King James Version

What Does Genesis 23:4 Mean?

Genesis 23:4 in the King James Version says “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 o...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 23:4 · KJV

Context

2

And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

3

And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying,

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.

5

And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him,

6

Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead. a mighty: Heb. a prince of God

Read Genesis 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I ma... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
גֵּר1 of 12

“I am a stranger”

H1616

properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner

וְתוֹשָׁ֥ב2 of 12

“and a sojourner”

H8453

a dweller but not outlandish [h5237]; especially (as distinguished from a native citizen [active participle of h3427] and a temporary inmate [h1616] o

אָֽנֹכִ֖י3 of 12
H595

i

עִמָּכֶ֑ם4 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

תְּנ֨וּ5 of 12

“with you give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִ֤י6 of 12
H0
אֲחֻזַּת7 of 12

“me a possession”

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

קֶ֙בֶר֙8 of 12

“of a buryingplace”

H6913

a sepulcher

עִמָּכֶ֔ם9 of 12
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה10 of 12

“with you that I may bury”

H6912

to inter

מֵתִ֖י11 of 12

“my dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

מִלְּפָנָֽי׃12 of 12

“out of my sight”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 23:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 23:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 29:15Hebrews 11:9Genesis 17:8Psalms 119:19Genesis 49:30Psalms 39:12

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