Genesis 23:12

12 Abraham bowed before the local citizens

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 Now Ephron was a native Hittite. So Ephron the Hittite responded to Abraham publicly in order that the Hittites and everyone at his city's gate could hear:

11 "No, sir. Listen, I will give you the field, and I will give you the cave in it. In front of my people's witnesses, I will give it to you. Bury your dead!"

12 Abraham bowed before the local citizens

13 and spoke to Ephron publicly in the presence of the local citizens: "If only you would accept my offer. I will give you the price of the field. Take it from me so that I can bury my dead there."

14 Ephron responded to Abraham