The Church Fathers on this verse

Genesis 23:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Abraham rose up, and bowed down to the people of the land, to wit, the children of Heth:

Douay-Rheims

וַיָּ֧קָם אַבְרָהָ֛ם וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ לְעַם־הָאָ֖רֶץ לִבְנֵי־חֵֽת׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

John Damascene

8th centuryChurch Father

In response to the objections raised by iconoclasts regarding the exclusive worship owed to God, one can find numerous instances in Scripture that highlight different forms of veneration, as well as various beings that may receive it. One particular type of worship involves servants honoring their masters and showing recognition to benefactors, similar to how Abraham acknowledged the children of Emmor when acquiring the cave of Machpelah. It is essential to understand that worship signifies reverence, deep affection, honor, submission, and humility; however, it is critical to note that only God, who is divine by nature, is worthy of worship in the same manner. All other acknowledgments of worship should ultimately be directed to the Lord, for the sake of the Lord Himself.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.