Genesis 23:17
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

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]

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

Majority 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

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

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 Version
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] around all its border,

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 Bible
And 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 Bible
Thus 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 1917
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

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
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.”

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.

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. ...

Hebrews 11:17-19
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, / even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death.

Genesis 12:7
Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

Genesis 13:15-17
for all the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever. / I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. / Get up and walk around the land, through its length and breadth, for I will give it to you.”

Genesis 15:18-21
On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— / the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, / Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, ...

Genesis 17:8
And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.”

Genesis 24:67
And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death.

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 33:19
And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver.

Genesis 35:27-29
Jacob returned to his father Isaac at Mamre, near Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. / And Isaac lived 180 years. / Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

Genesis 47:30
but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.”


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.

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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 Within
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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 Within
Genesis 23
1. The age and death of Sarah.
3. The purchase of the field and cave of Machpelah;
19. where Sarah is buried.














Ephron’s field
The mention of "Ephron’s field" indicates a specific piece of land owned by Ephron the Hittite. In the Hebrew context, land ownership was a significant aspect of identity and legacy. Ephron, a Hittite, represents the indigenous people of Canaan, and his interaction with Abraham highlights the patriarch's integration and respect within the local community. This transaction underscores the importance of legal and formal agreements in ancient times, reflecting a society that valued property rights and clear ownership.

in Machpelah
"Machpelah" is a location of great significance, as it becomes the burial site for the patriarchs and matriarchs of Israel. The name itself is thought to mean "double" or "portion," possibly indicating a double cave or a field with a cave. This site, near Hebron, is one of the oldest continuously used burial sites in the world, emphasizing the deep historical roots of the Jewish people in the land of Canaan.

near Mamre
"Mamre" is an ancient site associated with Abraham, where he built an altar to the Lord (Genesis 13:18). It is a place of divine encounters and promises, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the land. The proximity to Mamre connects the purchase of the field to the broader narrative of God's covenant with Abraham, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land.

the field with its cave
The "field with its cave" highlights the dual nature of the property—both agricultural and sepulchral. The cave serves as a burial site, while the field represents sustenance and life. This duality reflects the biblical theme of life and death coexisting, with the promise of resurrection and eternal life for those who trust in God.

and all the trees anywhere within the boundaries of the field
The inclusion of "all the trees" within the boundaries signifies the completeness of the transaction. Trees in the ancient Near East were valuable for their wood, fruit, and shade, symbolizing prosperity and blessing. The detailed description of the property boundaries indicates a thorough and legal transfer of ownership, ensuring that Abraham's descendants would have a permanent and undisputed claim to the land.

was deeded
The phrase "was deeded" signifies a formal and legal transfer of property. In the ancient world, such transactions were often conducted at the city gate in the presence of witnesses, ensuring transparency and legitimacy. This legal act not only secures a burial place for Sarah but also establishes a foothold for Abraham's descendants in the Promised Land, foreshadowing the future inheritance of Canaan by the Israelites. The deed serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham.

(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’s
עֶפְר֗וֹן (‘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


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OT Law: Genesis 23:17 So the field of Ephron which was (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 23:16
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