Genesis 23:4 Meaning and Explanation
“I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Abraham requests to buy a burial place, identifying himself as a foreigner.
The Context of Genesis 23:4
Abraham must secure a burial site in a land where he has no inherited rights.
What Does Genesis 23:4 Mean?
Abraham acknowledges his status as a stranger and sojourner among the Hittites, yet appeals to their sense of community and hospitality. He seeks not a gift but a purchase—a permanent possession where his dead can rest.
The phrase "out of my sight" reflects both ancient burial customs and the psychological need to have a fixed place for the deceased. Abraham's request is reasonable and respectful, framed within the customs of the time.
Genesis 23:4 in the Original Language
ger (גֵר), 'sojourner' — one dwelling temporarily in a foreign land.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 23:4
What does Genesis 23:4 mean?
Abraham requests to buy a burial place, identifying himself as a foreigner.
What is the context of Genesis 23:4?
Abraham must secure a burial site in a land where he has no inherited rights.