Abraham's flocks Canaan. Ilustration based on Dore. Author: Paul S. Taylor

Who and what is…
Mamre

Hebrew: מַמְרֵא —transliteration: Mamre —meaning: manliness, strength, vigor

This is the name of a biblical man and a place. Both are associated with the patriarch Abraham. The name appears 10 times in Scripture, all in Genesis.

Mamre, an Amorite chief

This man made an alliance with Abraham/Abram, as recorded in Genesis.

After 4 foreign kings made war with the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, they kidnapped Abram’s nephew Lot. Abram took his armed men and defeated the kings, recovering Lot and the stolen food and possessions. Four outside men joined Abraham in this effort. Their names are Mamre, Aner, and Eshcol.

Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was dwelling by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were in a covenant with Abram. So Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, and he led out his trained men, born in his house, 318 in number, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. —Genesis 14:13-14

Upon later meeting Bera king of Sodom, the grateful ruler told Abram to keep the food and possessions. Abram refused.

…And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me, but take the possessions for yourself.”
Then Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to Yahweh God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, so that you would not say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share.” —Genesis 14:21-24 LSB

Q & A

Great trees of Mamre, an ancient place in Israel

Mamre is the name of an area in Israel in the mountains west of the Dead Sea, about 2 miles south of modern Hebron. Here Abraham dwelled (Genesis 23:17, 19; 35:27).

This place is central to Abraham’s life, revelation, and covenant in Canaan, making it one of the most significant sites in the land of the Bible.

In the King James Version (Gen. 13:18) it is called the “plain of mamre,” but later translations more correctly “the oaks (or trees) of Mamre.”

The ancient Hebrew word here is elon which derives from ayil meaning strength. Elon can be translated as strong tree(s), oak(s), oak grove, or similar.

In this case, the name Mamre probably indicates that these trees were associated with Abraham’s ally the Amorite chieftan Mamre.

See: Elon

Verse KJV NKJV NASB ESV NIV
Genesis 13:18 the plain of Mamre the terebinth trees of Mamre the oaks of Mamre the oaks of Mamre the great trees of Mamre

This grove must have been within sight of or “facing” Machpelah, the cave property that Abram purchased.

Were there water sources at ancient Mamre?

Certainly, archaeological and biblical sources indicate springs or wells at or near ancient Mamre (Ramat el-Khalil) by Hebron. The nearby spring supported large oaks/terebinths in the rocky soil. Excavations have found wells, including “Abraham's Well” at the site. These water sources (springs/wells) explain the sustained tree growth and settlement of this area in the time of Abraham. “Abraham’s Spring” is mainly associated with nearby Hebron itself, but Mamre clearly had its own local water access.

Archaeology

Mamre appears to be located at the archaeological remains of Ramat el-Khali (aka er Râmeh, Alonei Mamre, Ramet Al-Khalil (Mamre), Haram Ramet Al Khalil, or Haram erRama Mamre, 2 miles north of official Hebron, but within its urban sprawl. At this location is an ancient altar. Of course, the trees are long gone.

Mamre archaeological site, Hebron, Israel

Herod the Great upgraded the area where Abraham is believed to have camped by protecting it with a stone wall around it.

Archaeologist Joel Kramer provides strong and inspirational evidence for Mamre’s location. Watch his 25 minute video. He is an associate of Associates for Bible Research, which is a Christian Answers Team Member.

Joel Kramer at Mamre altar“MAMRE — Where God Appeared to Abraham” by archaeologist Joel P. Kramer (Expedition Bible) / “It is often said that there is no archaeological proof for Abraham. If that is the case, then what explanation is there for what was basically nothing but an ancient campsite still being revered over 4000 years later? Join Joel as he explains the archaeological and spiritual significance of Mamre… where God appeared to Abraham and made a promise that still blesses us today!”

At the nearby place called Ballûtet Sebta (aka Ballatet Selta), i.e., “the oak of rest”, there is a tree called “Abraham’s oak,” about 1.5 miles west of Hebron. Ballut is the Arabic word for oak.

It possible (and even likely) that all the sites around Hebron historically associated with Abraham were part of what was known as Mamre in his time. It is obvious that this whole area has changed greatly in many ways during the thousands of years that have passed.

More information

Article Version: February 9, 2026