And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre: this statement has the form of a title or heading for the story that follows. And does not connect this story with that in chapter 17 but rather marks the beginning of a new episode. Most English versions do this by avoiding any special connector. White space and the use of a heading tell readers that a new account is to be expected. However, in some languages a new story opener will be required. Some may prefer to begin this account by placing the second part of the verse at the beginning: “One day as Abraham was sitting at the door of his tent….” This clause then serves as the setting to be followed by the main event. However, see Good News Translation.
Appeared to him is literally “seen to him,” as in 12.7 and 17.1. See 12.7 for discussion. Him refers to Abraham, but at the opening of a story it is often best to use the name, as in Good News Translation.
For oaks of Mamre see discussion of 12.6; 13.18. The reference is to the sacred grove of trees at Hebron in 13.18. In some translations the information that Abraham’s camp was at or near the grove is included; for instance, “The LORD appeared to Abraham at his camp close to the sacred trees….”
As he sat at the door of his tent: Good News Translation opens the second sentence with this clause and makes the verb at the beginning of verse 2 the main event of the sentence: “As Abraham was sitting … he looked up….” In languages in which the verb “to sit” is expressed differently, depending whether the person sits on the ground, on a raised object, or in a reclining manner, the translator must make a choice here. Abraham’s style of life most probably means that he is sitting, resting on sheep skins placed on the ground. For discussion of tent see 4.20. The door applies to the entrance or opening of his tent and not to a wooden door that swings. Apart from Revised Standard Version most English translations have “entrance.”
For some translators it will be important to have an exact picture of what is meant by at the door. The Hebrew expression is not precise, but it is not likely that a person would sit outside in the sun during this hot part of the day; Good News Translation “ran out” in verse 2 also seems to suggest that Abraham was sitting inside the tent. On the other hand Speiser comments that “the old patriarch is resting in front of his tent,” which would be outside, although probably in the shade of a tent flap or a tree.
In the heat of the day: that is, as the day was becoming hot. This refers to the early hours of the afternoon. Bible en français courant calls it “the hottest hour of the afternoon.” Some languages have special vocabulary to designate this part of the day. This may even be related to a meal time, if people regularly eat in the middle of the day; one translation, for example, says “It was dinner time.”
Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .