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Genesis 23:4 - Stranger seeks eternal resting place

Genesis 23:4 - בראשית 23:4

Hebrew Text

גֵּר־וְתוֹשָׁב אָנֹכִי עִמָּכֶם תְּנוּ לִי אֲחֻזַּת־קֶבֶר עִמָּכֶם וְאֶקְבְּרָה מֵתִי מִלְּפָנָי׃

English Translation

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.

Transliteration

Ger vetoshav anochi imachem tenu li achuzat-kever imachem v'ekbera meti milfanai.

Hebrew Leining Text

גֵּר־וְתוֹשָׁ֥ב אָנֹכִ֖י עִמָּכֶ֑ם תְּנ֨וּ לִ֤י אֲחֻזַּת־קֶ֙בֶר֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה מֵתִ֖י מִלְּפָנָֽי׃
גֵּר־וְתוֹשָׁ֥ב אָנֹכִ֖י עִמָּכֶ֑ם תְּנ֨וּ לִ֤י אֲחֻזַּת־קֶ֙בֶר֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה מֵתִ֖י מִלְּפָנָֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Genesis 23:4) records Avraham's request to the children of Chet for a burial plot to bury Sarah. Avraham describes himself as a "גֵּר וְתוֹשָׁב" (stranger and sojourner), acknowledging his temporary status in the land despite Hashem's promise that it would belong to his descendants (Rashi, Genesis 23:4).

Meaning of "גֵּר וְתוֹשָׁב"

Rashi explains that "גֵּר" (stranger) indicates Avraham saw himself as a foreigner without permanent rights to the land, while "תוֹשָׁב" (sojourner) implies temporary residence. The Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that Avraham emphasized his lack of legal claim to the land to avoid appearing presumptuous in his request (Ramban, Genesis 23:4).

Avraham's Humility and Tact

Avraham's phrasing demonstrates humility and diplomacy. Despite being promised the land by Hashem, he approached the locals respectfully, recognizing their current ownership (Sforno, Genesis 23:4). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 58:6) highlights that Avraham’s conduct serves as a model for how the Jewish people should interact with other nations.

The Significance of Burial in Eretz Yisrael

  • Avraham sought a permanent burial site, establishing a foothold in the land for future generations (Kli Yakar, Genesis 23:4).
  • The Talmud (Ketubot 111a) teaches that burial in Eretz Yisrael has spiritual significance, as the land atones for sins.
  • By purchasing Ma'arat HaMachpelah, Avraham ensured a lasting Jewish connection to the land (Ramban, Genesis 23:9).

Legal and Ethical Implications

Avraham insisted on purchasing the land rather than accepting it as a gift, ensuring undisputed ownership (Rashi, Genesis 23:13). The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) derives from this episode that righteous individuals are meticulous in financial matters to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Abraham's request to the children of Heth for a burial place for Sarah, illustrating the concept of a stranger seeking kindness and the importance of burial.
📖 Bava Batra 100b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of property and the rights of a stranger or sojourner to acquire land, particularly for burial purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'I am a stranger and a sojourner with you' mean in Genesis 23:4?
A: In Genesis 23:4, Avraham (Abraham) refers to himself as a 'stranger and sojourner' when speaking to the Hittites. Rashi explains that Avraham was emphasizing his temporary status in the land, despite Hashem's promise that it would belong to his descendants. This teaches humility and recognition that all we have comes from Hashem.
Q: Why did Avraham insist on buying a burial plot instead of accepting it as a gift?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 79:7) explains that Avraham wanted to legally purchase the burial cave (Me'arat HaMachpelah) to avoid any future disputes about ownership. This teaches the importance of clear transactions and avoiding potential conflicts, especially for something as sacred as a burial place.
Q: What is the significance of Avraham burying Sarah 'out of my sight' in Genesis 23:4?
A: The phrase 'that I may bury my dead out of my sight' shows Avraham's deep grief and the Jewish value of proper burial (kavod hamet). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 46b) teaches that proper burial is a fundamental mitzvah that shows respect for the deceased, as the body housed a holy soul.
Q: Why is the purchase of Me'arat HaMachpelah important in Jewish tradition?
A: The purchase of Me'arat HaMachpelah (as described in Genesis 23) is significant because it represents the first legal Jewish acquisition in Eretz Yisrael. Ramban explains that this established a foothold in the Promised Land for future generations. Today, it remains one of Judaism's holiest sites, where our patriarchs and matriarchs are buried.
Q: How does Avraham's negotiation for a burial plot apply to us today?
A: Avraham's respectful yet firm negotiation teaches important values: 1) The dignity we must show the deceased (kavod hamet), 2) The importance of clear business dealings (as later discussed in Choshen Mishpat), and 3) The connection between the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael, which began with this first legal purchase.