Mamre in the Bible
Where Abraham pitched his tent, entertained angels, and received the promise of Isaac's birth.
Mamre (near Hebron) was Abraham's primary residence in Canaan. Under the oaks of Mamre, he received three visitors — one of whom was the LORD — who promised that Sarah would bear a son. It was also from Mamre that Abraham interceded for Sodom.
Modern Location
Ramat el-Khalil, north of Hebron, West Bank
Key Biblical Events
- 1Abraham settles at the oaks of Mamre (Genesis 13:18)
- 2Three visitors announce Isaac's birth (Genesis 18:1–15)
- 3Abraham intercedes for Sodom (Genesis 18:16–33)
- 4Abraham builds an altar (Genesis 13:18)
Key KJV Scriptures
"Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD."
"And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him."
"Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."
Spiritual Significance
Mamre is the place of divine hospitality and impossible promises. Abraham's willingness to welcome strangers led to an encounter with God Himself — modeling faith, generosity, and the truth that nothing is too hard for the Lord.
Why Mamre Matters
Mamre holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands at the crossroads of God's covenant promises to His chosen people. With 4 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Abraham, Sarah linked to its story — Mamre is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Rooted in the Old Testament narrative, Mamre is referenced in 3 key scriptures that reveal God's faithfulness across generations. Mamre is the place of divine hospitality and impossible promises. Abraham's willingness to welcome strangers led to an encounter with God Himself — modeling faith, generosity, and the truth that nothing is too hard for the Lord.
For today's believer, studying Mamre is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Mamre, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Abraham encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the three visitors at Mamre?
Genesis describes one as the LORD (a theophany — a pre-incarnate appearance of God) and the other two as angels who later went on to Sodom.
Why did Sarah laugh?
Sarah laughed because she was 90 years old and the promise of bearing a child seemed impossible. God gently rebuked her, asking, 'Is anything too hard for the LORD?'
Explore Related Content
Related Bible Locations
Sodom
The wicked city destroyed by God's fire and brimstone as a warning to all generations.
Hebron
One of the oldest cities in the world — Abraham's home and David's first capital.
Beersheba
The southern boundary of Israel — where Abraham and Isaac made covenants.
Beersheba
The southern boundary of Israel — 'from Dan to Beersheba' — where patriarchs made covenants.
Hebron
City of the patriarchs — where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are buried and David was first crowned king.
Where to go next
Finished reading about Mamre? Keep exploring the places and people of Scripture.
- Explore the full Bible locations mapEvery place in Scripture, by region.Continue
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