And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

GENESIS 25:9KJV
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Genesis 25:9 (KJV)

What does Genesis 25:9 mean?

Genesis 25:9 describes how Isaac and Ishmael, the sons of Abraham, came together to bury their father in the cave of Machpelah, which was in a field owned by Ephron the Hittite, near Mamre. This verse highlights the specific location of Abraham’s burial and the involvement of both his sons in this important family event.

Genesis 25:9 is set after Abraham’s death, and it names his two sons—Isaac, the son of promise, and Ishmael, his firstborn by Hagar—working together to bury him. The verse mentions the cave of Machpelah, a burial site Abraham purchased earlier, and gives details about its location and ownership, grounding the story in a real place and time.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 25:9

  • "sons" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word refers to Abraham’s male descendants, here specifically Isaac and Ishmael. The use of the plural shows both sons are involved, even though their relationship was complicated.
  • "buried" (וַיִּקְבְּרוּ, vayyiqberu): This verb means to lay someone in the ground, marking a respectful and final act for Abraham. The word emphasizes the sons’ active participation in honoring their father.
  • "cave" (מְעָרַת, mə‘arat): This is the same cave of Machpelah Abraham bought as a family tomb. The specific mention ties Abraham’s story to a physical, historical site.
  • "Machpelah" (מַכְפֵּלָה, Makhpelah): This is the name of the burial cave. Naming it again here reminds the reader of its significance as the family’s chosen resting place.

Why Genesis 25:9 matters

  • Genesis 25:9 shows Isaac and Ishmael coming together despite their earlier separation, suggesting a moment of unity and respect at their father’s death.
  • The verse roots Abraham’s burial in a specific, purchased location, showing the fulfillment of Abraham’s earlier actions to secure a family burial place in the land of Canaan.
  • By naming Ephron the Hittite and the location near Mamre, the verse connects Abraham’s story to real people and places, reinforcing the historical setting of the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Zohar” Hebrew H6714 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 23:8 And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,
  • Genesis 46:10 And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.
  • Exodus 6:15 And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon.

“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.

“Ephron” Hebrew H6085 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 23:8 And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,
  • Genesis 23:14 And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him,
  • 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.