gate-attendees.
בָּאֵ֥יthose enteringQal ptc m pl constr · בּוֹא (H935)Substantival participle (genitive)→ Participle: substantival — habitual entrantsבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; ptc = those who regularly enter the gate = the citizenry.
שַֽׁעַרthe gate ofN m sg constr · שַׁעַר (H8179)Construct chain head (place)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; city gate was the legal forum for public transactions in ancient Israel.
עִיר֖וֹhis cityN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · עִיר (H5892)Construct chain genitiveעִיר (H5892) 'city'; Ephron's city gate = the legal venue authenticating the transfer.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Manner infinitive (introduces speech)→ Infinitive: introduces direct discourseאָמַר (H559); standard speech-introduction formula; Ephron's reply follows.
11
לֹֽא אֲדֹנִ֣י שְׁמָעֵ֔נִי הַשָּׂדֶה֙ נָתַ֣תִּי לָ֔ךְ וְהַמְּעָרָ֥ה אֲשֶׁר בּ֖וֹ לְךָ֣ נְתַתִּ֑יהָ לְעֵינֵ֧י בְנֵי עַמִּ֛י נְתַתִּ֥יהָ לָּ֖ךְ קְבֹ֥ר מֵתֶֽךָ
"No, my lord, hear me: the field I give to you, and the cave that is in it, to you I give it. Before the eyes of the sons of my people I give it to you; bury your dead."
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
לֹֽאnonegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation (rhetorical opening)לֹא (H3808) 'no, not'; Ephron opens with a polite refusal of the purchase framing — counter-offering a gift.
אֲדֹנִ֣יmy lordN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · אָדוֹן (H113)Vocative (address)אָדוֹן (H113) 'lord'; Ephron matches Abraham's courteous tone with the same honorific.
שְׁמָעֵ֔נִיhear meQal impv 2ms + 1cs suffix · שָׁמַע (H8085)Imperative (attention request)→ Volitional: courteous appeal for attentionשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; Ephron mirrors Abraham's own opening appeal from v.8.
הַשָּׂדֶה֙the fieldart + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Topicalized subject (fronted)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; Ephron expands the offer — not just the cave but the whole field.
נָתַ֣תִּיI giveQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (gift declaration)→ Perfective: declarative performative ('I hereby give')נָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; performative perfect — the declaration itself enacts the gift.
לָ֔ךְto youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְIndirect objectDative prep with 2ms suffix; Abraham is the recipient of the offered gift.
וְהַמְּעָרָ֥הand the caveconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · מְעָרָה (H4631)Coordinated subject (second gift)מְעָרָה (H4631) 'cave'; Ephron includes the cave specifically requested by Abraham.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces subordinate clause specifying which cave is meant.
בּ֖וֹin itprep בְּ + 3ms suffix · בְּLocative prepositional phrasePrep בְּ with 3ms suffix referring to the field; the cave that is in the field.
לְךָ֣to youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְIndirect object (emphatic)Dative; the fronted לְךָ is emphatic: 'to you — I give it.'
נְתַתִּ֑יהָI give itQal perf 1cs + 3fs suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (gift performative)→ Perfective: declarative performative ('I hereby give it')נָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; 3fs suffix refers to the cave; repeated performative declaration.
לְעֵינֵ֧יbefore the eyes ofprep לְ + N f dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Locative prepositional phrase (witnesses)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; 'before the eyes of' = in public view, with witnesses.
בְנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain head (genitive)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the Hittite witnesses validate the public gift declaration.
עַמִּ֛יmy peopleN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · עַם (H5971)Construct chain genitiveעַם (H5971) 'people'; Ephron identifies himself with the Hittite community as their member.
נְתַתִּ֥יהָI give itQal perf 1cs + 3fs suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (third declaration)→ Perfective: declarative performative (third time)נָתַן (H5414); third declaration of the gift; rhetorical emphasis and public witness.
לָּ֖ךְto youprep לְ + 2ms suffix · לְIndirect objectDative; the gift's beneficiary is emphatically Abraham, stated once more.
קְבֹ֥רburyQal impv 2ms · קָבַר (H6912)Imperative (concluding command)→ Volitional: granting permission and urging actionקָבַר (H6912) 'to bury'; Ephron's reply closes with a direct permission to proceed.
מֵתֶֽךָyour deadQal ptc ms constr + 2ms suffix · מוּת (H4191)Direct object (substantival ptc)→ Participle: substantival — the deceasedמוּת (H4191); 'your dead one' = Sarah; the phrase closes Ephron's gift speech.
12
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם לִפְנֵ֖י עַ֥ם הָאָֽרֶץ
And Abraham bowed before the people of the land.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ֙and he bowed downconj וְ + Hitpael wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁחָה (H7812)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁחָה (H7812) 'to bow, prostrate'; Abraham repeats the bow of v.7 before moving to payment.
אַבְרָהָ֔םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subjectאַבְרָהָם (H85); his second bow reaffirms courtesy before insisting on payment.
לִפְנֵ֖יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; 'before the people of the land' — the public assembly.
עַ֥םthe people ofN m sg constr · עַם (H5971)Construct chain headעַם (H5971) 'people'; the landed citizenry serve as Abraham's witnesses for the transaction.
הָאָֽרֶץthe landart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain genitiveאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; 'people of the land' = the local legal community at Hebron.
13
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר אֶל עֶפְר֜וֹן בְּאָזְנֵ֤י עַם הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר אַ֛ךְ אִם אַתָּ֥ה ל֖וּ שְׁמָעֵ֑נִי נָתַ֜תִּי כֶּ֤סֶף הַשָּׂדֶה֙ קַ֣ח מִמֶּ֔נִּי וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה אֶת מֵתִ֖י שָֽׁמָּה
And he spoke to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, saying, "Only if you would hear me: I give the silver for the field; take it from me, so that I may bury my dead there."
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֨רand he spokeconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; Abraham now addresses Ephron directly to insist on payment.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prepositionאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Ephron as the specific addressee of Abraham's response.
עֶפְר֜וֹןEphronproper noun · עֶפְרוֹן (H6085)Prepositional object (addressee)עֶפְרוֹן (H6085); Abraham addresses Ephron specifically by name to negotiate payment.
בְּאָזְנֵ֤יin the hearing ofprep בְּ + N f dual constr · אֹזֶן (H241)Locative prepositional phrase (witnesses)אֹזֶן (H241) 'ear'; Abraham's insistence on payment is also a public, witnessed statement.
עַםthe people ofN m sg constr · עַם (H5971)Construct chain head (genitive)עַם (H5971) 'people'; the assembly continues to witness the negotiation.
הָאָ֨רֶץ֙the landart + N f sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Construct chain genitiveאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the public assembly authenticates that payment was insisted on.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Manner infinitive (introduces speech)→ Infinitive: introduces direct discourseאָמַר (H559); formulaic; introduces Abraham's counter-speech insisting on full payment.
אַ֛ךְonlyadverbial particle · אַךְ (H389)Restrictive particleאַךְ (H389) 'only, surely, indeed'; restrictive/emphatic: Abraham grants Ephron's sentiment but insists on payment.
אִםifconjunction · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunctionאִם (H518) 'if'; opens a polite conditional framing Abraham's firm request.
אַתָּ֥הyoupersonal pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of conditional clauseאַתָּה (H859) 'you'; emphatic — Abraham addresses Ephron directly and personally.
ל֖וּwould onlyconjunction · לוּ (H3863)Optative particleלוּ (H3863) 'if only, oh that'; optative nuance: Abraham expresses his earnest wish.
שְׁמָעֵ֑נִיwould hear meQal impv 2ms + 1cs suffix · שָׁמַע (H8085)Imperative (petition)→ Volitional: earnest appealשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; recurring appeal; Abraham asks Ephron to accept his terms.
נָתַ֜תִּיI giveQal perf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb (payment declaration)→ Perfective: declarative performative ('I hereby give')נָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; performative perfect mirrors Ephron's gift formula — but as payment.
כֶּ֤סֶףthe silverN m sg constr · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Direct objectכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver, money'; Abraham counters the gift offer with an insistence on silver payment.
הַשָּׂדֶה֙of the fieldart + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Construct chain genitive (price for)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; the silver is payment for the full field, not just the cave.
קַ֣חtakeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Imperative (command to accept payment)→ Volitional: commanding Ephron to take the priceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Abraham instructs Ephron to accept the silver — not as a gift but as payment.
מִמֶּ֔נִּיfrom meprep מִן + 1cs suffix · מִן (H4480)Ablative prepositional phrase (source)מִן (H4480) 'from'; the silver is to be transferred from Abraham to Ephron.
וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥הthat I may buryconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cs · קָבַר (H6912)Purpose cohortative→ Cohortative: volitional purposeקָבַר (H6912) 'to bury'; cohortative states Abraham's purpose: he needs to bury, so he must pay.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks מֵתִי as definite direct object.
מֵתִ֖יmy deadQal ptc ms constr + 1cs suffix · מוּת (H4191)Direct object (substantival ptc)→ Participle: substantival — the deceasedמוּת (H4191); 'my dead one' = Sarah; pressing need drives Abraham's insistence on payment.
שָֽׁמָּהthereadverb of place · שָׁם (H8033)Adverbial locativeשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; with directive ה: 'there' = the cave just discussed; he will bury her there.
14
וַיַּ֧עַן עֶפְר֛וֹן אֶת אַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֥ר לֽוֹ
And Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him,
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
וַיַּ֧עַןand answeredconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer'; Ephron responds to Abraham's insistence with the formal price.
עֶפְר֛וֹןEphronproper noun · עֶפְרוֹן (H6085)Subjectעֶפְרוֹן (H6085); named again formally as he prepares to state the price.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks Abraham as direct object of 'answered.'
אַבְרָהָ֖םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Direct objectאַבְרָהָם (H85); Ephron addresses him directly to name the price of the field.
לֵאמֹ֥רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Manner infinitive (introduces speech)→ Infinitive: introduces direct discourseאָמַר (H559); formulaic speech introduction; Ephron's price-statement follows.
לֽוֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffix · לְIndirect objectDative prep with 3ms suffix; Ephron's speech is directed personally to Abraham.
15
אֲדֹנִ֣י שְׁמָעֵ֔נִי אֶרֶץ֩ אַרְבַּ֨ע מֵאֹ֧ת שֶֽׁקֶל כֶּ֛סֶף בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵֽינְךָ֖ מַה הִ֑וא וְאֶת מֵתְךָ֖ קְבֹֽר
"My lord, hear me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you? So bury your dead."
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
אֲדֹנִ֣יmy lordN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · אָדוֹן (H113)Vocative (address)אָדוֹן (H113) 'lord'; Ephron opens with the same honorific, maintaining formal courtesy.
שְׁמָעֵ֔נִיhear meQal impv 2ms + 1cs suffix · שָׁמַע (H8085)Imperative (attention request)→ Volitional: courteous appealשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; the same opening formula that both men have used throughout.
אֶרֶץ֩landN f sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject (topicalized)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; used here in the sense of a plot of land — the field being sold.
אַרְבַּ֨עfournumeral f sg abs · אַרְבַּע (H702)Numeral modifier (part of price)אַרְבַּע (H702) 'four'; part of the compound numeral 400 shekels.
מֵאֹ֧תhundrednumeral c pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds component)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; four hundred shekels — a substantial but not extraordinary price.
שֶֽׁקֶלshekel ofN m sg constr · שֶׁקֶל (H8255)Unit of measure (construct)שֶׁקֶל (H8255) 'shekel'; from שָׁקַל 'to weigh'; a unit of silver by weight.
כֶּ֛סֶףsilverN m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Construct chain genitive (material)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; the metal weighed out as currency; 400 shekels of silver.
בֵּינִ֥יbetween meprep בֵּין + 1cs suffix · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (first party)בֵּין (H996) 'between'; idiom of bilateral agreement; 'between me and you.'
וּבֵֽינְךָ֖and youconj וְ + prep בֵּין + 2ms suffix · בֵּין (H996)Prepositional phrase (second party)בֵּין (H996) repeated; bilateral formula marks this as mutual agreement language.
מַהwhatinterrogative pronoun · מָה (H4100)Predicate of rhetorical questionמָה (H4100) 'what'; rhetorical question minimizing the sum: 'what is that between us?'
הִ֑ואis itpersonal pronoun 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Subject of rhetorical questionהוּא (H1931) 3fs referencing the price; 'what is it?' — Ephron dismisses 400 shekels as trivial.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Coordinating conjunction + direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; the conj moves to the concluding command: bury your dead.
מֵתְךָ֖your deadQal ptc ms constr + 2ms suffix · מוּת (H4191)Direct object (substantival ptc)→ Participle: substantival — the deceasedמוּת (H4191); Ephron closes by echoing the same phrase Abraham used, urging him to proceed.
קְבֹֽרburyQal impv 2ms · קָבַר (H6912)Imperative (concluding command)→ Volitional: urging actionקָבַר (H6912) 'to bury'; the closing impv essentially accepts Abraham's payment terms by authorizing burial.
16
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע אַבְרָהָם֮ אֶל עֶפְרוֹן֒ וַיִּשְׁקֹ֤ל אַבְרָהָם֙ לְעֶפְרֹ֔ן אֶת הַכֶּ֕סֶף אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֶּ֖ר בְּאָזְנֵ֣י בְנֵי חֵ֑ת אַרְבַּ֤ע מֵאוֹת֙ שֶׁ֣קֶל כֶּ֔סֶף עֹבֵ֖ר לַסֹּחֵֽר
And Abraham listened to Ephron, and Abraham weighed out to Ephron the silver that he had spoken in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, passing to the merchant.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣עand he listenedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen'; Abraham 'hears' = accepts the stated price and proceeds.
אַבְרָהָם֮Abrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subjectאַבְרָהָם (H85); he accepts Ephron's terms and immediately acts to weigh out the silver.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (hearkening)אֶל (H413) 'to'; שָׁמַע אֶל = 'listened to' / 'accepted the terms of' Ephron.
עֶפְרוֹן֒Ephronproper noun · עֶפְרוֹן (H6085)Prepositional object (of hearkening)עֶפְרוֹן (H6085); Abraham hearkens specifically to Ephron's named price.
וַיִּשְׁקֹ֤לand he weighed outconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁקַל (H8254)Wayyiqtol narrative advance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁקַל (H8254) 'to weigh'; the commercial act that transforms the gift-speech into a binding sale.
אַבְרָהָם֙Abrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subject (repeated for emphasis)אַבְרָהָם (H85); repeated after wayyiqtol for emphasis: he personally performed the weighing.
לְעֶפְרֹ֔ןto Ephronprep לְ + proper noun · עֶפְרוֹן (H6085)Indirect object (recipient of silver)עֶפְרוֹן (H6085); Ephron receives the weighed silver directly from Abraham.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks הַכֶּסֶף as definite direct object of 'weighed.'
הַכֶּ֕סֶףthe silverart + N m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Direct objectכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; the definite article refers back to the silver Ephron named in v.15.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces a relative clause identifying the silver Ephron had named.
דִּבֶּ֖רhe had spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: anterior action (reported speech)דָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the silver matches exactly what Ephron spoke publicly.
בְּאָזְנֵ֣יin the hearing ofprep בְּ + N f dual constr · אֹזֶן (H241)Locative prepositional phrase (witnesses)אֹזֶן (H241) 'ear'; the price was publicly stated; the payment is equally public.
בְנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain head (genitive)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the Hittite community witnessed both the stated price and the payment.
חֵ֑תHethproper noun · חֵת (H2845)Construct chain genitiveחֵת (H2845); the Hittite witnesses legitimize the transaction by their presence.
אַרְבַּ֤עfournumeral f sg abs · אַרְבַּע (H702)Numeral (appositive, specifying amount)אַרְבַּע (H702) 'four'; part of the 400-shekel sum; restated to confirm exact payment.
מֵאוֹת֙hundrednumeral c pl abs · מֵאָה (H3967)Numeral (hundreds component)מֵאָה (H3967) 'hundred'; the sum restated: four hundred shekels confirmed as paid.
שֶׁ֣קֶלshekel ofN m sg constr · שֶׁקֶל (H8255)Unit of measure (construct)שֶׁקֶל (H8255) 'shekel'; the weight-unit for commercial silver in this period.
כֶּ֔סֶףsilverN m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Construct chain genitive (material)כֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; the sale price matches Ephron's stated sum exactly.
עֹבֵ֖רcurrentQal ptc m sg abs · עָבַר (H5674)Attributive participle (modifies כֶּסֶף)→ Participle: attributive — quality of the silverעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass'; 'passing' = commercially current; silver accepted in trade.
לַסֹּחֵֽרto the merchantart + Qal ptc m sg abs · סָחַר (H5503)Prepositional phrase (standard of currency)→ Participle: substantival — the trader classסָחַר (H5503) 'to trade, travel as merchant'; 'passing to the merchant' = standard commercial silver.
17
וַיָּ֣קָם שְׂדֵ֣ה עֶפְר֗וֹן אֲשֶׁר֙ בַּמַּכְפֵּלָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר לִפְנֵ֣י מַמְרֵ֑א הַשָּׂדֶה֙ וְהַמְּעָרָ֣ה אֲשֶׁר בּ֔וֹ וְכָל הָעֵץ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּכָל גְּבֻל֖וֹ סָבִֽיב
And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave that was in it and every tree that was in the field, that was within all its surrounding border, stood
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיָּ֣קָםand it stoodconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol (legal establishment)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) 'to arise, stand'; here 'to be established, confirmed' — legal idiom for conveyance.
שְׂדֵ֣הthe field ofN m sg constr · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Subject (construct head)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; the whole field (not just the cave) is being legally transferred.
עֶפְר֗וֹןEphronproper noun · עֶפְרוֹן (H6085)Construct chain genitive (former owner)עֶפְרוֹן (H6085); 'the field of Ephron' — still named by former owner for identification.
אֲשֶׁר֙whichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834); begins a series of relative clauses precisely locating the property.
בַּמַּכְפֵּלָ֔הin Machpelahart + proper noun · מַכְפֵּלָה (H4375)Locative prepositional phraseמַכְפֵּלָה (H4375) 'Machpelah'; the district or area in which Ephron's field was located.
אֲשֶׁ֖רwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (second)אֲשֶׁר (H834); second relative clause adds the geographic orientation before Mamre.
לִפְנֵ֣יbeforeprep לְ + N m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; 'before Mamre' = east/in the direction of Mamre.
מַמְרֵ֑אMamreproper noun · מַמְרֵא (H4471)Prepositional object (landmark)מַמְרֵא (H4471) 'Mamre'; a landmark near Hebron consistently associated with Abraham.
הַשָּׂדֶה֙the fieldart + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Resumed subject (deed-style list)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; the subject is restated for the deed-like enumeration of what is transferred.
וְהַמְּעָרָ֣הand the caveconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · מְעָרָה (H4631)Coordinated subject (deed list)מְעָרָה (H4631) 'cave'; the cave specifically requested is included in the property list.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834); relative clause specifying the cave's location within the field.
בּ֔וֹin itprep בְּ + 3ms suffix · בְּLocative prepositional phrasePrep בְּ with 3ms suffix; 'in it' refers to the field — the cave is within the field.
וְכָלand everyconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated subject (deed list)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; the deed covers every tree within the field boundary.
הָעֵץ֙the treeart + N m sg abs · עֵץ (H6086)Construct chain complement (object listed)עֵץ (H6086) 'tree, wood'; trees were listed in land deeds as part of the property's value.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the relative clause locating the trees within the field.
בַּשָּׂדֶ֔הin the fieldart + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Locative prepositional phraseשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; the trees are in the field, hence transferred with the property.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause marker (boundary)אֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the boundary clause, the final legal specification.
בְּכָלwithin allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phrase (boundary)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; the transfer covers everything within the complete boundary.
גְּבֻל֖וֹits borderN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · גְּבוּל (H1366)Construct chain genitive (boundary)גְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, boundary, territory'; the entire enclosed area is transferred.
סָבִֽיבall aroundN m sg abs / adverb · סָבִיב (H5439)Adverbial accusative (encircling)סָבִיב (H5439) 'around, surrounding'; legal precision: every side of the boundary is included.
18
לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם לְמִקְנָ֖ה לְעֵינֵ֣י בְנֵי חֵ֑ת בְּכֹ֖ל בָּאֵ֥י שַֽׁעַר עִירֽוֹ
to Abraham as a possession, before the eyes of the sons of Heth, among all who entered the gate of his city.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
לְאַבְרָהָ֥םto Abrahamprep לְ + proper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Dative of transfer (new owner)אַבְרָהָם (H85); the field stood (was established) to Abraham — the transfer formula.
לְמִקְנָ֖הas a possessionprep לְ + N f sg abs · מִקְנָה (H4736)Predicate prepositional phrase (legal status)מִקְנָה (H4736) 'purchase, acquisition'; from קָנָה; confirms this is a purchase, not a gift.
לְעֵינֵ֣יbefore the eyes ofprep לְ + N f dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Locative prepositional phrase (witnesses)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; 'before the eyes of' = publicly and with witnesses watching.
בְנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain head (genitive)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the Hittite sons witness the transfer and authenticate it.
חֵ֑תHethproper noun · חֵת (H2845)Construct chain genitiveחֵת (H2845); the Hittite community as witnesses make the transfer legally binding.
בְּכֹ֖לamong allprep בְּ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Locative prepositional phrase (audience)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; widens the witness group beyond sons of Heth to all gate-attendees.
בָּאֵ֥יthose enteringQal ptc m pl constr · בּוֹא (H935)Substantival participle (genitive)→ Participle: substantival — habitual gate-entrantsבּוֹא (H935) 'to enter'; those who habitually enter = the full citizenry present at the gate.
שַֽׁעַרthe gate ofN m sg constr · שַׁעַר (H8179)Construct chain head (place)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; the city gate is the legal forum; all who pass through are witnesses.
עִירֽוֹhis cityN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · עִיר (H5892)Construct chain genitiveעִיר (H5892) 'city'; Ephron's city gate; the most public and legally authoritative location.
19
וְאַחֲרֵי כֵן֩ קָבַ֨ר אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶת שָׂרָ֣ה אִשְׁתּ֗וֹ אֶל מְעָרַ֞ת שְׂדֵ֧ה הַמַּכְפֵּלָ֛ה עַל פְּנֵ֥י מַמְרֵ֖א הִ֣וא חֶבְר֑וֹן בְּאֶ֖רֶץ כְּנָֽעַן
And after this Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre, that is Hebron, in the land of Canaan.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וְאַחֲרֵיand afterconj וְ + prep · אַחַר (H310)Temporal prepositional phraseאַחַר (H310) 'after, behind'; the burial follows upon the completed legal transaction.
כֵן֩thisadverb · כֵּן (H3651)Adverbial complement (temporal)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus, this'; אַחֲרֵי כֵן = 'after this/after these things'; temporal formula.
קָבַ֨רburiedQal perf 3ms · קָבַר (H6912)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed act of burialקָבַר (H6912) 'to bury'; the simple perfect now records the burial as a completed act.
אַבְרָהָ֜םAbrahamproper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Subjectאַבְרָהָם (H85); Abraham personally performs the burial of his wife in the purchased cave.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853) nota accusativi; marks שָׂרָה as definite direct object of 'buried.'
שָׂרָ֣הSarahproper noun · שָׂרָה (H8283)Direct objectשָׂרָה (H8283); the entire chapter has led to this: Sarah is buried by her husband.
אִשְׁתּ֗וֹhis wifeN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · אִשָּׁה (H802)Appositive (relational identification)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; the appositional marks Sarah's relationship and dignity.
אֶלintoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (burial location)אֶל (H413) 'to, into'; marks the cave as the destination into which Sarah is buried.
מְעָרַ֞תthe cave ofN f sg constr · מְעָרָה (H4631)Prepositional object (construct head)מְעָרָה (H4631) 'cave'; the purchased cave now receives the body of Sarah.
שְׂדֵ֧הthe field ofN m sg constr · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Construct chain head (genitive)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; the cave is part of the field, which is part of Abraham's purchase.
הַמַּכְפֵּלָ֛הthe Machpelahart + proper noun · מַכְפֵּלָה (H4375)Construct chain genitive (place)מַכְפֵּלָה (H4375); the site of Abraham's purchased land, now named as Sarah's burial place.
עַלbeforeprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'upon, before, east of'; locates the field in relation to Mamre.
פְּנֵ֥יthe face ofN m pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct chain head (locative)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, front'; 'before/facing Mamre' is the geographic orientation.
מַמְרֵ֖אMamreproper noun · מַמְרֵא (H4471)Construct chain genitive (landmark)מַמְרֵא (H4471) 'Mamre'; the landmark anchor for locating Machpelah; appears in chs. 13, 18, 23.
הִ֣ואthat ispersonal pronoun 3fs · הוּא (H1931)Identifying copula (gloss)הוּא (H1931) 3fs; the same identifying formula as v.2 (Kiriath-arba = Hebron).
חֶבְר֑וֹןHebronproper noun · חֶבְרוֹן (H2275)Predicate of identifying clauseחֶבְרוֹן (H2275); geographic identification echoes v.2 exactly, framing the chapter's burial locale.
בְּאֶ֖רֶץin the land ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the burial is in the land of Canaan — the promised inheritance.
כְּנָֽעַןCanaanproper noun · כְּנַעַן (H3667)Construct chain genitiveכְּנַעַן (H3667); the promised land; burial here is an act of faith in the land promise.
20
וַיָּ֨קָם הַשָּׂדֶ֜ה וְהַמְּעָרָ֧ה אֲשֶׁר בּ֛וֹ לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם לַאֲחֻזַּת קָ֑בֶר מֵאֵ֖ת בְּנֵי חֵֽת
And the field and the cave that was in it stood to Abraham as a burial holding from the sons of Heth.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיָּ֨קָםand it stoodconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol (legal confirmation)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) 'to be established'; as in v.17, legal idiom: the property is confirmed as transferred.
הַשָּׂדֶ֜הthe fieldart + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Subject (deed-style resumption)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; the chapter closes with a final deed-like confirmation of the acquisition.
וְהַמְּעָרָ֧הand the caveconj וְ + art + N f sg abs · מְעָרָה (H4631)Coordinated subjectמְעָרָה (H4631) 'cave'; both the field and the cave are confirmed as Abraham's possession.
אֲשֶׁרwhichrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834); specifies the cave within the field one final time.
בּ֛וֹin itprep בְּ + 3ms suffix · בְּLocative prepositional phrasePrep בְּ with 3ms suffix referencing the field; the cave that is in the field.
לְאַבְרָהָ֖םto Abrahamprep לְ + proper noun · אַבְרָהָם (H85)Dative of transfer (new owner)אַבְרָהָם (H85); the property is confirmed as his — the purchase is legally complete.
לַאֲחֻזַּתas a holding ofprep לְ + N f sg constr · אֲחֻזָּה (H272)Predicate prepositional phrase (legal status)אֲחֻזָּה (H272) 'holding, possession'; the legal term that opened Abraham's request in v.4 now closes the chapter.
קָ֑בֶרburialN m sg abs · קֶבֶר (H6913)Construct chain genitive (purpose)קֶבֶר (H6913) 'grave, tomb'; the permanent purpose of the holding: burial in the promised land.
מֵאֵ֖תfromprep מִן + prep אֵת · אֵת (H854)Ablative prepositional phrase (source)אֵת (H854) comitative/source prep with מִן; 'from (the presence of)' the sons of Heth.
בְּנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Prepositional object (construct head)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the Hittites are named as the sellers at the chapter's close.
חֵֽתHethproper noun · חֵת (H2845)Construct chain genitiveחֵת (H2845); the chapter ends with the Hittites as sellers and witnesses — the first land in Canaan purchased by Abraham.