Genesis 23:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the field {H7704}, and the cave {H4631} that is therein, were made sure {H6965} unto Abraham {H85} for a possession {H272} of a buryingplace {H6913} by the sons {H1121} of Heth {H2845}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The field and its cave had been purchased by Avraham from the sons of Het as a burial-site which would belong to him.

Berean Standard Bible

So the field and its cave were deeded by the Hittites to Abraham as a burial site.

American Standard Version

And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a burying-place by the children of Heth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 23:20 formally concludes the meticulously detailed legal transaction for the field of Machpelah and its cave, unequivocally establishing its secure and permanent transfer to Abraham from the Hittites. This verse marks the indisputable acquisition of the first piece of the promised land by Abraham, designated as a perpetual burial possession for his family.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the decisive culmination of the entire twenty-third chapter of Genesis, which meticulously details Abraham's pursuit and purchase of a burial plot for his deceased wife, Sarah. Following Sarah's death in Kirjath-arba, also known as Hebron, Abraham, despite being a "sojourner and foreigner" ([Genesis 23:4](/genesis/23-4 "Abraham's plea for a burial place in Genesis 23:4")), initiates negotiations with the local Hittite inhabitants. The preceding verses ([Genesis 23:7-16](/genesis/23-7-16 "Abraham's negotiation with the Hittites in Genesis 23:7-16")) recount the public and precise legal proceedings, including Abraham's refusal of a free gift, his insistence on paying full market value, and the public weighing of the silver. Verse 17 explicitly states that "the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah... and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field... were made sure unto Abraham for a possession." Verse 20, therefore, acts as a powerful legal declaration, solidifying the transaction's finality and Abraham's undisputed ownership, paving the way for Sarah's burial in [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Sarah's burial in the Cave of Machpelah").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The transaction described in Genesis 23 reflects common Near Eastern legal practices of the second millennium BC, particularly those found in Hittite and Mesopotamian documents. The public nature of the negotiation, the involvement of witnesses ("all that went in at the gate of his city" in [Genesis 23:10](/genesis/23-10 "The public negotiation at the city gate in Genesis 23:10")), the precise weighing of silver ("current money with the merchant" in [Genesis 23:16](/genesis/23-16 "Abraham pays for the field in Genesis 23:16")), and the detailed description of the property (including trees, as stated in [Genesis 23:17](/genesis/23-17 "The field and cave made sure to Abraham in Genesis 23:17")) all align with ancient conveyancing customs designed to ensure the legality and irrevocability of land transfers. Abraham's status as a "sojourner" meant he had no inherent land rights, making his insistence on purchasing the land crucial for establishing a legal foothold and ensuring his descendants' future claims to the promised territory. The Hittites, a powerful people in the region, are shown here engaging in a respectful and legally sound transaction with Abraham.

* **Key Themes:** This chapter, culminating in verse 20, underscores several significant themes within the broader narrative of Genesis and the Abrahamic covenant. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, as Abraham, though a sojourner, begins to tangibly possess a piece of the land God had promised to him and his descendants (cf. [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "God's covenant with Abraham regarding the land in Genesis 15:18-21")). Secondly, it exemplifies **Abraham's Faith and Foresight**, demonstrating his unwavering trust in God's future promises by investing in a permanent burial site, looking beyond his transient present. Thirdly, the detailed legal process emphasizes the theme of **Integrity and Ethical Dealings**. Abraham's insistence on a fair and public purchase sets a precedent for righteous conduct, ensuring that his possession was legally unimpeachable and a testament to his character. Finally, the establishment of the Cave of Machpelah as the patriarchal burial ground foreshadows the **Future Inheritance** of the entire land by Israel, serving as a physical anchor for their identity and claim to the promised territory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **field (Hebrew, _sâdeh'_):** This term (H7704) refers to an open, flat expanse of land, often cultivated or used for grazing. In this context, it denotes the specific agricultural land that surrounded the Cave of Machpelah, indicating that Abraham purchased not just the cave but the entire property, ensuring its integrity and control. The inclusion of the "field" in the purchase underscores the comprehensive nature of the transaction, securing the land around the burial site.
* **cave (Hebrew, _mᵉʻârâh'_):** This word (H4631) specifically means a cavern or a dark den, highlighting the natural geological feature that served as the primary burial chamber. The mention of the cave is central, as it was the immediate object of Abraham's desire for Sarah's interment. Its inclusion with the field signifies that the entire property, both the surface land and the subterranean cave, was legally transferred.
* **made sure (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This verb (H6965), meaning "to rise" or "to stand," carries a crucial legal connotation in this context: "to be established," "to be confirmed," or "to be made firm and binding." Its use here emphasizes the absolute and irrevocable nature of the land transfer. The transaction was not merely agreed upon but legally validated and unchallengeable, ensuring Abraham's permanent and undisputed ownership.
* **possession (Hebrew, _ʼăchuzzâh'_):** This feminine passive participle (H272) literally means "something seized" or "held." In this legal context, it specifically denotes a permanent and legally recognized holding, particularly of land. It signifies that the field and cave were not merely leased or temporarily granted but became Abraham's enduring property, a tangible and legally secured asset for his lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the field, and the cave that [is] therein,":** This phrase precisely identifies the property that is the subject of the transaction. It emphasizes that both the open land and the specific burial chamber within it are included, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of the acquired property. This detail reflects the meticulous nature of ancient legal documents.
* **"were made sure unto Abraham":** This crucial clause declares the legal finality and certainty of the transfer. The passive voice ("were made sure") implies that the transaction was fully executed and recognized by all parties, including the sons of Heth. It signifies that Abraham's claim to this property was now legally established and incontrovertible.
* **"for a possession of a buryingplace":** This specifies the purpose and nature of Abraham's ownership. It was acquired as a permanent "possession" (a legal holding, not a temporary lease) and specifically designated as a "buryingplace," a sepulchre for his family. This highlights Abraham's foresight and his commitment to establishing a lasting presence in the promised land, even if initially only as a grave site.
* **"by the sons of Heth.":** This final phrase identifies the sellers and confirms their role in the transaction. It underscores the public and consensual nature of the transfer, as the local inhabitants, represented by the "sons of Heth," formally acknowledged and validated Abraham's ownership. This ensures the legitimacy and undisputed status of the acquisition.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 23:20 is **Legal Language** and **Formulaic Language**. The precise and repetitive phrasing, particularly the emphasis on the property being "made sure" and acquired "for a possession," mirrors the formal language of ancient Near Eastern legal documents. This meticulous detail serves to underscore the absolute and irrevocable nature of the transaction, leaving no room for future dispute. The chapter as a whole functions as a legal record, and this verse acts as its concluding declaration of title. Furthermore, there is **Symbolism** at work; this small plot of land, the first tangible piece of the promised land legally acquired by Abraham, symbolizes the future, complete inheritance of Canaan by his descendants. It is a down payment, a concrete sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when the full realization seems distant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The acquisition of the Cave of Machpelah, though seemingly a mundane land transaction, carries profound theological weight. It represents the first tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan, serving as a divine down payment and a concrete assurance of future inheritance. Abraham's insistence on purchasing the land, rather than accepting it as a gift, demonstrates his profound faith in God's promises, even while living as a sojourner, and his commitment to establishing a legitimate foothold in the land. This act of faith in action, coupled with his integrity in dealings, sets a powerful example for all who await the full realization of God's promises.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's covenant with Abraham regarding the land in Genesis 15:18")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "Abraham's faith in Hebrews 11:8-10")
* [Acts 7:16](/acts/7-16 "Stephen's account of Abraham's purchase in Acts 7:16")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 23:20 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us that even as we live by faith and await the ultimate fulfillment of God's grand promises—such as the new heavens and new earth—there is a call for practical wisdom and integrity in our earthly dealings. Abraham's actions teach us the importance of prudent planning for the future, ethical conduct in all transactions, and a steadfast trust in God's faithfulness, even when we only perceive a small part of His grand plan. His act of securing a permanent burial place for his family, despite being a sojourner, underscores the biblical principle of living with an eternal perspective while faithfully stewarding our present circumstances. This echoes the [faith of those who live as "strangers and pilgrims" on earth](/hebrews/11-13 "Living as strangers and pilgrims in Hebrews 11:13"), looking forward to an eternal home and a city "whose architect and builder is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "The city with foundations in Hebrews 11:10")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's insistence on a legal purchase, rather than accepting a gift, challenge our understanding of faith and stewardship?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate both practical wisdom and unwavering faith in God's future promises, much like Abraham?**
* **How can the concept of "making sure" a possession, as seen in this verse, apply to the spiritual certainties we have in Christ?**
* **What does Abraham's act of securing a burial place in the promised land reveal about his hope for his descendants and their future inheritance?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham insist on purchasing the land if God had promised it to him?**

Answer: Abraham's insistence on purchasing the land, rather than accepting it as a gift, demonstrated his commitment to securing undisputed and legally binding ownership. This ensured that the possession was permanent and beyond question, preventing future disputes with the local inhabitants. It also served as a tangible act of faith, taking possession of a small part of the promised land through legitimate means, affirming the reality of God's covenant even while living as a sojourner. This act of purchase was a concrete step of obedience and trust in God's promise of the land, even before the full inheritance was realized (cf. [Acts 7:5](/acts/7-5 "Stephen on Abraham's lack of inheritance in Acts 7:5")).

**What is the significance of the phrase "made sure" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "made sure" translates the Hebrew verb *qûwm* (H6965), which in this legal context means "to be established," "to be confirmed," or "to be made firm and binding." It emphasizes the irrevocability and legal certainty of the land transfer, signifying that Abraham's ownership of the field and the Cave of Machpelah was fully recognized and unchallengeable by the sons of Heth. This legal certainty was paramount for Abraham, ensuring a permanent and undisputed burial site for his family within the land God had promised.

**Why was the Cave of Machpelah so important to Abraham and his descendants?**

Answer: The Cave of Machpelah became the sacred family burial ground for Abraham and the patriarchs, including Sarah, Abraham himself ([Genesis 25:9](/genesis/25-9 "Abraham's burial in Genesis 25:9")), Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob ([Genesis 49:31](/genesis/49-31 "Jacob's burial instructions in Genesis 49:31")). Its importance lies in its role as the first piece of the promised land legally acquired by Abraham, serving as a tangible marker of God's covenant faithfulness. It symbolized their future inheritance and provided a physical link to the land God had sworn to give their descendants, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity even in death. It was a physical anchor for their spiritual hope.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 23:20, though seemingly a historical account of a land transaction, profoundly points forward to Christ and the spiritual inheritance He secures for His people. Abraham, a "stranger and sojourner" ([Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Faith of the patriarchs as sojourners in Hebrews 11:13")) in the promised land, meticulously purchases a permanent burial place, a tangible down payment on the greater inheritance. This foreshadows Christ's own temporary dwelling on earth as a sojourner, who, through His ultimate sacrifice, secured an eternal spiritual inheritance for all who believe. Just as Abraham's purchase "made sure" his possession of Machpelah, Christ's death and resurrection "made sure" our redemption and our place in God's eternal kingdom. We, who were once "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise" ([Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Gentiles without Christ in Ephesians 2:12")), are now, through Christ, "no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Believers are fellow citizens in Ephesians 2:19")). The certainty of Abraham's physical possession in Machpelah mirrors the absolute certainty of the believer's spiritual inheritance in Christ, a reality "made sure" by His finished work on the cross and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit as a "guarantee of our inheritance" ([Ephesians 1:14](/ephesians/1-14 "The Spirit as a guarantee of inheritance in Ephesians 1:14")).

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

Ruth 4:7

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.

Ruth 4:10

Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye [are] witnesses this day.

Jeremiah 32:10

And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed [it], and took witnesses, and weighed [him] the money in the balances.

Jeremiah 32:14

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase, both which is sealed, and this evidence which is open; and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may continue many days.

Genesis 50:24

And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Genesis 50:25

And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.

Genesis 49:31

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