Genesis 25:9

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And his sons {H1121} Isaac {H3327} and Ishmael {H3458} buried {H6912} him in the cave {H4631} of Machpelah {H4375}, in the field {H7704} of Ephron {H6085} the son {H1121} of Zohar {H6714} the Hittite {H2850}, which is before {H6440} Mamre {H4471};

Complete Jewish Bible

Yitz'chak and Yishma'el his sons buried him in the cave of Makhpelah, in the field of 'Efron the son of Tzochar the Hitti, by Mamre,

Berean Standard Bible

His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.

American Standard Version

And Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 25:9 records the solemn occasion of Abraham's burial, a poignant moment where his estranged sons, Isaac and Ishmael, unite to inter their father in the Cave of Machpelah. This act not only signifies the peaceful conclusion of the patriarch's long and faithful life but also underscores the enduring significance of the land God had promised Abraham, as his final resting place becomes a tangible marker of that divine covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Abraham's death in [Genesis 25:8](/genesis/25-8 "Abraham's Death"), which states he "gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people." Genesis 25:9 then details the immediate aftermath of his passing, specifically the actions taken by his sons regarding his burial. It serves as a concluding statement to Abraham's earthly narrative, transitioning the focus to the next generation, particularly Isaac, through whom the covenant promises will continue. The inclusion of Ishmael in this act is a significant literary detail, subtly highlighting a moment of familial unity before the narrative largely separates their respective lineages.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, burial practices were deeply significant, often involving elaborate rituals and specific burial sites. Family tombs, like the [Cave of Machpelah](/genesis/23-19 "Abraham's Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah"), were crucial for preserving family identity and lineage. The purchase of this cave by Abraham from Ephron the Hittite, meticulously detailed in [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - The Purchase of Machpelah"), was a legally binding transaction, establishing Abraham's first tangible claim to the promised land. The presence of both Isaac and Ishmael at the burial, despite their past estrangement, reflects a common cultural practice where all sons, regardless of their mother's status, would participate in the burial of their father, demonstrating respect and fulfilling filial duty.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 25:9 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. It reinforces the theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises**, as Abraham is buried in the very land promised to him and his descendants, solidifying a physical claim. The verse also touches upon the theme of **familial reconciliation and unity**, however temporary, as Isaac and Ishmael set aside their differences to honor their father. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **legacy and continuity**, as Abraham's life concludes, but his influence and the divine promises continue through his progeny, particularly Isaac, the son of promise, whose lineage is central to the unfolding narrative of [God's redemptive plan](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call of Abraham and His Promise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term refers to a male offspring, but in its widest sense, it can also denote a builder of the family name, encompassing a broad range of relationships. Here, it specifically refers to Abraham's direct male children, Isaac and Ishmael, emphasizing their direct lineage and shared responsibility in this solemn act.
* **buried (Hebrew, _qâbar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to inter." This word signifies the act of placing a deceased body into the ground or a tomb. Its use here highlights the finality of Abraham's earthly life and the proper, respectful disposition of his remains according to ancient customs, fulfilling his desire to be laid to rest in the purchased family tomb.
* **Machpelah (Hebrew, _Makpêlâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "a fold," this is the proper name of a specific place in Palestine. It refers to the cave and field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite. Its mention here is crucial, as it identifies the exact, legally acquired burial site, underscoring the fulfillment of Abraham's earlier transaction and his tangible connection to the promised land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him":** This clause is profoundly significant for its inclusion of both Isaac and Ishmael. Isaac was the son of promise, through whom Abraham's covenant lineage would continue. Ishmael, though not the son of the covenant, was still Abraham's firstborn and a recipient of divine blessing (as seen in [Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's Blessing on Ishmael")). Their joint participation in the burial underscores a rare moment of familial unity, perhaps a temporary reconciliation, overriding past conflicts and the pain of Ishmael's expulsion. It highlights the enduring bond of fatherhood and the respect both sons held for Abraham.
* **"in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite":** This precise geographical and legal detail emphasizes the fulfillment of Abraham's earlier purchase. The [Cave of Machpelah](/genesis/23-19 "Abraham's Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah") was not merely a burial site but the first piece of the promised land that Abraham legally owned. His burial here, alongside Sarah, establishes it as the ancestral tomb for the patriarchs and matriarchs, signifying a tangible claim on the land promised by God. The meticulous naming of Ephron and his father Zohar further validates the legal transaction and the legitimacy of Abraham's claim, reinforcing the historical accuracy and legal precedent within the narrative.
* **"which [is] before Mamre;":** This final geographical marker connects the burial site to a significant location in Abraham's life. [Mamre](/genesis/18-1 "God's Appearance to Abraham at Mamre") was where Abraham had pitched his tents, built an altar, and, crucially, where God had appeared to him and renewed His covenant promises. Burying Abraham "before Mamre" links his death and resting place directly to the divine promises that shaped his life, reinforcing the idea that even in death, he remained connected to the land of promise and God's faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Narrative Economy** is evident in its concise yet information-rich statement, efficiently summarizing a significant event. The inclusion of both Isaac and Ishmael creates a powerful moment of **Symbolism**, representing familial reconciliation and the enduring, albeit complex, nature of Abraham's legacy. The burial in the Cave of Machpelah, the first legally owned piece of the promised land, serves as a tangible **Symbol** of God's faithfulness to His covenant, even in death. Furthermore, the meticulous geographical details and naming of individuals like Ephron and Zohar lend **Verisimilitude** and historical grounding to the narrative, reinforcing its authenticity and importance within the broader biblical account.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The burial of Abraham by both Isaac and Ishmael in the Cave of Machpelah is rich with theological significance. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, as Abraham, the patriarch of faith, is laid to rest in the very land that was the subject of divine pledge. This act also serves as a poignant testament to the enduring power of family, demonstrating that even deep-seated conflicts and estrangement can be temporarily set aside in moments of shared grief and filial duty. It underscores the importance of legacy, as Abraham's death marks not an end, but a transition of God's unfolding plan through his descendants.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Abraham's Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah")
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Faith of the Patriarchs in the Promised Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 25:9 offers timeless insights into the enduring power of family, even amidst fractured relationships. The image of Isaac and Ishmael, once at odds, standing side-by-side at their father's grave, serves as a powerful reminder that common ground, especially in moments of shared grief or significant life events, can bridge deep divides. It underscores the importance of honoring one's parents and acknowledging the legacy they leave behind, recognizing that even imperfect families can find moments of unity. For believers, this verse also reinforces the faithfulness of God; Abraham, the "father of faith," is laid to rest in the very land that was the subject of God's initial covenant promise, affirming that God's plans unfold across generations, even beyond an individual's lifetime. This quiet but profound conclusion to Abraham's earthly journey emphasizes God's continuous work through his chosen lineage and the certainty of His promises, calling us to trust in His long-term faithfulness even when circumstances seem fragmented.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the joint action of Isaac and Ishmael reveal about the nature of family bonds, even when strained?**
* **How does Abraham's burial in the Cave of Machpelah reinforce the theme of God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways can we honor the legacy of those who have gone before us, both within our families and in our faith tradition?**

### FAQ
**Why is Ishmael present at Abraham's burial, given his earlier expulsion?**

Answer: Ishmael's presence signifies a moment of familial reconciliation or at least a temporary setting aside of past conflicts for the shared purpose of honoring their father. Despite the painful history of his and Hagar's expulsion, as detailed in [Genesis 21:14](/genesis/21-14 "Hagar and Ishmael's Expulsion"), the enduring bond of fatherhood and shared grief brought the half-brothers together. This demonstrates the powerful and often complex nature of family ties, where duty and respect can transcend long-standing divisions.

**What is the significance of Abraham being buried in the Cave of Machpelah?**

Answer: The [Cave of Machpelah](/genesis/23-19 "Abraham's Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah") was the first piece of the promised land that Abraham legally owned, acquired through a meticulous transaction described in [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - The Purchase of Machpelah"). His burial there, alongside Sarah, underscores the tangible beginning of God's promise of land to him and his descendants, as first articulated in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). It served as an ancestral tomb, solidifying his claim to the land and providing a physical link for future generations to God's covenant, symbolizing the certainty of God's word.

**Does this verse imply a complete and lasting reconciliation between Isaac and Ishmael?**

Answer: While the verse highlights a profound moment of unity and shared purpose, it does not explicitly state a complete and lasting reconciliation between Isaac and Ishmael. It rather portrays a specific act of shared familial duty and respect for their deceased father. The text focuses on the immediate act of burial, leaving the long-term nature of their relationship open to interpretation. However, it certainly suggests a significant moment of peace and a temporary setting aside of past grievances, united by their common bond to Abraham.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The burial of Abraham in the promised land, facilitated by the unity of his two sons, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ. Abraham's rest in the [Cave of Machpelah](/genesis/23-19 "The Cave of Machpelah") points to the secure and eternal inheritance that believers receive in Christ, who is the true "seed" of Abraham (as affirmed in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ, the Seed of Abraham")) through whom all nations are blessed. The temporary reconciliation between Isaac and Ishmael, disparate sons of Abraham, hints at the far greater reconciliation and unity that Christ brings between all peoples—Jew and Gentile—into one body, the Church, by breaking down the dividing wall of hostility through His sacrifice (as taught in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). Just as Abraham's death marked the transition of God's promise to his descendants, Christ's death and resurrection secured the spiritual inheritance and eternal life for all who believe, ensuring a lasting peace and an unfading inheritance in the true promised land, the new heavens and new earth, where God's people will dwell with Him forever (revealed in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 50:13

For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.

Genesis 35:29

And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, [being] old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

Genesis 21:9

¶ And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

Genesis 21:10

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac.

Genesis 49:29

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,

Genesis 49:30

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.

Genesis 23:9

That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which [is] in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.