Genesis 23:20

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

Genesis 23:20 in Other Translations

KJV
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.
ESV
20 The field and the cave that is in it were made over to Abraham as property for a burying place by the Hittites.
NLT
20 So the field and the cave were transferred from the Hittites to Abraham for use as a permanent burial place.
MSG
20 The field and its cave went from the Hittites into Abraham's possession as a burial plot.
CSB
20 The field with its cave passed from the Hittites to Abraham as a burial place.

Genesis 23:20 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 23:20

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, ( Acts 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.

Genesis 23:20 In-Context

18 to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of the city.
19 Afterward Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre (which is at Hebron) in the land of Canaan.
20 So the field and the cave in it were deeded to Abraham by the Hittites as a burial site.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Jeremiah 32:10
  • 2. S Genesis 10:15; Genesis 35:29; Genesis 47:30; Genesis 49:30; Genesis 50:5,13
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