King James Version

What Does Genesis 23:20 Mean?

Genesis 23:20 in the King James Version says “And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 23:20 · KJV

Context

18

Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city.

19

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.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryi... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיָּ֨קָם1 of 11

“that is therein were made sure”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הַשָּׂדֶ֜ה2 of 11

“And the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וְהַמְּעָרָ֧ה3 of 11

“and the cave”

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

אֲשֶׁר4 of 11
H834

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

בּ֛וֹ5 of 11
H0
לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם6 of 11

“unto Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

לַֽאֲחֻזַּת7 of 11

“for a possession”

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

קָ֑בֶר8 of 11

“of a buryingplace”

H6913

a sepulcher

מֵאֵ֖ת9 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵי10 of 11

“by the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֵֽת׃11 of 11

“of Heth”

H2845

cheth, an indigenous canaanite

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 23:20 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 23:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ruth 4:7-10Jeremiah 32:10-14Genesis 50:24-25Genesis 25:92 Kings 21:18Genesis 49:31-32

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Genesis 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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