Genesis 23:5

Study note

Setting — The Hittites address Abraham in response to his request for a burial plot following Sarah’s death. This exchange occurs during his negotiation for a tomb in Hebron.

The words — The Hebrew verb וַיַּעֲנ֖וּ (va.ya.‘a.nu) means “and they answered,” introducing the formal reply. The phrase בְּנֵי־חֵת (benei-khet) literally translates to “sons of Heth,” identifying the local landowners.

The thread — The designation “sons of Heth” appears repeatedly in Genesis 23–50 when naming the Canaanite inhabitants of Hebron. The verb עָנָה (‘a.nah) in the Hiphil stem regularly marks legal or covenantal responses throughout the Pentateuch.

Why it lands — The text records a diplomatic acknowledgment where local authorities recognize Abraham’s status while maintaining property control. It requires the reader to observe how foreign honor does not automatically transfer legal possession.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.