And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan.

GENESIS 23:19KJV
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Genesis 23:19 (KJV)

What does Genesis 23:19 mean?

Genesis 23:19 describes Abraham burying his wife Sarah in a cave located in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre, which is identified as Hebron in the land of Canaan. This verse marks the actual burial of Sarah after Abraham purchased the burial site.

The verse is part of a narrative where Abraham, after negotiating with the local Hittites, secures a permanent burial place for his family. The location—Machpelah near Mamre (Hebron)—is significant because it becomes the ancestral tomb for the patriarchs and matriarchs of Israel. The passage highlights Abraham’s respect for Sarah and his intention to settle his family in the promised land.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 23:19

  • מְעָרָה (me‘arah, "cave"): This word emphasizes that Sarah was buried in a natural cave, not just a grave dug in the ground. The cave setting points to a family tomb, which was common for significant burials.
  • מַכְפֵּלָה (Machpelah): The name means "double" or "folded," possibly referring to the structure of the cave. This specific location becomes central in later biblical history as the burial place of other patriarchs and matriarchs.
  • חֶבְרוֹן (Hebron): Naming Hebron situates the story in a real, well-known place in Canaan, connecting Abraham’s family to the land that will later be central to Israel’s story.
  • אֶרֶץ (eretz, "land"): The mention of "the land of Canaan" underscores that this event takes place in the territory promised to Abraham’s descendants, showing a step toward fulfilling God’s promises.

Why Genesis 23:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Abraham legally and publicly buried Sarah in a specific, purchased location, showing his intent to root his family in Canaan rather than return to his homeland.
  • By naming Machpelah, Mamre, and Hebron, the verse ties the story to real geography, reinforcing the historical and covenantal significance of the land for Abraham’s descendants.
  • The burial of Sarah in Canaan marks the first permanent claim Abraham’s family has in the promised land, setting a precedent for future generations.

Where else these words appear

“Machpelah” Hebrew H4375 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 23:9 That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.
  • 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 49:30 In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace.

“Mamre” Hebrew H4471 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 13:18 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 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;
  • 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.

“Sarah” Hebrew H8283 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 17:15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
  • Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
  • Genesis 21:7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.

“cave” Hebrew H4631 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 19:30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.
  • Joshua 10:17 And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah.
  • 2 Samuel 23:13 And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.