King James Version

What Does Genesis 49:30 Mean?

Genesis 49:30 in the King James Version says “In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with t... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Genesis 49:30 · KJV


Context

28

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.

29

And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,

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.

31

There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.

32

The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which A... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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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 understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
בַּמְּעָרָ֞ה1 of 20

In the cave

H4631

a cavern (as dark)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 20
H834

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

הַשָּׂדֶ֗ה3 of 20

that is in the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

הַמַּכְפֵּלָ֛ה4 of 20

of Machpelah

H4375

makpelah, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 20
H834

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

עַל6 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵֽי7 of 20

which is before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מַמְרֵ֖א8 of 20

Mamre

H4471

mamre, an amorite

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ9 of 20

in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כְּנָ֑עַן10 of 20

of Canaan

H3667

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

אֲשֶׁר֩11 of 20
H834

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

קָנָ֨ה12 of 20

bought

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

אַבְרָהָ֜ם13 of 20

which Abraham

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

אֶת14 of 20
H853

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

הַשָּׂדֶ֗ה15 of 20

that is in the field

H7704

a field (as flat)

מֵאֵ֛ת16 of 20
H853

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

עֶפְרֹ֥ן17 of 20

of Ephron

H6085

ephron, the name of a canaanite and of two places in palestine

הַֽחִתִּ֖י18 of 20

the Hittite

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

לַֽאֲחֻזַּת19 of 20

for a possession

H272

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

קָֽבֶר׃20 of 20

of a buryingplace

H6913

a sepulcher


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 49:30 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 49:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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