Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So Ephron’s field in Machpelah near Mamre—both the field and the cave in it, and all the trees within the borders of the field—was deeded New Living Translation So Abraham bought the plot of land belonging to Ephron at Machpelah, near Mamre. This included the field itself, the cave that was in it, and all the surrounding trees. English Standard Version So the field of Ephron in Machpelah, which was to the east of Mamre, the field with the cave that was in it and all the trees that were in the field, throughout its whole area, was made over Berean Standard Bible So Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre, the cave that was in it, and all the trees within the boundaries of the field were deeded over Berean Literal Bible And the field of Ephron that was in Machpelah, that was before Mamre—the field and the cave that was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all its surrounding border—was established King James Bible 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 New King James Version So the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, which were within all the surrounding borders, were deeded New American Standard Bible So Ephron’s field, which was in Machpelah, which faced Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees which were in the field, that were within all the confines of its border, were deeded over NASB 1995 So Ephron’s field, which was in Machpelah, which faced Mamre, the field and cave which was in it, and all the trees which were in the field, that were within all the confines of its border, were deeded over NASB 1977 So Ephron’s field, which was in Machpelah, which faced Mamre, the field and cave which was in it, and all the trees which were in the field, that were within all the confines of its border, were deeded over Legacy Standard Bible So Ephron’s field, which was in Machpelah, which faced Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees which were in the field, that were within all the confines of its border, were deeded over Amplified Bible So the field of Ephron in Machpelah, which was to the east of Mamre (Hebron)—the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field and in all its borders around it—were deeded over [legally] Berean Annotated Bible So Ephron’s (fawn-like) field at Machpelah (double) near Mamre (strength / fatness), the cave that was in it, and all the trees within the boundaries of the field were deeded over Christian Standard Bible So Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre—the field with its cave and all the trees anywhere within the boundaries of the field—became Holman Christian Standard Bible So Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre—the field with its cave and all the trees anywhere within the boundaries of the field—became American Standard Version So 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 border thereof round about, were made sure English Revised Version So 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 border thereof round about, were made sure GOD'S WORD® Translation So Ephron's field at Machpelah, east of Mamre, was sold Good News Translation That is how the property which had belonged to Ephron at Machpelah east of Mamre, became Abraham's. It included the field, the cave which was in it, and all the trees in the field up to the edge of the property. International Standard Version That's how Ephron's field in Machpelah, east of Mamre—the field, the cave that was in it, and all the trees that were within the boundaries of the field—came to be deeded NET Bible So Abraham secured Ephron's field in Machpelah, next to Mamre, including the field, the cave that was in it, and all the trees that were in the field and all around its border, New Heart English Bible So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all of its borders, were deeded Webster's Bible Translation And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre, the cave that was in it, and all the trees within the boundaries of the field were deeded over World English Bible So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all of its borders, were deeded Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd established are the field of Ephron, which [is] in Machpelah, which [is] before Mamre, the field and the cave which [is] in it, and all the trees which [are] in the field, which [are] around all its border, Berean Literal Bible And the field of Ephron that was in Machpelah, that was before Mamre—the field and the cave that was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all its surrounding border—was established Young's Literal Translation And established are the field of Ephron, which is in Machpelah, which is before Mamre, the field and the cave which is in it, and all the trees which are in the field, which are in all its border round about, Smith's Literal Translation And Ephron's field will stand, which is in Machpelah, which is before the face of Mamra, the field and cave which are in it, and every tree which is in the field, which is in all the bounds round about. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the field that before was Ephron's, wherein was the double cave, looking towards Mambre, both it and the cave, and all the trees thereof in all its limits round about, Catholic Public Domain Version And having confirmed that the field, in which there was a double cave overlooking Mamre, formerly belonged to Ephron, both it and the sepulcher, and all its trees, with all its surrounding limits, New American Bible Thus Ephron’s field in Machpelah, facing Mamre, together with its cave and all the trees anywhere within its limits, was conveyed New Revised Standard Version So the field of Ephron in Machpelah, which was to the east of Mamre, the field with the cave that was in it and all the trees that were in the field, throughout its whole area, passed Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThus the field of Ephron, which was by the side of the double cave which was before Mamre, that is, the Field of the Cave and the cave which was in it and all the trees that were in the field that were on its borders round about were made sure Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the field of Aphron stood that was in Iphtha, next to Mamrey, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees in the field that were in the surrounding border. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917So 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 border thereof round about, were made sure Brenton Septuagint Translation And the field of Ephron, which was in Double Cave, which is opposite Mambre, the field and the cave, which was in it, and every tree which was in the field, and whatever is in its borders round about, were made sure in its borders round about, were made sure Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Death and Burial of Sarah…16Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants. 17So Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre, the cave that was in it, and all the trees within the boundaries of the field were deeded over 18to Abraham’s possession in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city.… Cross References So Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre, Genesis 13:18 So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the Oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD. Genesis 14:13 Then an escapee came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were bound by treaty to Abram. Genesis 18:1 Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. the cave that was in it, Genesis 25:9-10 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. / This was the field that Abraham had bought from the Hittites. Abraham was buried there with his wife Sarah. Genesis 49:29-31 Then Jacob instructed them, “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. / The cave is in the field of Machpelah near Mamre, in the land of Canaan. This is the field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. / There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah. 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. and all the trees within the boundaries of the field Deuteronomy 20:19-20 When you lay siege to a city for an extended time while fighting against it to capture it, you must not destroy its trees by putting an axe to them, because you can eat their fruit. You must not cut them down. Are the trees of the field human, that you should besiege them? / But you may destroy the trees that you know do not produce fruit. Use them to build siege works against the city that is waging war against you, until it falls. Deuteronomy 19:14 You must not move your neighbor’s boundary marker, which was set up by your ancestors to mark the inheritance you shall receive in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. Proverbs 22:28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone which your fathers have placed. were deeded over Jeremiah 32:10-12 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. 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. … Jeremiah 32:14-15 “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. / For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land.” Genesis 49:30-32 The cave is in the field of Machpelah near Mamre, in the land of Canaan. This is the field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. / 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.” Acts 7:16 Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver. Hebrews 11:9-10 By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. / For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:13-16 All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. / Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. / If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. … Treasury of Scripture 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 the field. 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. Genesis 25:9 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 49:30-32 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… made sure. 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. Ruth 4:7-10 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel… Psalm 112:5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Jump to Previous Area Border Borders Cave Confines Deeded East Ephron Ephron's Faced Field Hollow Machpelah Mach-Pe'lah Mamre Rock Round Sure Therein Thereof Throughout Trees Whole WithinJump to Next Area Border Borders Cave Confines Deeded East Ephron Ephron's Faced Field Hollow Machpelah Mach-Pe'lah Mamre Rock Round Sure Therein Thereof Throughout Trees Whole WithinGenesis 23 1. The age and death of Sarah.3. The purchase of the field and cave of Machpelah; 19. where Sarah is buried. So Ephron’s field at Machpelah near Mamre This phrase identifies the specific location of the transaction. Machpelah is traditionally located near Hebron, a significant city in the biblical narrative. The mention of Mamre connects this location to earlier events in Genesis, such as Abraham's meeting with the three visitors in Genesis 18. The field's owner, Ephron, is a Hittite, indicating the presence of various peoples in Canaan during this period. This transaction marks the first piece of the Promised Land that Abraham legally owns, symbolizing the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to his descendants. the cave that was in it and all the trees within the boundaries of the field were deeded over Persons / Places / Events 1. EphronA Hittite landowner who sold the field and cave to Abraham. His interaction with Abraham is a significant example of ancient Near Eastern customs regarding land transactions. 2. Machpelah The location of the field and cave purchased by Abraham. It is near Mamre, which is associated with Hebron in the land of Canaan. This site becomes the burial place for Sarah and later other patriarchs and matriarchs. 3. Mamre An area near Hebron, significant in Abraham's life. It is where he settled and built an altar to the Lord, and it is associated with God's promises to him. 4. The Field and Cave The property purchased by Abraham, which becomes a family burial site. This transaction marks the first piece of the Promised Land owned by Abraham's descendants. 5. The Trees Mentioned as part of the property, indicating the completeness of the transaction. Trees often symbolize life and prosperity in biblical texts. Teaching Points Faith in God's PromisesAbraham's purchase of the field is an act of faith, trusting in God's promise of the land to his descendants. Believers today are called to trust in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant. Stewardship and Legacy The acquisition of the burial site reflects the importance of planning for future generations. Christians are encouraged to consider their legacy and how they steward God's gifts. Cultural Engagement Abraham's respectful negotiation with Ephron demonstrates the importance of engaging with the surrounding culture with integrity and respect. Believers are called to be in the world but not of it, interacting with others in a way that honors God. The Significance of Place The field and cave at Machpelah become a significant place for Abraham's family. This reminds us of the importance of sacred spaces in our spiritual journey and the value of places where we encounter God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 23:17?2. How does Genesis 23:17 demonstrate the importance of legal transactions in Scripture? 3. What does the purchase of the field reveal about Abraham's faith in God? 4. How can Genesis 23:17 guide us in making ethical business decisions today? 5. Why is the detailed description of the land significant in understanding God's promises? 6. How does this verse connect to God's covenant promises to Abraham's descendants? 7. What is the significance of the field and cave in Genesis 23:17 for biblical history? 8. How does Genesis 23:17 reflect ancient property transactions and their importance in biblical times? 9. Why is the purchase of the cave in Genesis 23:17 important for understanding Abraham's faith? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 23? 11. Where is the archaeological evidence for the field and cave Abraham purchased in Genesis 23:17–20? 12. Why does the narrative in Genesis 23 seem to contradict other passages suggesting Abraham freely inherited Canaan? 13. Is there any record outside the Bible proving Abraham’s transaction with Ephron the Hittite mentioned in Genesis 23? 14. What is the significance of the Cave of Machpelah? What Does Genesis 23:17 Mean So Ephron’s field- The passage records an actual, legal land purchase between Abraham and Ephron the Hittite. Abraham is not receiving a favor; he is buying property with silver “weighed out according to the standard of the merchants” (Genesis 23:16). - This preserves the promise first made in Genesis 12:7—Abraham is literally laying hold of a portion of the land God vowed to give his offspring (Genesis 13:14-17). - The specific mention of Ephron’s name and the field’s boundaries underscores historical accuracy, just as later genealogies root Israel’s story in verifiable time and place (Genesis 25:9-10). At Machpelah near Mamre - Machpelah sits by Mamre, better known as Hebron. Abraham had already pitched his tents there and built an altar to the LORD (Genesis 13:18; 18:1). - The location becomes a spiritual waypoint: Isaac, Jacob, Leah, and ultimately Joseph’s bones will all be gathered here (Genesis 49:29-32; 50:13; Joshua 24:32). - By purchasing land in Hebron, Abraham anchors the covenant people in the very region where God had met him repeatedly (Genesis 35:27). The cave that was in it - The cave serves a practical purpose—a burial place for Sarah (Genesis 23:19)—and a prophetic one, signaling confidence that Abraham’s family will one day possess the whole land (Hebrews 11:13). - It becomes the resting place for the patriarchs and matriarchs: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah (Genesis 25:9; 49:31-32). - The detail affirms that God’s promises extend beyond one generation; He cares for the future remains of His people as much as their present lives (Psalm 116:15). All the trees within the boundaries of the field - Trees often marked legal borders in the ancient Near East; listing them publicly ensured there would be no dispute later (Joshua 24:26-27). - Including the trees means the purchase was comprehensive—soil, produce, shade, and potential resources (Deuteronomy 20:19). - This completeness prefigures the all-inclusive nature of redemption in Christ: nothing about the believer’s inheritance is left uncertain (Ephesians 1:13-14). Were deeded over - “Deeded over” (Genesis 23:17) stresses formal transfer. Witnesses sat at the city gate (Genesis 23:18), paralleling later legal acts such as Boaz acquiring Ruth (Ruth 4:9-10) and Jeremiah buying a field with sealed deeds (Jeremiah 32:10-12). - Abraham’s purchase eliminates future contention that the grave—and by extension Israel’s claim—was borrowed land. It is theirs by right and by promise. - God often secures His purposes through ordinary legal means, showing that faith and responsible action go hand in hand (James 2:22). summary Genesis 23:17 highlights a precise, witnessed transaction: Abraham lawfully buys Ephron’s field, the cave of Machpelah, and every tree within its borders. The meticulous record proves the reliability of Scripture, anchors God’s covenant people in a real place, and anticipates the complete, uncontested inheritance God secures for all who trust His promises. (17) Before Mamre.--That is, opposite to it. The Haram wherein the bodies of Abraham and Sarah lie, is situated on the eastern side of the valley, so that Abraham's oak-grove must have been on its western slope. The old Christian tradition, which places it at Ramet-el-Chalil, does not agree with this description, and is, moreover, too far away. The remains pointed out there as those of Abraham's house, are the ruins of a heathen temple. But it is useless to look for any remains of the abode of a nomad dwelling in tents, especially after the site has been occupied by a great city. Moreover, Hebron itself has changed its position. For Benjamin of Tudela, who visited it nearly seven centuries ago, says that the old Hebron was on the heights, but had been abandoned, and that the new city lay in the valley.The field, and the cave . . . --It is interesting to compare this document, so legally exact and full, with the numerous tablets of terra-cotta now in our museums, and which record with equal exactness the daily business transactions of the people of Ur-Chasdim, whence Abraham had migrated. Verses 17, 18. - And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, - here the word is used as a proper name (vide supra) - which was before Mamre, - לִפְגֵי over against (Lange), to the east of (Keil), the oak grove - 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, - "In like manner the operations in the contract are just such as are found in modern deeds. It is not enough that you purchase a well-known lot; the contract must mention everything that belongs to it, and certify that fountains or wells in it, trees upon it, etc., are sold with the field" ('Land and Book,' p. 578) - were made sure - literally, stood up or arose, i.e. were confirmed (cf. Leviticus 27:14, 19) - unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of the city. "This also is true to life. When any sale is now to be effected in a town or village, the whole population gather about the parties at the usual place of concourse, around or near the gate where there is one. There all take part and enter into the pros and cons with as much earnestness as if it were their own individual affair. By these means the operation, in all its circumstances and details, is known to many witnesses, and the thing is made sure without any written contract" ('Land and Book,' p. 579).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Ephron’sעֶפְר֗וֹן (‘ep̄·rō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6085: Ephron -- a Hittite, also a mountain and a place in Israel field שְׂדֵ֣ה (śə·ḏêh) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7704: Field, land at Machpelah בַּמַּכְפֵּלָ֔ה (bam·maḵ·pê·lāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4375: Machpelah -- a place near Hebron near לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face Mamre, מַמְרֵ֑א (mam·rê) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4471: Mamre -- a place in Palestine, also an ally of Abraham the cave וְהַמְּעָרָ֣ה (wə·ham·mə·‘ā·rāh) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4631: A cavern that was אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that in it, בּ֔וֹ (bōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew and all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the trees הָעֵץ֙ (hā·‘êṣ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood within בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the boundaries גְּבֻל֖וֹ (gə·ḇu·lōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed of the field, בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה (baś·śā·ḏeh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7704: Field, land were deeded over וַיָּ֣קָם ׀ (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand Links Genesis 23:17 NIVGenesis 23:17 NLT Genesis 23:17 ESV Genesis 23:17 NASB Genesis 23:17 KJV Genesis 23:17 BibleApps.com Genesis 23:17 Biblia Paralela Genesis 23:17 Chinese Bible Genesis 23:17 French Bible Genesis 23:17 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 23:17 So the field of Ephron which was (Gen. 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