The Hittites:
The Hittites were an ancient people who lived in the region of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and had significant influence in the Near East during the second millennium BC. In the context of Genesis, they are depicted as inhabitants of Canaan, the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. The presence of the Hittites in Canaan is supported by archaeological evidence, which shows that they had settlements in the region. The Hittites in this passage are likely local Canaanite tribes rather than the larger Hittite Empire. Their interaction with Abraham highlights the patriarch's status as a foreigner and sojourner in the land, yet one who is respected and has established relationships with the local inhabitants.

replied to Abraham:
This phrase indicates a dialogue between Abraham and the Hittites, suggesting a level of mutual respect and communication. Abraham's request to purchase a burial site for his wife Sarah demonstrates his desire to establish a permanent family presence in the land God promised to him. The Hittites' willingness to engage in this conversation reflects Abraham's reputation and standing among them. This interaction is significant as it marks the first recorded purchase of land by Abraham in Canaan, symbolizing the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to his descendants. The respectful negotiation also underscores the importance of maintaining peaceful relations and the practice of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern culture.

1. Abraham
A patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this chapter, he seeks to purchase a burial site for his wife, Sarah.

2. Hittites
A group of people living in Canaan during Abraham's time. They are the descendants of Heth and are known for their interactions with the patriarchs.

3. Sarah
Abraham's wife, whose death prompts Abraham to seek a burial site. Her passing marks a significant moment in Abraham's life and the account of Genesis.

4. Canaan
The land where Abraham and the Hittites reside. It is the Promised Land that God has assured to Abraham and his descendants.

5. Machpelah
The cave that Abraham wishes to purchase from the Hittites as a burial site for Sarah. It becomes a significant family burial site for the patriarchs.Faith in Action
Abraham's interaction with the Hittites demonstrates his faith in God's promises. He acts with integrity and respect, even as a foreigner, showing that faith is lived out in everyday decisions.

Respectful Negotiation
Abraham's respectful approach to the Hittites serves as a model for how Christians should engage with others, especially those who do not share their faith.

Legacy and Heritage
The purchase of a burial site underscores the importance of leaving a legacy of faith and preparing for future generations. It reminds believers to consider how their actions today impact their spiritual heritage.

God's Promises and Patience
Abraham's life illustrates the importance of patience and trust in God's timing. Even when promises seem distant, believers are called to remain faithful.

Community Engagement
Abraham's dealings with the Hittites highlight the importance of engaging with the surrounding community, building relationships, and being a witness to God's faithfulness.Verses 5, 6. - And the children of Heth answered. Abraham, saying unto him, Hear us, my lord. My lord (Adoni) = sir, monsieur, or mein herr. One acts as the spokesman of all; the number changing from plural to singular. The LXX., reading לֹא instead of לו, after the Samaritan Codex, render μὴ κύριε, Not so, my lord; but hear us. Thou art a mighty prince among us. Literally, a prince of Elohim; not of Jehovah, since the speakers were heathen whose ideas of Deity did not transcend those expressed in the term Elohim. According to a familiar Hebrew idiom, the phrase might be legitimately translated as in the A.V. - cf. "mountains of God," i.e. great mountains, Psalm 36:6; "cedars of God," i.e. goodly cedars, Psalm 80:10 (Calvin, Kimchi, Rosenmüller, 'Speaker's Commentary'); but, as employed by the Hittite chieftains, it probably expressed that they regarded him as a prince or phylarch, not to whom God had given an elevated aspect (Lange), but either whom God had appointed (Gesenius), or whom God manifestly favored (Kalisch, Murphy). This estimate of Abraham strikingly contrasts with that which the patriarch had formed (Ver. 4) of himself. In the choice of our sepulchers bury thy dead; none of us will withhold from thee his sepulcher, but that thou mayest bury thy dead. This remarkable offer on the part of the Hittites Thomson ('Land and Book,' p. 578) regards as having been merely compliment, which Abraham was too experienced an Oriental not to understand. But, even if dictated by true kindness and generosity, the proposal was one to which for many reasons - faith in God, love for the dead, and respect for himself being among the strongest - the patriarch could not accede. With perfect courtesy, therefore, though likewise with respectful firmness, he declines their offer.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The Hittites
בְנֵי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

replied
וַיַּעֲנ֧וּ (way·ya·‘ă·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

to Abraham,
אַבְרָהָ֖ם (’aḇ·rā·hām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation


Genesis 23:5 NIV
Genesis 23:5 NLT
Genesis 23:5 ESV
Genesis 23:5 NASB
Genesis 23:5 KJV

Genesis 23:5 BibleApps.com
Genesis 23:5 Biblia Paralela
Genesis 23:5 Chinese Bible
Genesis 23:5 French Bible
Genesis 23:5 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Genesis 23:5 The children of Heth answered Abraham saying (Gen. Ge Gn)