Genesis 23:1-9 ▼

1 The span of Sarah’s life was one hundred and twenty-seven years.

2 She died in Kiriath-arba—now Hebron—in the land of Canaan, and Abraham proceeded to mourn and weep for her.

3 Then he left the side of his deceased wife and addressed the Hittites:

4 “Although I am a resident alien among you, sell me from your holdings a burial place, that I may bury my deceased wife.”

5 The Hittites answered Abraham: “Please,

6 sir, listen to us! You are a mighty leader among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our burial sites. None of us would deny you his burial ground for the burial of your dead.”

7 Abraham, however, proceeded to bow low before the people of the land, the Hittites,

8 and said to them: “If you will allow me room for burial of my dead, listen to me! Intercede for me with Ephron, son of Zohar,

9 so that he will sell me the cave of Machpelah that he owns; it is at the edge of his field. Let him sell it to me in your presence at its full price for a burial place.”