15 "Listen to me, my lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels[1] of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead."

Other Translations of Genesis 23:15

King James Version

15 My lord, hearken unto me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.

English Standard Version

15 "My lord, listen to me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekelsA shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams of silver, what is that between you and me? Bury your dead."

The Message

15 "If you insist, master. What's four hundred silver shekels between us? Now go ahead and bury your wife."

New King James Version

15 "My lord, listen to me; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver. What is that between you and me? So bury your dead."

New Living Translation

15 "My lord, please listen to me. The land is worth 400 pieces of silver, but what is that between friends? Go ahead and bury your dead."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 23:15

Commentary on Genesis 23:14-20

(Read Genesis 23:14-20)

Prudence, as well as justice, directs us to be fair and open in our dealings; cheating bargains will not bear the light. Abraham, without fraud or delay, pays the money. He pays it at once in full, without keeping any part back; and by weight, current money with the merchant, without deceit. See how anciently money was used for the help of trade, and how honestly it should be paid when it is due. Though all the land of Canaan was Abraham by promise, yet the time of his possessing it not being come, what he had occasion for he bought and paid for. Dominion is not founded in grace. The saints' title to an eternal inheritance does not entitle them to the possessions of this world, nor justify them in doing wrong. Ephron honestly and fairly makes a good title to the land. As that which is bought, must be honestly paid for, so that which is sold, must be honestly delivered and secured. Let us manage our concerns with punctuality and exactness, in order to avoid contention. Abraham buried Sarah in cave. or vault, which was in the purchased field. It would tend to endear the land to his posterity. And it is worth noting, that a burying-place was the only piece of the land which Abraham possessed in Canaan. Those who have least of this earth, find a grave in it. This sepulchre was at the end of the field; whatever our possessions are, there is a burial-place at the end of them. It was a token of his belief and expectation of the resurrection. Abraham is contented to be still a pilgrim while he lives, but secures a place where, when he dies, his flesh may rest in hope. After all, the chief concern is, with whom we shall rise.