King James Version

What Does Genesis 13:18 Mean?

Genesis 13:18 in the King James Version says “Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. plain: Heb. plains”

Genesis 13:18 · KJV

Context

16

And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.

17

Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.

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. plain: Heb. plains

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיֶּֽאֱהַ֣ל1 of 12

“removed his tent”

H167

to tent

אַבְרָ֗ם2 of 12

“Then Abram”

H87

abram, the original name of abraham

וַיָּבֹ֛א3 of 12

“and came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַיֵּ֛שֶׁב4 of 12

“and dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּאֵֽלֹנֵ֥י5 of 12

“in the plain”

H436

an oak or other strong tree

מַמְרֵ֖א6 of 12

“of Mamre”

H4471

mamre, an amorite

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּחֶבְר֑וֹן8 of 12

“which is in Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

וַיִּֽבֶן9 of 12

“and built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שָׁ֥ם10 of 12
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מִזְבֵּ֖חַ11 of 12

“there an altar”

H4196

an altar

לַֽיהוָֽה׃12 of 12

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 13:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 13:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 35:27Genesis 18:1Genesis 8:20Genesis 14:13Genesis 12:7-8Psalms 16:8

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
View all places in Genesis 13 →

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