Genesis 13:18 (KJV)

What does Genesis 13:18 mean?

Genesis 13:18 describes Abram moving his camp to the area of Mamre, near Hebron, and building an altar there to worship the LORD. This verse marks Abram settling in a new place and expressing his devotion to God through building an altar.

In this part of Genesis, Abram has just separated from his nephew Lot to avoid conflict over grazing land. Abram chooses to live in the region called Mamre, which is associated with Hebron, a significant ancient city. Building an altar shows Abram’s ongoing relationship with the LORD and his practice of worship wherever he settles.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 13:18

• "Mamre" (מַמְרֵא, Mamre): This is the name of a specific area or grove near Hebron. The location becomes important later in Abram’s story as a place of encounters with God.
• "Altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): This word refers to a structure for offering sacrifices. Abram’s act of building an altar highlights his commitment to honoring the LORD in his new home.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God used throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing a covenant relationship.

Why Genesis 13:18 matters

• Genesis 13:18 shows Abram’s pattern of worship and faithfulness, setting a tone for his relationship with God throughout his life.
• The mention of Mamre and Hebron ties Abram’s journey to real places, grounding the story in a historical setting that will be important in later biblical events.
• By building an altar, Abram marks the land as dedicated to the LORD, which foreshadows the significance of this region for future generations of Israel.