Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

GENESIS 13:18KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“tent” Hebrew H167 · used in 3 verses

  • Genesis 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
  • Isaiah 13:20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

“plain” Hebrew H436 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 12:6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
  • Genesis 18:1 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
  • Judges 9:6 And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.

“Mamre” Hebrew H4471 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Genesis 23:17 And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure
  • Genesis 35:27 And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.

“Abram” Hebrew H87 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 11:26 And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • Genesis 15:3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.