Genesis 23:20
Genesis 23:20 in Multiple Translations
So the field and its cave were deeded by the Hittites to Abraham as a burial site.
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.
And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a burying-place by the children of Heth.
And the field and the hollow rock were handed over to Abraham as his property by the children of Heth.
Ownership of the field and the cave there was transferred from the Hittites to Abraham to serve as his burial place.
Thus the fielde and the caue, that is therein, was made sure vnto Abraham for a possession of buriall by the Hittites.
and established are the field, and the cave which [is] in it, to Abraham for a possession of a burying-place, from the sons of Heth.
The field, and the cave that is in it, were deeded to Abraham by the children of Heth as a possession for a burial place.
And the field, and the cave that is in it were made sure to Abraham for a possession of a burying-place, by the sons of Heth.
And the field was made sure to Abraham, and the cave that was in it, for a possession to bury in, by the children of Heth.
So the field and the cave in it were officially sold to Abraham by the descendants of Heth, to be used as a burial ground.
That is how Abraham bought some land and a cave from the Heth people, to use for a grave.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 23:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 23:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֨קָם
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֜ה
וְ/הַ/מְּעָרָ֧ה
אֲשֶׁר
בּ֛/וֹ
לְ/אַבְרָהָ֖ם
לַ/אֲחֻזַּת
קָ֑בֶר
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
בְּנֵי
חֵֽת
וַ/יָּ֨קָם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֜ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/מְּעָרָ֧ה
mᵉʻârâh
H4631
cave
Conj | Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בּ֛/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לְ/אַבְרָהָ֖ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
Prep | N-proper
לַ/אֲחֻזַּת
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
possession
Prep | N-fs
קָ֑בֶר
qeber
H6913
grave
N-ms
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
חֵֽת
Chêth
H2845
Heth
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 23:20
וַ/יָּ֨קָם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
הַ/שָּׂדֶ֜ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
וְ/הַ/מְּעָרָ֧ה
mᵉʻârâh
H4631
"cave"
Conj | Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for a cave or den, often used to describe a dark or hidden place. It can also refer to a hole or a hollowed-out space. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural landscapes and places of refuge or hiding.
Definition: cave, den, hole
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: cave, den, hole. See also: Genesis 19:30; 1 Samuel 13:6; Psalms 57:1.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בּ֛/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/אַבְרָהָ֖ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
Prep | N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
לַ/אֲחֻזַּת
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
"possession"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to something owned or possessed, often land inherited from family. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus. This concept of possession is important in biblical times.
Definition: 1) possession, property 1a) land 1b) possession by inheritance
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Genesis 17:8; Numbers 32:5; Psalms 2:8.
קָ֑בֶר
qeber
H6913
"grave"
N-ms
A grave or sepulchre is a place where the dead are buried, often a tomb or burial site. This word is used in the Bible to describe the final resting place of individuals, and is translated as burying place or sepulchre in the KJV.
Definition: grave, sepulchre, tomb
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: burying place, grave, sepulchre. See also: Genesis 23:4; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Psalms 5:10.
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
חֵֽת
Chêth
H2845
"Heth"
N-proper
Refers to Heth, a descendant of Canaan, who was an aboriginal Canaanite mentioned in Genesis 10:15 as the father of the Hittites.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.15; son of: Canaan (H3667); brother of: Sidon (H6721), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Hivite (H2340), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577); also called Hittite (KJV: "of Heth") frequently Also named: chit.ti (חִתִּי "Hittite" H2850) § Heth = "terror" a son of Canaan and the progenitor of the Hittites
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Heth. See also: Genesis 10:15; Genesis 23:18; 1 Chronicles 1:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 23:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 23:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:20
- Sermons on Genesis 23:20
Context — The Death and Burial of Sarah
18to Abraham’s possession in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city.
19After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field at Machpelah near Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan.
20So the field and its cave were deeded by the Hittites to Abraham as a burial site.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 32:10–14 | I signed and sealed the deed, called in witnesses, and weighed out the silver on the scales. Then I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy with its terms and conditions, as well as the open copy— and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of my cousin Hanamel and the witnesses who were signing the purchase agreement and all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard. In their sight I instructed Baruch, “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Take these deeds—both the sealed copy and the open copy of the deed of purchase—and put them in a clay jar to preserve them for a long time. |
| 2 | Ruth 4:7–10 | Now in former times in Israel, concerning the redemption or exchange of property, to make any matter legally binding a man would remove his sandal and give it to the other party, and this was a confirmation in Israel. So the kinsman-redeemer removed his sandal and said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” At this, Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the deceased through his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his home. You are witnesses today.” |
| 3 | Genesis 49:31–32 | There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah. The field and the cave that is in it were purchased from the Hittites.” |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 24:24 | “No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. |
| 5 | Genesis 50:13 | They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. |
| 6 | Genesis 50:5 | my father made me swear an oath when he said, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me in the tomb that I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.’ Now let me go and bury my father, and then return.” |
| 7 | 2 Kings 21:18 | And Manasseh rested with his fathers and was buried in his palace garden, the garden of Uzza. And his son Amon reigned in his place. |
| 8 | Genesis 25:9 | His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. |
| 9 | Genesis 50:24–25 | Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” And Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath and said, “God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” |
Genesis 23:20 Summary
In Genesis 23:20, we see Abraham taking a significant step of faith by purchasing a field and cave from the Hittites to bury his wife Sarah. This act shows Abraham's trust in God's promise to give the land of Canaan to his descendants, as stated in Genesis 12:7. By paying for the land, Abraham ensured a clear transfer of ownership, demonstrating his integrity and honesty. This story teaches us about the importance of trusting God's sovereignty and being good stewards of our resources, just like Abraham was, and as Jesus taught in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Abraham purchasing the field and cave from the Hittites?
Abraham purchasing the field and cave from the Hittites, as recorded in Genesis 23:20, signifies his commitment to providing a proper burial site for his wife Sarah, and also demonstrates his faith in God's promise to give the land of Canaan to his descendants, as stated in Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 17:8.
Why did Abraham insist on paying for the field and cave instead of accepting it as a gift?
Abraham's decision to pay for the field and cave, as seen in Genesis 23:9-16, shows his desire to ensure a clear and legal transfer of ownership, which would prevent any future disputes over the land, and also reflects his integrity and honesty in all his dealings, as highlighted in Genesis 20:11.
How does this transaction between Abraham and the Hittites relate to the broader biblical theme of God's covenant with Abraham?
The transaction between Abraham and the Hittites in Genesis 23:20 serves as a tangible expression of God's covenant promise to Abraham, which includes the gift of the land of Canaan to his descendants, as reaffirmed in Genesis 17:8 and Genesis 28:13-15.
What can we learn from Abraham's example in this verse about being a good steward of our resources?
Abraham's willingness to pay a fair price for the field and cave demonstrates his responsible stewardship of the resources God had provided for him, and serves as an example for believers to manage their resources wisely and generously, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30 and 1 Corinthians 4:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my commitment to my faith, just like Abraham did by purchasing the field and cave?
- How can I, like Abraham, balance my desire for a sense of security and permanence with my trust in God's sovereignty and provision?
- What are some 'fields and caves' in my life that I need to trust God to provide or protect, and how can I exercise faith in those areas?
- In what ways can I, as a follower of Christ, be a good steward of the resources God has entrusted to me, just like Abraham was with his resources?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:20
And the field, and the cave that is therein, was made sure to Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace, by the sons of Heth.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:20
Genesis 23:20 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.Ver. 20. Were made sure] sc., by witnesses, without writings: but now it is hard to be sure of anything; there is so much robbery and rapine amongst the sons of men.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:20
(20) Were made sure unto Abraham.—For the difficulties connected with St. Stephen’s apparent confusion of this transaction with that recorded in Genesis 33:19, see Note on Acts 7:16.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:20
Verse 20. And the field, c. were made sure] ויקם vaiyakom, were established, caused to stand the whole transaction having been regulated according to all the forms of law then in use. 1. IN this transaction between Abraham and the sons of Heth concerning the cave and field of Machpelah, we have the earliest account on record of the purchase of land. The simplicity, openness, and candour on both sides cannot be too much admired. 2. Sarah being dead, Abraham being only a sojourner in that land, shifting from place to place for the mere purpose of pasturing his flocks, and having no right to any part of the land, wished to purchase a place in which he might have the continual right of sepulture. For this purpose, 1. He goes to the gate of the city, the place where, in all ancient times, justice was administered, and bargains and sales concluded, and where for these purposes the elders of the people sat. 2. He there proposes to buy the cave known by the name of the Cave of Machpelah, the cave of the turning or the double cave, for a burying place for his family. 3. To prevent him from going to any unnecessary expense, the people with one voice offer him the privilege of burying his wife in any of their sepulchres; this appearing to them to be no more than the common rights of hospitality and humanity required. 4. Abraham, intent on making a purchase, Ephron, the owner of the field and cave, values them at four hundred shekels, but at the same time wishes Abraham to receive the whole as a gift. 5.
Abraham refuses the gift and weighs down the silver specified. 6. The people who enter in at the gate, i.e., the inhabitants coming from or going to their ordinary occupations in the country, witness the transaction, and thus the conveyance to Abraham is made sure without the intervention of those puzzlers of civil affairs by whose tricks and chicanery property often becomes insecure, and right and succession precarious and uncertain. But this censure does not fall on lawyers properly so called, who are men of honour, and whose office, in every well-regulated state, is as useful as it is respectable. But the accumulation and complex nature of almost all modern systems of law puzzle even justice herself, and often induce decisions by which truth falls in the streets and equity goes backwards. In the first ages of mankind, suspicion, deceit, and guile seem to have had a very limited influence. Happy days of primitive simplicity! When shall they return? 3. We often hear of the rudeness and barbarity of the primitive ages, but on what evidence? Every rule of politeness that could be acted upon in such a case as that mentioned here, is brought into full practice. Is it possible to read the simple narration in this place without admiring the amiable, decent, and polite conduct displayed on both sides?
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:20
20. were made sure] This verse repeats and summarizes the transaction which for all subsequent ages symbolized to the Israelites their ancestral connexion with, and sacred rights in, the land of Canaan. a buryingplace] Besides Sarah there were buried in the cave of Machpelah, Abraham (Genesis 25:9), Isaac (Genesis 35:27; Genesis 35:29), Rebekah and Leah (Genesis 49:31), Jacob (Genesis 50:13). The cave, which is traditionally identified with the burying-place of Abraham, is still regarded with immense veneration by the Mahommedans. A large mosque has been erected over it. In 1869 the Prussian Crown Prince Frederick, and in 1881 the late King Edward VII, who was then Prince of Wales, received permission to visit the cave. But, as a rule, Christians are not allowed to view it.
Sermons on Genesis 23:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Message 2 of 5 - New Zealand by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a couple who defused a potential argument by showing love and kindness to one another. He then transitions to another stor |
|
(The Law of the Holy Spirit) Jesus Stayed Away Sin by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the basic teachings of Christianity and pursuing a deeper level of spiritual maturity. He uses the analogy of |
|
The Cost That Counts by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, Dr. Tozer shares a story about a little man he encountered whose face was disfigured from suffering. The man said, "thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine," em |
|
|
Three Virtues to Pursue by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not mistaking extroversion for discipleship in the Christian faith. He warns against dominating conversations and encourage |
|
(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy 17-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Moses is giving his final instructions to the children of Israel before his death. He emphasizes the importance of offering sacrifices that are valuable and not cas |
|
|
New Year Message 3 of 4 : The Proof That We Love God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of proving our love for God through practical actions in our daily lives. It challenges listeners to be faithful in times of temptation, to av |
|
|
Preparing the Way for the New Covenant by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of offering our best to God, both in terms of our sacrifices and our devotion. It highlights the need to follow the New Testament model of chu |