Genesis 23:4
Genesis 23:4 in Multiple Translations
“I am a foreigner and an outsider among you. Give me a burial site among you so that I can bury my dead.”
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.
I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a burying-place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.
I am living among you as one from a strange country: give me some land here as my property, so that I may put my dead to rest.
“I am a foreigner, a stranger living among you,” he said. “Please let me buy a burial site so I can bury my dead wife.”
I am a stranger, and a forreiner among you, giue me a possession of buriall with you, that I may burie my dead out of my sight.
'A sojourner and a settler I [am] with you; give to me a possession of a burying-place with you, and I bury my dead from before me.'
“I am a stranger and a foreigner living with you. Give me a possession of a burying-place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”
I am a stranger and a sojourner with you; give me a possession of a burying-place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.
I am a stranger and sojourner among you: give me the right of a burying place with you, that I may bury my dead.
“I am a foreigner [DOU] living among you, so I do not own any land here. Sell me some land here so that I can bury my wife’s body.”
Abraham said to them, “This is your land, and I am just camping here. I need to bury my wife’s body. Can I buy some of your land to use for a grave?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 23:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 23:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גֵּר
וְ/תוֹשָׁ֥ב
אָנֹכִ֖י
עִמָּ/כֶ֑ם
תְּנ֨וּ
לִ֤/י
אֲחֻזַּת
קֶ֨בֶר֙
עִמָּ/כֶ֔ם
וְ/אֶקְבְּרָ֥ה
מֵתִ֖/י
מִ/לְּ/פָנָֽ/י
גֵּר
gêr
H1616
sojourner
N-ms
וְ/תוֹשָׁ֥ב
tôwshâb
H8453
sojourner
Conj | N-ms
אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
עִמָּ/כֶ֑ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
תְּנ֨וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לִ֤/י
Prep | Suff
אֲחֻזַּת
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
possession
N-fs
קֶ֨בֶר֙
qeber
H6913
grave
N-ms
עִמָּ/כֶ֔ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/אֶקְבְּרָ֥ה
qâbar
H6912
to bury
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
מֵתִ֖/י
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal | Suff
מִ/לְּ/פָנָֽ/י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | Prep | N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 23:4
גֵּר
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
וְ/תוֹשָׁ֥ב
tôwshâb
H8453
"sojourner"
Conj | N-ms
Tishbe refers to a resident alien or foreigner, as seen in the home of Elijah, who was known as the Tishbite. This term appears in various KJV translations, including foreigner and stranger. It signifies someone living outside their native land.
Definition: sojourner, stranger
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: foreigner, inhabitant, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 23:4; Leviticus 25:40; Psalms 39:13.
אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
עִמָּ/כֶ֑ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
תְּנ֨וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִ֤/י
""
Prep | Suff
אֲחֻזַּת
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
"possession"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to something owned or possessed, often land inherited from family. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus. This concept of possession is important in biblical times.
Definition: 1) possession, property 1a) land 1b) possession by inheritance
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Genesis 17:8; Numbers 32:5; Psalms 2:8.
קֶ֨בֶר֙
qeber
H6913
"grave"
N-ms
A grave or sepulchre is a place where the dead are buried, often a tomb or burial site. This word is used in the Bible to describe the final resting place of individuals, and is translated as burying place or sepulchre in the KJV.
Definition: grave, sepulchre, tomb
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: burying place, grave, sepulchre. See also: Genesis 23:4; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Psalms 5:10.
עִמָּ/כֶ֔ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וְ/אֶקְבְּרָ֥ה
qâbar
H6912
"to bury"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To bury means to inter or lay someone to rest, often in a grave or tomb. This word is used throughout the Bible to describe the act of burying the dead, and is translated as bury in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to bury 1a) (Qal) to bury 1b) (Niphal) to be buried 1c) (Piel) to bury, bury (in masses) 1d) (Pual) to be buried
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier). See also: Genesis 15:15; 1 Kings 14:31; Psalms 79:3.
מֵתִ֖/י
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
מִ/לְּ/פָנָֽ/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Genesis 23:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 23:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 23:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:4
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:4
- Sermons on Genesis 23:4
Context — The Death and Burial of Sarah
2She died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went out to mourn and to weep for her.
3Then Abraham got up from beside his dead wife and said to the Hittites,
4“I am a foreigner and an outsider among you. Give me a burial site among you so that I can bury my dead.”
5The Hittites replied to Abraham, 6“Listen to us, sir. You are God’s chosen one among us. Bury your dead in the finest of our tombs. None of us will withhold his tomb for burying your dead.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 29:15 | For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. |
| 2 | Hebrews 11:9 | By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. |
| 3 | Genesis 17:8 | And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.” |
| 4 | Psalms 119:19 | I am a stranger on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. |
| 5 | Acts 7:5 | He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised to give possession of the land to Abraham and his descendants, even though he did not yet have a child. |
| 6 | Leviticus 25:23 | The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and residents with Me. |
| 7 | Genesis 49:30 | The cave is in the field of Machpelah near Mamre, in the land of Canaan. This is the field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. |
| 8 | Hebrews 11:13–16 | All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. |
| 9 | Psalms 39:12 | Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 12:5 | when men fear the heights and dangers of the road, when the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper loses its spring, and the caper berry shrivels— for then man goes to his eternal home and mourners walk the streets. |
Genesis 23:4 Summary
In Genesis 23:4, Abraham asks the Hittites for a burial site, showing his humility and recognition that he is a foreigner in the land. This verse teaches us that even when we are in difficult or uncertain situations, we can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, just like Abraham did (as seen in Romans 8:28). Abraham's request also shows his love and care for his wife, Sarah, and his desire to honor her even in death (as seen in Genesis 23:2-3). By looking at Abraham's example, we can learn to trust in God's promises and care for those around us, even in tough times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham refer to himself as a foreigner and an outsider among the Hittites?
Abraham referred to himself as a foreigner and an outsider because he was a sojourner in the land of Canaan, which had been promised to him by God, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 17:8.
What motivated Abraham to ask the Hittites for a burial site?
Abraham's motivation for asking the Hittites for a burial site was to give his wife, Sarah, a proper burial, as seen in Genesis 23:2-3, and to fulfill his responsibility as her husband to care for her even in death.
How does Abraham's request reflect his faith in God's promises?
Abraham's request for a burial site among the Hittites reflects his faith in God's promises because, despite being a foreigner, he was confident that God would fulfill His promise to give him the land, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 15:18.
What can we learn from Abraham's humility in this verse?
We can learn from Abraham's humility that even in times of grief and loss, we can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and approach others with humility and respect, as seen in Genesis 23:4 and 1 Peter 5:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- How do I, like Abraham, acknowledge my temporary residence on this earth and trust in God's eternal promises?
- In what ways can I, as a foreigner and outsider in this world, reflect the humility and faith of Abraham in my interactions with others?
- What are some ways I can apply Abraham's example of caring for his loved ones, even in death, to my own relationships and responsibilities?
- How can I, like Abraham, balance my confidence in God's promises with my current circumstances and limitations?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 23:4
I [am] a stranger and a sojourner with you,.... Not a native of the place, only dwelt as a sojourner among them for a time; but had not so much as a foot of ground he could call his own, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 23:4
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 23:4
The privilege of burial hath been always sought and prized by all nations, whom nature and humanity teacheth to preserve the bodies of men, which have been the temples of reasonable and immortal souls, from contempt and violation; so especially by Christians, as a testimony and pledge of their future resurrection. See . For which cause Abraham desires a distinct burying-place separated from the pagan people. With you, in Canaan. There he, and after him other patriarchs, earnestly desired to be buried, upon this account, that it might confirm their own and their children’ s faith in God’ s promise, and animate their children in due time to take possession of the land. See 47:29,30 50:13,25 Exodus 13:19 . That I may bury my dead out of my sight; so she that before was the desire of his eyes, , is now, being dead, become their torment.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 23:4
Genesis 23:4 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.Ver. 4. That I may bury my dead out of my sight.] She that had been "the desire of his eyes," the sweet companion of his life, is by death so defaced, that he loathes to look on her. This we are to think on in our mourning for the dead; to bewail the common curse of mankind, the defacing of God’ s image by death through sin, &c. And yet to comfort ourselves in this, that these "vile bodies" of ours, shall once be "conformed to Christ’ s glorious body," the standard in incorruption, agility, beauty, brightness, and other most blessed and inconceivable parts and properties.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 23:4
(4) A possession of a buryingplace.—While strangers might pasture their cattle upon the open downs, yet the consent of the natives seems to have been necessary before Abraham could occupy any spot permanently (Genesis 15:13; Genesis 20:15). He now wanted even more, and for the actual appropriation of any portion of the soil a public compact and purchase was required, which must be ratified not merely by the seller but by the consent of all the tribe, convened in full assembly at the gate of the city. Thus, in spite of his power and wealth, Abraham, as regards his legal position towards the inhabitants, was but a stranger and sojourner (Hebrews 11:9), and could secure a resting- place for his dead only by their consent.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 23:4
Verse 4. I am a stranger and a sojourner] It appears from Hebrews 11:13-16; 1 Peter 2:11, that these words refer more to the state of his mind than of his body. He felt that he had no certain dwelling place, and was seeking by faith a city that had foundations. Give me a possession of a burying place] It has been remarked that in different nations it was deemed ignominious to be buried in another's ground; probably this prevailed in early times in the east, and it may be in reference to a sentiment of this kind that Abraham refuses to accept the offer of the children of Heth to bury in any of their sepulchres, and earnestly requests them to sell him one, that he might bury his wife in a place that he could claim as his own.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 23:4
4. a stranger and a sojourner] Abraham describes himself, in a proverbial phrase, as one whose origin is foreign, and whose period of residence is uncertain. LXX πάροικοςκαὶπαρεπίδημος, Lat. advena et peregrinus; cf. Leviticus 25:23; 1 Chronicles 29:15; Psalms 105:12; Hebrews 11:9. The same phrase is employed by St Peter in 1 Peter 2:11 to describe the shortness and uncertainty of life on earth, and to indicate that the true citizenship is in heaven. The “stranger,” in the Heb., belongs to the phraseology of nomad life; “the sojourner,” of settled life.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 23:4
4. I am a stranger and a sojourner — Though heir of the world (Romans 4:13) and rich in promised possessions, he confessed himself but a stranger and a pilgrim, (comp.
Sermons on Genesis 23:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Abraham, a Foreigner in His Own Land by George Warnock | George Warnock preaches about Abraham's journey of faith, highlighting how God continually enlarged his vision and led him to seek a heavenly city beyond the earthly promises. As A |
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Machpelah, and Its First Tenant by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the profound grief of Abraham following the death of Sarah, emphasizing the deep bond they shared over their long life together. He highlights Abraham's tear |
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Integrity of Heart by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and how he tried to cover up his sins until God exposed him. The preacher then shares a story about a little girl who had |
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Rev. 12:6. Strangership and Pilgrimage by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the Christian's identity as a stranger and pilgrim in this world, drawing parallels between the journey of the Church and the experiences of biblical figu |
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Our Days on the Earth Are as a Shadow, And by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the transient nature of human life, comparing it to shadows and fleeting moments, yet emphasizes that even brief lives can leave a lasting impact. He draws o |
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Epistle 405 by George Fox | George Fox encourages his friends to actively engage in spreading the truth of the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of not hiding their gifts and talents. He urges them to be dil |
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Faith by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and not placing our hope in this fallen world. He highlights the examples of biblical figures who lived |