Genesis 23 20

Genesis 23:20 kjv

And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth.

Genesis 23:20 nkjv

So the field and the cave that is in it were deeded to Abraham by the sons of Heth as property for a burial place.

Genesis 23:20 niv

So the field and the cave in it were deeded to Abraham by the Hittites as a burial site.

Genesis 23:20 esv

The field and the cave that is in it were made over to Abraham as property for a burying place by the Hittites.

Genesis 23:20 nlt

So the field and the cave were transferred from the Hittites to Abraham for use as a permanent burial place.

Genesis 23 verses

Genesis 23 20 meaning

This verse definitively establishes Abraham's legally verified and permanent ownership of the field and the cave within it, known as the cave of Machpelah. This land, acquired through purchase from the Hittite people, was secured specifically to serve as a burial place for Abraham and his descendants. It represents the first and only plot of land Abraham officially owned in the promised land during his lifetime.

Genesis 23 20 Context

Genesis chapter 23 recounts the death of Sarah, Abraham's beloved wife, in Kiriath-Arba, which is Hebron. Following her death, Abraham, as a "sojourner and a stranger" among the Hittites, sought to acquire a burial place for her. He approached the local inhabitants, the sons of Heth, demonstrating respect and following their customs for purchasing land. The Hittites initially offered to give him a choice of their choicest burial places, acknowledging him as a "mighty prince" from God among them. However, Abraham insisted on purchasing a specific property—the field of Ephron, which contained the cave of Machpelah—to ensure a legitimate and permanent title for a family sepulcher.

Historically and culturally, this narrative provides a rare and detailed glimpse into ancient Near Eastern land transactions. The careful negotiations, the public bargaining at the city gate, the witnesses, the specified payment (400 shekels of silver, "current money with the merchant"), and the documentation reflect actual Hittite and Mesopotamian legal practices of the period. This highly formal and public transaction underscores the legal binding nature of the agreement, crucial for Abraham's family and future generations. For Abraham, a man living by faith in God's promise of a land he did not yet fully possess, acquiring this specific plot was a pivotal, tangible down payment, asserting his claim to the land of Canaan in the face of temporary foreign residency. It subtly contrasts Abraham's method of lawful acquisition with other nations' means of territorial gain, asserting God's chosen one adheres to just practices.

Genesis 23 20 Word analysis

• And (וַיָּקָם֙ - vayyāqām): This Hebrew word (a specific form of vav consecutive, initiating a sequence of events, and a verb) literally means "and it stood," "it arose," or "it was established." It signifies the culmination and official confirmation of the transaction. It's not merely a transition but carries the force of making something firm and valid.
• the field (הַשָּׂדֶה֙ - haśśāḏeh): Refers to the arable land surrounding the cave. Abraham specifically ensured he acquired the entire field, not just the cave. This was a crucial point in the negotiation, signifying full control over the surface and subsurface rights, preventing future disputes and ensuring proper access. It shows his foresight.
• and the cave (וְהַמְּעָרָה֙ - wəhammə‘ārāh): Refers to the actual burial chamber. The term m'ārāh (מְעָרָה) indicates a natural cave, a common form of burial site in ancient Israel, often reused over generations. Its inclusion explicitly defines the primary purpose of the acquisition.
• that is therein (אֲשֶׁר־בּ֖וֹ - ʾăšer-bô): This phrase emphasizes the cave's specific location within the field, affirming that the entire property, an integral unit, was legally transferred. It ensures the whole parcel of land, encompassing both cave and field, was part of the sealed agreement.
• were made sure (וַיָּקָם֙ - vayyāqām): The same verb as "and." Its placement structurally confirms the field and cave "stood" or were "established." In this legal context, it implies formal ratification, public acknowledgment, and enduring validity. It indicates the property became securely confirmed to Abraham through the legally stipulated process.
• unto Abraham (לְאַבְרָהָ֣ם - ləʾaḇrāhām): Clearly identifies the recipient and legal owner of the acquired property. This is a personal possession, transferred to him and his family lineage.
• for a possession (לְאֲחֻזַּת־ - ləʾaḥuzzat): The Hebrew ʾăḥuzzāh (אֲחֻזָּה) means "a possession, an inherited property, an owned holding." This term implies permanent, inheritable land tenure, not merely a temporary right of use. It establishes a lasting claim.
• of a buryingplace (קֶ֑בֶר - qeber): Qeber (קֶבֶר) is a specific term for a grave, tomb, or burial site. This highlights the precise and immediate purpose for which Abraham bought the land: to inter his deceased and later, his own family, thereby rooting them physically in the promised land.
• by the sons of Heth (מֵאֵ֖ת בְּנֵי־חֵֽת׃ - mēʾēṯ bənê-ḥēṯ): The designation "sons of Heth" refers to the Hittites, the local inhabitants and former owners. This final clause in the verse publicly acknowledges the source of the transfer, ensuring there is no doubt about the legitimacy of Abraham's title, having been properly conveyed from the previous proprietors.

• "And the field and the cave that is therein were made sure": This phrase marks the successful conclusion of the detailed land negotiation described earlier in the chapter. The "making sure" (vayyāqām) emphasizes the legal establishment and finality of the transfer, ensuring clear title and no future contestation over the property. It signifies that the verbal agreement and monetary transaction have now achieved full legal recognition and permanence.
• "unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace": This defines both the recipient of the title and the specific, crucial purpose of the acquisition. It indicates an enduring property rights (ʾăḥuzzāh) primarily intended for family interment. This 'possession' signifies Abraham's tangible link to the Promised Land, even if it's solely for the purpose of a tomb, solidifying his claim by divine covenant and human law. It is a 'down payment' on the larger, unfulfilled land promise.
• "by the sons of Heth": This detail verifies the transfer was effected legitimately by the acknowledged legal owners in the eyes of the community. It publicly affirms the lawful nature of the transaction, underscoring that Abraham did not take the land by force, but acquired it through respected and recognized legal procedures of the day. This provides authenticity and strength to Abraham's claim, even centuries later for the nation of Israel.

Genesis 23 20 Bonus section

The careful acquisition of the field and cave was critical, setting a powerful precedent for Israel's future claim to the entire land of Canaan. Because Abraham paid for the property and received full, attested title, it meant that Israel, his descendants, could not be accused later of having seized land illegitimately. This first territorial holding in Canaan thus provided a legal, moral, and historical foundation for the Israelite nation's later possession of the Promised Land. The fact that the entire parcel (field and cave) was insisted upon by Abraham was crucial, demonstrating foresight beyond mere immediate need. It represented the permanent rooting of God's chosen family within the land of their divine inheritance, symbolizing the lasting nature of God's covenant and His faithfulness through the generations.

Genesis 23 20 Commentary

Genesis 23:20 represents the triumphant and divinely sanctioned culmination of Abraham's careful and faithful engagement in a critical moment: establishing a permanent resting place for his family in the land God had promised. Despite living as a sojourner, Abraham proactively secured ownership of this specific plot of land. This acquisition, conducted meticulously according to the formal legal practices of the Hittites—publicly at the city gate, with witnesses, and a fair purchase price—underscores the legitimacy and permanence of his claim. The phrasing "were made sure" (literally, "stood up" or "was established") highlights the legal confirmation of the deed.

Theological significance abounds here: this is the first physical, tangible fulfillment of God's land promise to Abraham, albeit limited to a burial plot. It reflects Abraham's faith that his descendants would indeed inherit the land, as he rooted his family's very physical remains in it, creating an enduring link. It served as a vital anchor point for future generations, especially in Exodus, as a reminder of their heritage and their eventual return. The Cave of Machpelah would become the sacred resting place for Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob, central to the identity of God's chosen family and their ultimate inheritance of Canaan. This purchase highlights that even divine promises can unfold through ordinary human actions and lawful processes, demonstrating God's order and sovereignty.

For practical application, this verse reminds believers that while God promises blessings, there is often a need for diligent and honorable action on our part within the world's systems (e.g., Jer 32:6-15). It teaches patience and long-term faith: Abraham purchased a burial plot, a promise of a future, even though the full land promise was yet unfulfilled in his lifetime. Similarly, believers today invest in the earthly journey with an eye towards eternal promises, securing their future inheritance by faith, much like Abraham did by securing a burial ground for generations.