Genesis 49:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

There they buried {H6912} Abraham {H85} and Sarah {H8283} his wife {H802}; there they buried {H6912} Isaac {H3327} and Rebekah {H7259} his wife {H802}; and there I buried {H6912} Leah {H3812}.

Complete Jewish Bible

there they buried Avraham and his wife Sarah, there they buried Yitz'chak and his wife Rivkah, and there I buried Le'ah -

Berean Standard Bible

There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 49:31, delivered as part of Jacob's final instructions to his sons, meticulously lists the revered occupants of the ancestral burial site at the Cave of Machpelah: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Leah. This verse serves as a profound affirmation of the patriarchal lineage, underscoring their deep connection to the promised land, their unwavering faith in God's covenant promises, and the divinely ordained continuity through which those promises would ultimately find their fulfillment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 49:31 is embedded within Jacob's final discourse and prophetic blessings to his twelve sons, delivered just before his death in Egypt. Having lived his last seventeen years in the land of Goshen, Jacob's paramount concern was not to be interred in foreign soil but to be reunited with his ancestors in the Cave of Machpelah in Canaan. This verse functions as a crucial historical and theological anchor, reminding his sons, and the reader, of the esteemed individuals already laid to rest in this sacred family tomb. It reinforces the solemnity and significance of Jacob's dying wish, articulated in [Genesis 49:29-30](/genesis/49-29-30 "Jacob's Command to Be Buried with His Fathers"), to be buried "with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite." The subsequent narrative in [Genesis 50:1-14](/genesis/50-1-14 "Jacob's Death, Mourning, and Burial") details the elaborate fulfillment of this request, bringing the patriarchal narrative full circle as Jacob, like Abraham and Isaac before him, is gathered to his people in the promised land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, burial practices were deeply significant, reflecting not only respect for the deceased but also a profound connection to family, land, and identity. Ancestral tombs were not merely graves but tangible links to one's heritage and future hope. The Cave of Machpelah, purchased by Abraham in [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Abraham's Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah") as a permanent burial ground, represented the patriarchs' first tangible claim to the promised land, long before the Israelites possessed it fully. The act of burial "with one's fathers" (or "gathered to his people") implied a continuation of familial and covenantal ties even in death, signifying a shared destiny and a belief in a future beyond the grave. For Jacob, whose life was marked by sojourning and separation, the desire to be buried in Machpelah underscored his deep spiritual conviction that Canaan was the land of promise, the ultimate resting place tied to God's covenant with his forefathers.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant and Promise**, particularly God's promise of land and descendants to Abraham ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call and Promise to Abraham")). The repeated burials in Machpelah serve as physical markers of the unfolding covenant, demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations, even when the full realization of the land promise was distant. The theme of **Lineage and Continuity** is also central, as the verse meticulously lists the patriarchal and matriarchal figures, emphasizing the unbroken chain of God's chosen family through whom the covenant would be passed down. Finally, the verse subtly highlights the theme of **Faith and Hope**, as the patriarchs' insistence on burial in Canaan, despite dying in foreign lands or facing uncertainty, reflects their enduring trust in God's future fulfillment of His promises, including the ultimate inheritance of the land and the resurrection of the dead.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse meticulously lists the esteemed residents of the Cave of Machpelah, a burial site of immense significance to the patriarchal family. Jacob, on his deathbed, recounts who is interred there, emphasizing the lineage and the sacredness of the promised land.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **buried (Hebrew, _qâbar'_):** From the primitive root H6912, meaning "to inter." This word, repeated three times in the verse, highlights the physical act of interment, which in the ancient world was a profoundly significant ritual. It signifies the final resting place, the gathering of the deceased to their ancestors, and in this context, the physical connection of the patriarchs to the promised land, even in death. The act of burial here is not merely a disposal of a body but an act of faith and a claim to the land.
* **Isaac (Hebrew, _Yitschâq'_):** From H3327, meaning "laughter (i.e., mockery)." Isaac's name, given by God, recalls the laughter of his parents, Abraham and Sarah, at the seemingly impossible promise of his birth in their old age ([Genesis 17:17](/genesis/17-17 "Abraham's Laughter") and [Genesis 18:12](/genesis/18-12 "Sarah's Laughter")). His inclusion in the burial list underscores his pivotal role as the son of promise, the direct heir through whom the Abrahamic covenant was continued and solidified, bridging the first and third generations of patriarchs.
* **Leah (Hebrew, _Lêʼâh'_):** From H3812, meaning "weary." Leah's name and life were often associated with weariness, particularly in her struggle for Jacob's affection compared to Rachel ([Genesis 29:31-35](/genesis/29-31-35 "Leah's Children and Her Weariness")). Her specific mention by Jacob, "and there I buried Leah," is deeply poignant. It signifies her significant status as a matriarch of the covenant line, the mother of six of Jacob's sons, including Judah, from whom the messianic line would emerge. Her burial alongside the other patriarchs and matriarchs in Machpelah, distinct from Rachel's separate burial near Bethlehem ([Genesis 35:19](/genesis/35-19 "Rachel's Burial")), highlights her enduring importance in Jacob's final thoughts and the divine plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife;":** This clause establishes the foundational occupants of the Cave of Machpelah. Abraham, the recipient of God's covenant promises, and Sarah, the matriarch through whom the promised seed came, represent the beginning of the chosen lineage. Their burial here, in a plot Abraham purchased as a permanent possession ([Genesis 23:19-20](/genesis/23-19-20 "Abraham's Purchase of Machpelah")), signifies the first tangible claim to the promised land and the enduring nature of God's covenant.
* **"there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife;":** This clause continues the lineage, highlighting the second generation of the covenant family. Isaac, the son of promise, and Rebekah, his divinely chosen wife, represent the continuity and transfer of God's blessings and promises. Their interment alongside Abraham and Sarah reinforces the generational succession of the covenant and the sacredness of the burial site as the resting place for the heirs of the promise.
* **"and there I buried Leah.":** This final clause is particularly personal and poignant. Jacob, speaking in the first person ("I buried"), emphasizes his direct involvement in Leah's burial. Unlike Rachel, who was buried separately near Bethlehem due to her death in childbirth ([Genesis 35:19](/genesis/35-19 "Rachel's Burial Place")), Leah was laid to rest in the ancestral tomb. This act underscores Leah's significant, though complex, role as a matriarch and mother of key tribal founders (including Judah, from whom the Messiah would come), securing her place within the foundational covenant family at Machpelah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Repetition** is prominently used with the Hebrew word *sham* (שָׁם), meaning "there," appearing three times ("*There* they buried Abraham... *there* they buried Isaac... and *there* I buried Leah"). This **Emphasis** on "there" powerfully underscores the singular importance and designated nature of the Cave of Machpelah as the sacred, ancestral resting place. It draws the reader's attention to the physical location as a tangible link to God's covenant promises concerning the land. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Enumeration**, meticulously listing the pairs of patriarchs and matriarchs, followed by Leah. This precise listing reinforces the theme of **Lineage** and the unbroken chain of the covenant family, establishing a clear historical record of those who are gathered in this foundational tomb. The shift to the first person "I buried Leah" also introduces a moment of **Personal Reflection** and poignancy from Jacob, highlighting his unique relationship and final act of devotion towards Leah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 49:31 serves as a powerful theological statement, anchoring the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with Abraham in a tangible, physical location. The meticulous listing of the patriarchs and matriarchs buried in the Cave of Machpelah underscores the unbroken continuity of God's covenant promises through successive generations, from Abraham to Jacob. This burial site transcends a mere plot of land; it becomes a physical testament to the enduring nature of God's faithfulness to His chosen line, a sacred space that embodies the hope of the promised land and the future of the nation of Israel. The patriarchs' insistence on burial in Canaan, even when they died elsewhere, reflects a profound faith that transcended their earthly lives, believing in God's faithfulness to His promises, even when the full realization of those promises was yet to come.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "The Faith of the Patriarchs Seeking a Heavenly Homeland")
* [Acts 7:16](/acts/7-16 "Stephen's Account of Jacob's Burial")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 49:31 serves as a profound reminder of the enduring significance of heritage and the unwavering nature of God's promises. Just as the patriarchs held onto the promise of the land even in death, demonstrating a faith that looked beyond their immediate circumstances, believers today are called to find comfort and hope in God's unchanging character and His ultimate faithfulness to His word. This verse prompts us to reflect on our own spiritual heritage, recognizing that we are part of a larger story of faith, built upon the faithfulness of those who came before us, and sustained by the faithfulness of God Himself. While the physical location of our burial may not hold the same covenantal significance as Machpelah, this passage directs our hope toward our ultimate resting place: the promise of eternal life and resurrection for those who trust in God's covenant through Christ. It reminds us that our true home is not of this world, but with God, and that our earthly journey is a pilgrimage towards a greater, heavenly inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the patriarchs' desire to be buried in the promised land challenge my own understanding of hope and inheritance?**
* **In what ways do I acknowledge and draw strength from my spiritual heritage, recognizing the faithfulness of God through generations of believers?**
* **How does the continuity of God's promises, as seen in the Machpelah burials, encourage me to trust in His faithfulness for my future?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Cave of Machpelah so important?**

Answer: The Cave of Machpelah holds immense significance as the burial site purchased by Abraham from Ephron the Hittite in [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Abraham's Purchase of the Cave of Machpelah") as a permanent possession in the land of Canaan. It represents the patriarchs' first tangible claim to the promised land, long before the nation of Israel fully inherited it. As the resting place for Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah, it serves as a physical anchor for God's covenant promises regarding the land and their descendants. It symbolizes the continuity of the covenant line, the enduring hope in God's faithfulness, and the deep spiritual connection of the patriarchs to the land that God had promised to their offspring.

**Why does Jacob specifically mention burying Leah, but not Rachel?**

Answer: Jacob's specific mention of burying Leah ("and there I buried Leah") is deeply poignant because Rachel, his beloved wife, was buried separately near Bethlehem ([Genesis 35:19](/genesis/35-19 "Rachel's Burial Near Bethlehem")) after dying in childbirth. By emphasizing Leah's burial in Machpelah, Jacob highlights her status as a matriarch of the covenant line, buried alongside Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebekah. This distinction underscores Leah's significant, albeit often overshadowed, role in the patriarchal family. Despite Jacob's greater affection for Rachel, Leah was the mother of six of his sons, including Judah, from whom the messianic line would eventually come. Jacob's personal statement, "I buried Leah," may reflect a complex bond and a desire for her to be part of the sacred ancestral resting place, solidifying her integral position within the covenant family.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The patriarchs' deep longing to be buried in the promised land, exemplified by Jacob's final instructions regarding Machpelah, points forward to a greater hope and a more profound fulfillment in Christ. Their faith in God's promise of the land, though partially realized in the physical inheritance of Canaan, ultimately prefigures the spiritual inheritance of all believers in Christ—a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "The Promise of New Heavens and a New Earth")). The physical resting place in Machpelah, a symbol of God's faithfulness to a specific lineage, finds its ultimate reality in Christ, who is the true "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ as Abraham's Seed")) and the one through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises Are Yes in Christ")). Moreover, the patriarchs' hope for a future in the land, even beyond death, subtly anticipates the resurrection life secured by Christ, who conquered death and the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")) and offers eternal life in the true promised land, the heavenly kingdom prepared for His people ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus Prepares a Place for Believers")). Thus, the Cave of Machpelah, a testament to earthly hope, ultimately directs our gaze to the spiritual and eternal hope found in the resurrected 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 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 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 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 47:30

But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said.

Genesis 23:3

¶ And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying,

Genesis 23:16

¶ And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current [money] with the merchant.

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.