Genesis 23:18

Verse

to Abraham’s possession in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city.

American Standard Version (1901)

unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city.

Became the property of Abraham before the eyes of the children of Heth and of all who came into the town.

Was made sure to Abraham for a possession, in the sight of the children of Heth, and of all that went in at the gate of his city.

Free Bible Version

This all became Abraham's property, and the transaction was witnessed by the Hittites who were there at the town gate.

Geneva Bible 1599

Vnto Abraham for a possession, in ye sight of the Hittites, euen of all that went in at the gates of his citie.

King James (Authorized) Version

Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city.

One Unity Resource Bible

to Abraham [Father of a multitude] for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth [Trembling fear], before all who went in at the gate of his city.

Translation for Translators

It became Abraham’s property as all the descendants of Heth were listening there at the city gate.

Unlocked Literal Bible

to Abraham by purchase in the presence of the sons of Heth, before all those who had come into the gate of his city.

Noah Webster Bible

To Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that entered the gate of his city.

World English Bible

to Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all who went in at the gate of his city.

Young's Literal Translation

to Abraham by purchase, before the eyes of the sons of Heth, among all entering the gate of his city.

Context

The Death and Burial of Sarah

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 over¹⁸to Abraham’s possession in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city.¹⁹After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field at Machpelah near Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan.

Sermons

(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5

Chuck Smith

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Summary

In this verse, Abraham successfully secures a burial site for his wife Sarah in the land of Canaan. This act demonstrates his faith in God's promise of giving the land to his descendants. By purchasing the cave of Machpelah from the Hittites, Abraham establishes a permanent possession in Canaan, affirming his belief in God's covenant. The burial of Sarah in this prominent location signifies her importance and honor in the eyes of Abraham and serves as a symbol of the fulfillment of God's plan for their family.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And the field, and the cave that is therein, was made sure to Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace, by the sons of Heth. Who were witnesses of the transaction between Abraham and Ephron; and this was further made sure by Sarah's being buried in it, which was taking possession of it, for the use for which it was bought; and was a pledge and earnest of the future possession of the land of Canaan by the seed of Abraham: this was the first piece of ground in it possessed by Abraham and his seed; and it being called the possession of a buryingplace, shows that there is no contradiction between this and what Stephen says, Act 7:5; he had a possession to bury in, but not to live upon; not any ground of his own to till and sow, or build upon. Next: Genesis Chapter 24