Genesis 23:12 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

And Abraham bowed down respectfully before the people of that land.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Abraham is showing deep respect and humility to the local people by bowing before them.

📚 Historical Context

This occurs when Abraham is negotiating to buy a burial place for his wife Sarah from the Hittites in Canaan. Despite being a wealthy and prominent figure, Abraham shows cultural respect by following local customs of greeting and negotiation. In ancient Near Eastern culture, bowing was a common way to show honor and respect, especially when conducting important business.

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Listen up, family — those of you who are descendants of Abraham, and anyone else here who respects God — this message of salvation is specifically meant for you.

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And he said, 'Oh, please don't let the LORD be angry, and I will speak just one more time: What if ten righteous people are found there?' And he said, 'I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.'

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