Overview
The Bible addresses machpelah across 6 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis. Closely related themes include Cave, Abraham, Courts of Justice and Hittites. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abraham, Ephron, Sarah and Isaac.
Key Bible verses about machpelah
Old Testament
Genesis
And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure
Unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city.
And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan.
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.
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.
There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.
People in the Bible and machpelah
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying machpelah for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 23:17, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Consider the lives of Abraham, Ephron and Sarah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Cave, Abraham, Courts of Justice and Hittites.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about machpelah?
The Bible addresses machpelah across 6 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Genesis. Closely related themes include Cave, Abraham, Courts of Justice and Hittites. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abraham, Ephron, Sarah and Isaac.
How many Bible verses are about machpelah?
The Bible references machpelah in 6 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention machpelah?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 23:17: “And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure”
Which people in the Bible are associated with machpelah?
Abraham, Ephron, Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah.
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