What does Genesis 23:4 mean?

Abraham wants to secure the permanent ownership of a burying place in the land of Canaan. He approaches the Hittites, the rightful owners of the place he wishes to buy. He describes his situation clearly and simply.

Abraham is a sojourner, a traveler, someone who is not a permanent resident in a place. He is also a foreigner. This is not his country—yet. God has promised Him that it will be the possession of his offspring. Though he will pay for it, Abraham is asking to be given place to permanently bury his dead. This is part of the eventual possession of the land by Israel; burying one's dead in a specific place is a sign of ownership.

It is possible that Abraham stood before these Hittite men still dressed in his torn garments, with unkempt hair and covered in ashes, having just come from mourning his wife according to the custom of the day. If so, the reason for his request would have been apparent, and the Hittites seem to receive it in a spirit of goodwill and openness, as described in the following verses.