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Genesis 23:8
ESV And he said to them, "If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me Ephron the son of Zohar,
NIV He said to them, "If you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf
NASB And he spoke with them, saying, 'If you are willing to let me bury my dead out of my sight, listen to me, and plead with Ephron the son of Zohar for me,
CSB He said to them, "If you are willing for me to bury my dead, listen to me and ask Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf
NLT and said, 'Since you are willing to help me in this way, be so kind as to ask Ephron son of Zohar
KJV And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,
NKJV And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me,

What does Genesis 23:8 mean?

Abraham now begins his response to the offer given by the Hittites. They had indicated none of them would withhold their own tomb from him as a place to bury his dead. This is a gesture of great respect, especially when extended to someone who is not part of their own tribe. In the previous verse, Abraham stood to formally address the assembled group of Hittites. The assumption is that this group of landowners or elders is recognized as some kind of official governing body. Abraham wishes for the negotiation that will follow to be recognized as binding and lasting.

Now Abraham reveals that he has a very specific property in mind. The group as a whole has granted their willingness for him to bury his dead in the area, though not yet in a property that he will own as a permanent possession. In front of the group, he stands and singles out Ephron, the son of Zohar. In the following verse, Abraham will make his opening offer.
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