“I am a sojourner and foreigner among you; give me property among you for a burying place, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abraham's request for a burial place isn't just about practical grief management; it's a profound statement of faith. By insisting on purchasing land, he's publicly claiming this foreign territory as his future inheritance, implicitly rejecting any notion of returning to his homeland. This act foreshadows the deep spiritual connection to the land promised by God, revealing his hope for a future he can't yet see.
“I am a sojourner and foreigner among you; give me property among you for a burying place, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Sarah's death, Abraham, as a sojourner in the land, negotiates with the local Hittites to purchase a burial plot. He expresses his status as a temporary resident and seeks to acquire land for a tomb, asserting his right to bury his wife properly. This transaction marks a significant step in Abraham's establishment in Canaan and foreshadows the future inheritance of the land for his descendants.
Abraham didn't just need a place to put Sarah's body; he was laying claim to God's promise through a purchase. This wasn't just real estate; it was an act of faith.
Abraham's insistence on buying the cave of Machpelah, rather than accepting it as a gift, speaks volumes. It wasn't about haggling or pride, but about the significance of possessing land in Canaan.
A Symbol of Promised Inheritance
Abraham calls himself a 'stranger and sojourner.' This wasn't just a description of his legal status; it revealed his inner disposition.
Abraham's self-description as a 'stranger and sojourner' goes deeper than his temporary dwelling in Canaan. It reflects his core identity and his ultimate allegiance.
A Heavenly Perspective
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Why the detailed account of buying a burial plot? It wasn't just about Sarah's passing, but about how death reminds us of life's purpose and future hope.
The narrative surrounding Sarah's death and burial isn't merely a sad interlude; it's a pivotal moment that underscores the gravity of life, death, and the resurrection.
Facing Death with Faith
Understand the original words
ger · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term denoting a temporary resident, a stranger, or an alien who lives in a land not his own without full citizenship rights. In the Old Testament, it emphasizes the transient nature of the believer's earthly existence while awaiting God's promises.
toshab · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to a foreigner or a temporary settler who does not have ancestral rights in the land. It emphasizes the contrast between the individual's origin and their current place of residence.
Abraham's purchase of a burial plot, rather than accepting a gift, underscores his deep faith and his conviction that the land of Canaan was a divinely promised inheritance, not merely a place to sojourn.
c. 2091 BC— this verse
Sarah's Death and Burial
Sarah dies at 127 years old in Hebron. Abraham negotiates with the local Hittite people to purchase a specific field and cave, known as Machpelah, to serve as a family burial site.
c. 2091 BC
Abraham's Pilgrim Status
Abraham is a respected figure, referred to as a 'mighty prince,' but he emphasizes his status as a 'sojourner and foreigner' to assert that he has no ancestral land rights, thus needing to purchase a burial plot.
c. 2091 BC
Hittite Customs
The Hittites, as a settled people, engage in formal negotiations at the city gate for significant transactions like land sales, highlighting the importance of community consent and witnessed agreements.
c. 2091 BC
Purchase of Machpelah
Abraham pays 400 shekels of silver for the field and cave of Machpelah, establishing the first piece of landed property owned by the Patriarchs in Canaan.
c. 2091 BC
Significance for Future Generations
The purchase of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah, and later for other patriarchs, solidifies a claim and a deep connection to the land of Canaan, reinforcing the promise of inheritance for Abraham's descendants.
This passage directly refers to Abraham's time in Canaan as a 'sojourner,' living in tents, highlighting that his temporary status wasn't just physical but a matter of faith and hope for a permanent, heavenly city.
1 Peter 2:11Peter uses the term 'sojourners and exiles' to describe believers, drawing a parallel to Abraham's earthly status and urging readers to abstain from fleshly desires, reinforcing the idea that our true home is not here.
Genesis 17:7-8This is where God first promises the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants as an 'everlasting possession.' Abraham's purchase of a burial place underscores his faith in this promise, even while living as a sojourner.
John 14:2-3Jesus speaks of going to prepare a place for His followers. This echoes Abraham's desire for a permanent resting place, pointing to the ultimate 'dwelling' that God prepares for believers, which is far more significant than any earthly burial plot.
gillGenesis 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."
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 consequently had no place to inter his dead: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you; not that he desired it as a free gift, but that he might be allowed…
clarkeGenesis 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."
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…
Abraham's request for a burial place isn't just about practical grief management; it's a profound statement of faith. By insisting on purchasing land, he's publicly claiming this foreign territory as his future inheritance, implicitly rejecting any notion of returning to his homeland. This act foreshadows the deep spiritual connection to the land promised by God, revealing his hope for a future he can't yet see.
After Sarah's death, Abraham, as a sojourner in the land, negotiates with the local Hittites to purchase a burial plot. He expresses his status as a temporary resident and seeks to acquire land for a tomb, asserting his right to bury his wife properly. This transaction marks a significant step in Abraham's establishment in Canaan and foreshadows the future inheritance of the land for his descendants.
After Sarah's death, Abraham, as a sojourner in the land, negotiates with the local Hittites to purchase a burial plot. He expresses his status as a temporary resident and seeks to acquire land for a tomb, asserting his right to bury his wife properly. This transaction marks a significant step in Abraham's establishment in Canaan and foreshadows the future inheritance of the land for his descendants.
"“I am a sojourner and foreigner among you; give me property among you for a burying place, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”" — Abraham's request for a burial place isn't just about practical grief management; it's a profound statement of faith. By insisting on purchasing land, he's publicly claiming this foreign territory as…
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Last reviewed October 2026