King James Version

What Does Genesis 49:31 Mean?

Genesis 49:31 in the King James Version says “There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 49:31 · KJV

Context

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.

33

And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

Read Genesis 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and ther... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
שָׁ֣מָּה1 of 18
H8033

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

קָבַ֖רְתִּי2 of 18

“There they buried”

H6912

to inter

אֶת3 of 18
H853

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

אַבְרָהָ֗ם4 of 18

“Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

וְאֵת֙5 of 18
H853

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

שָׂרָ֣ה6 of 18

“and Sarah”

H8283

sarah, abraham's wife

אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ7 of 18

“his wife”

H802

a woman

שָׁ֚מָּה8 of 18
H8033

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

קָבַ֖רְתִּי9 of 18

“There they buried”

H6912

to inter

אֶת10 of 18
H853

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

יִצְחָ֔ק11 of 18

“Isaac”

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

וְאֵ֖ת12 of 18
H853

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

רִבְקָ֣ה13 of 18

“and Rebekah”

H7259

ribkah, the wife of isaac

אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ14 of 18

“his wife”

H802

a woman

וְשָׁ֥מָּה15 of 18
H8033

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

קָבַ֖רְתִּי16 of 18

“There they buried”

H6912

to inter

אֶת17 of 18
H853

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

לֵאָֽה׃18 of 18

“Leah”

H3812

leah, a wife of jacob

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 49:31 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 49:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 35:29Genesis 25:9Genesis 50:13Acts 7:16Genesis 23:3Genesis 47:30

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 49 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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