Genesis 13:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Abram {H87} removed his tent {H167}, and came {H935} and dwelt {H3427} in the plain {H436} of Mamre {H4471}, which is in Hebron {H2275}, and built {H1129} there an altar {H4196} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avram moved his tent and came to live by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hevron. There he built an altar to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the Oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.

American Standard Version

And Abram moved his tent, and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built there an altar unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 13:18 meticulously details Abram's faithful relocation to the fertile region of Mamre near Hebron, a move directly following God's profound reaffirmation of His covenant promises regarding land and descendants. This verse culminates in Abram's construction of an altar to the LORD, an act that profoundly signifies his unwavering worship, deep dedication, and steadfast trust in divine provision and covenantal faithfulness amidst his nomadic journey through the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the pivotal separation of Abram and Lot, a narrative that resolves the conflict arising from their burgeoning wealth and limited land resources. After Lot chose the well-watered Jordan Valley, seemingly the more prosperous option, God graciously intervened to reaffirm His covenant with Abram. [Genesis 13:14-17](/genesis/13-14-17 "God's Renewed Promise to Abram After Lot's Departure") records God's expansive promise to Abram, showing him all the land from north to south, east to west, and guaranteeing innumerable descendants. Abram's response in [Genesis 13:18](/genesis/13-18 "Abram Builds an Altar in Hebron") is therefore an act of immediate, faithful obedience and worship, establishing his presence in the very land God had just promised him, contrasting sharply with Lot's worldly choice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Abram's life was characterized by a nomadic existence, typical of patriarchs in the ancient Near East. Their "tents" were portable dwellings, signifying a transient lifestyle, yet their movements were often strategic, seeking pasturage for their flocks. The building of altars was a common practice, serving as physical markers of significant encounters with deity, places for sacrifice, and public declarations of worship and allegiance. Hebron, known as Kirjath-arba in older times, was an ancient city, strategically located in the Judean hills. Its association with Mamre, an Amorite chief and later an ally of Abram ([Genesis 14:13](/genesis/14-13 "Abram's Allies")), highlights the complex social and political landscape of the time, where alliances and local customs played a significant role in a patriarch's ability to settle and thrive.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 13:18 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. The theme of **Divine Promise and Covenant** is central, as Abram's move is a direct response to God's renewed oath of land and progeny, underscoring the unilateral nature of God's commitment. This verse also highlights **Faithful Obedience**, as Abram's immediate action of relocating and worshipping demonstrates his trust in God's word over perceived worldly advantages. The recurring theme of **Worship and Altar Building** establishes a pattern of spiritual devotion as the appropriate response to divine revelation, beginning with Abram's first altar in [Shechem](/genesis/12-7 "Abram Builds an Altar in Shechem") and continuing throughout his journey. Furthermore, the establishment of Abram's dwelling in Hebron foreshadows its future **Covenantal Significance** as a burial place for the patriarchs and a key location in Israel's history, as seen in [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "The Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **removed (Hebrew, _ʼâhal'_):** From H167, a denominative from `ohel` (tent), meaning "to tent" or "to pitch (remove) a tent." This word choice emphasizes Abram's nomadic lifestyle, indicating not merely a casual departure but a deliberate act of dismantling his dwelling to establish it elsewhere. It speaks to the transient nature of his existence, yet also his readiness to move at God's direction.
* **dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, a primitive root meaning "to sit down," and by implication, "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." While Abram remained nomadic, this term suggests a more extended or purposeful stay than previous temporary encampments. It implies a sense of establishing a base, a place of residence, even if not a permanent fixed structure, signifying a period of stability in response to God's promise.
* **built (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** From H1129, a primitive root meaning "to build" (literally and figuratively). This term denotes a deliberate, constructive act. In the context of an altar, it signifies the careful construction of a sacred space for worship and sacrifice. Abram's act of building an altar is a physical manifestation of his spiritual commitment and a public declaration of his allegiance to the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Abram removed [his] tent":** This opening clause signifies a decisive action on Abram's part, reflecting his continued nomadic lifestyle. The act of "removing" his tent implies a deliberate breaking of camp and a readiness to journey, directly following God's renewed promises. It underscores his mobile existence, yet also his responsiveness to divine leading, contrasting with Lot's choice of a settled, fertile region.
* **"and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which [is] in Hebron":** This phrase details Abram's new destination, indicating a more settled period after his separation from Lot. The "plain" (or oaks) of Mamre identifies a specific, well-known landmark, likely named after an Amorite ally. The mention of "Hebron" anchors the location to an ancient and historically significant city in the Judean hills. This move is not random but a purposeful settling in a region that would become deeply significant for Abram and his descendants, serving as a future burial place and a key site in the unfolding covenant history.
* **"and built there an altar unto the LORD":** This concluding action is the spiritual culmination of Abram's relocation. Building an altar (Hebrew: _mizbêach_, H4196) was a profound act of worship, thanksgiving, and dedication. It was a physical marker of God's presence and a place for communion and sacrifice. This is the third recorded altar Abram built, demonstrating a consistent pattern of prioritizing his relationship with God and publicly acknowledging God's sovereignty and faithfulness, especially after receiving significant divine revelation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in Abram's consistent act of altar-building, marking significant moments of divine encounter and covenant renewal (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Abram Builds an Altar in Shechem") and [Genesis 12:8](/genesis/12-8 "Abram Builds an Altar Between Bethel and Ai")). This repeated action underscores the centrality of worship in Abram's life and his immediate, faithful response to God's promises. **Symbolism** is rich in the "altar," which serves as a tangible representation of Abram's devotion, a place of encounter between the human and the divine, and a public declaration of his allegiance to the LORD (H3068, `Yᵉhôvâh`). The act of "removing his tent" and "dwelling" implies a sense of **pilgrimage** and **faith-journey**, where physical movement is intertwined with spiritual progression. Furthermore, the specific mention of "Hebron" serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the future covenantal significance of this location as a burial place for the patriarchs and a key site in Israel's history, thereby connecting Abram's personal journey to the broader redemptive narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 13:18 beautifully illustrates that true faith responds to divine grace and promise not merely with intellectual assent, but with tangible acts of worship and dedication. Abram's immediate response to God's expansive covenant promises is to build an altar, signifying that the proper posture of a believer is one of devotion and gratitude, establishing a spiritual anchor in the midst of life's uncertainties. This act underscores the foundational principle that acknowledging God's sovereignty and faithfulness is paramount, even as one navigates the practicalities of life and land.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Abram Builds an Altar in Shechem")
* [Genesis 12:8](/genesis/12-8 "Abram Builds an Altar Between Bethel and Ai")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "By Faith Abraham Obeyed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abram's actions in [Genesis 13:18](/genesis/13-18 "Abram Builds an Altar in Hebron") offer a profound paradigm for contemporary believers. In an age often characterized by relentless pursuit of material gain or strategic advantage, Abram's immediate response to God's renewed promises is not to strategize for more wealth or security, but to build an altar. This teaches us that our primary response to God's grace, provision, and guidance should always be worship and dedication. Just as Abram established physical markers of his devotion, we are called to cultivate spiritual "altars" in our lives – disciplines, practices, and habits that consistently acknowledge God's presence, sovereignty, and faithfulness. This involves intentionally setting aside time for prayer, Bible study, communal worship, and acts of service, making God the undeniable center of our homes, decisions, and daily endeavors. It is a call to anchor our existence in a continuous posture of gratitude, trust, and devotion, recognizing that true security and fulfillment are found in our relationship with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "altars" (practices of worship and dedication) do you consistently build in your life, especially after receiving God's blessings or guidance?**
* **How does Abram's prioritization of worship over worldly gain challenge your own priorities in decision-making and daily living?**
* **In what ways can you more intentionally make your home or workplace a "plain of Mamre" – a place where God is acknowledged and worshipped?**
* **How does your immediate response to God's promises or interventions reflect your level of trust and dedication to Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abram consistently build altars?**

Answer: Abram built altars as a primary and recurring expression of worship, thanksgiving, and dedication to the LORD. Each altar marked a significant encounter with God, a response to His divine revelation, or a public declaration of his faith and obedience. These altars served as physical memorials of God's covenant presence and Abram's commitment. They were designated places for offering sacrifices, communing with God, and establishing a spiritual anchor in the land. This consistent practice highlights Abram's prioritization of spiritual devotion and his unwavering trust in God's guidance throughout his nomadic journey, as seen in [Genesis 12:7-8](/genesis/12-7-8 "Abram's First Altars") and here in [Genesis 13:18](/genesis/13-18 "Abram Builds an Altar in Hebron").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abram's act of building an altar in the plain of Mamre, near Hebron, a place destined for profound covenantal significance, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate worship and reconciliation accomplished through Jesus Christ. While Abram's altars were temporary structures where animal sacrifices offered a provisional means of communion with God, they pointed forward to the definitive and eternal sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Christ Himself is the ultimate "altar" upon which the perfect sacrifice was offered, providing believers with direct and eternal access to God ([Hebrews 13:10](/hebrews/13-10 "We have an altar")). Furthermore, Abram's dwelling in the promised land, even as a sojourner, prefigures the true spiritual rest and eternal inheritance that believers find in Christ, who fulfills all the promises made to Abram ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promises Were Made to Abraham and to His Seed")). Through Christ, the true "Hebron" – a place of fellowship and covenant – is established, where worship is no longer confined to physical altars or specific locations, but is offered "in spirit and truth" by those who are truly united with Him ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "True Worshipers Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, Abram's act of worship in Genesis 13:18 anticipates the new covenant worship made possible by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 18:1

¶ And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

Genesis 14:13

¶ And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these [were] confederate with Abram.

Genesis 35:27

And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which [is] Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.

Genesis 8:20

¶ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

Genesis 12:7

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

Genesis 12:8

And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, [having] Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.

Psalms 16:8

¶ I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.