Genesis 23:12

12 Avraham bowed before the people of the land

Genesis 23:12 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 23:12

And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the
land.
] Showing hereby great respect, and giving much honour both to them and Ephron; and signifying that he had something to say, and desired audience of them, and humbly submitted to them what he should say.

Genesis 23:12 In-Context

10 'Efron the Hitti was sitting among the sons of Het, and he gave Avraham his answer in the presence of the sons of Het who belonged to the ruling council of the city:

11 "No, my lord, listen to me: I'm giving you the field, with its cave - I'm giving it to you. In the presence of my people I give it to you."

12 Avraham bowed before the people of the land

13 and spoke to 'Efron in their hearing: "Please be good enough to listen to me. I will pay the price of the field; accept it from me, and I will bury my dead there."

14 But 'Efron answered Avraham