Genesis 23:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Abraham pays Ephron four hundred shekels of silver, completing the purchase.
The Context of Genesis 23:16
Abraham pays the full purchase price before the witnesses.
What Does Genesis 23:16 Mean?
Abraham immediately agrees and weighs out the silver—the agreed price—in full, before the assembled witnesses. The phrase "current money with the merchant" indicates this is standard commercial silver, the recognized medium of exchange of the time.
The transaction is public and final: witnessed by all present at the gate, the payment is made in real silver measured by weight. This ensures absolute clarity and completeness of the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 23:16
What does Genesis 23:16 mean?
Abraham pays Ephron four hundred shekels of silver, completing the purchase.
What is the context of Genesis 23:16?
Abraham pays the full purchase price before the witnesses.