Ephron is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative concerning the patriarch Abraham. He is identified as a Hittite, a member of the ancient people who inhabited the region of Canaan. Ephron's most notable interaction with Abraham is recorded in the book of Genesis, where he plays a crucial role in the acquisition of a burial site for Abraham's family.

Biblical Account

The primary account of Ephron is found in Genesis 23. After the death of Sarah, Abraham's wife, Abraham seeks a burial place for her. He approaches the Hittites, specifically Ephron, who owns the cave of Machpelah, located near Mamre (Hebron). Abraham requests to purchase the cave to use as a family burial site. Ephron, sitting among the Hittites at the city gate, initially offers the cave to Abraham as a gift. However, Abraham insists on paying for the land to ensure a legal and permanent possession.

Ephron responds by setting a price for the land: "Listen to me, my lord. The land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between you and me? Bury your dead" (Genesis 23:15). Abraham agrees to the price and weighs out the silver, thus securing the cave and the field surrounding it as his property. This transaction is significant as it marks the first piece of the Promised Land that Abraham legally owns.

Cultural and Historical Context

Ephron's interaction with Abraham reflects the customs and legal practices of the time. The negotiation at the city gate, a place of legal transactions and public gatherings, underscores the formal nature of the agreement. The mention of "four hundred shekels of silver" indicates a substantial sum, suggesting the value of the land and the importance of the transaction.

The Hittites, to whom Ephron belonged, were an influential group in the ancient Near East. Their presence in Canaan during the time of the patriarchs is well-documented in both biblical and extrabiblical sources. Ephron's willingness to engage in a transaction with Abraham highlights the interactions between different ethnic groups in the region.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the purchase of the cave of Machpelah is a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic narrative. It signifies the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. The legal acquisition of the burial site serves as a tangible sign of God's covenant with Abraham, providing a foothold in the Promised Land.

Furthermore, the cave of Machpelah becomes a significant burial site for the patriarchs and matriarchs of Israel. Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob are all buried there, making it a sacred place in Jewish tradition. The transaction with Ephron thus has lasting implications for the history and identity of the Israelite people.

References in Scripture

· Genesis 23:3-20: The detailed account of Abraham's negotiation with Ephron and the purchase of the cave of Machpelah.
· Genesis 25:9: The burial of Abraham in the cave of Machpelah.
· Genesis 49:29-32; 50:13: The burial of Jacob in the same location, affirming its continued significance.

Ephron's role in the biblical narrative, though brief, is integral to the unfolding account of God's promises to Abraham and his descendants. His interaction with Abraham exemplifies the customs of the time and underscores the importance of land and legacy in the biblical worldview.6085. Ephron -- a Hittite, also a mountain and a place in Isr.
... 6084, 6085. Ephron. 6086 . a Hittite, also a mountain and a place in Isr.
Transliteration: Ephron Phonetic Spelling: (ef-rone') Short Definition: Ephron. ...
/hebrew/6085.htm - 6k

Chapter xxiii
... however, apparently there is no idle courtesy or shallow, insincere flattery on
the part of Abraham at all, and on the part of the man Ephron very little, if ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiii.htm

Ephron's (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ephron's (2 Occurrences). Genesis 23:16 And Abraham
hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron...
/e/ephron's.htm - 7k

Ephron (13 Occurrences)
...EPHRON (1). e'-fron ('ephron, "fawnlike"): The Hittite of whom Abraham bought the
field and cave of Machpelah (Genesis 23:8; Genesis 25:9; Genesis 49:30). ...
/e/ephron.htm - 13k

Epicurean (1 Occurrence)

/e/epicurean.htm - 7k

Hollow (35 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Genesis 23:17 So Ephron's field at Machpelah near Mamre, with the hollow
in the rock and all the trees in the field and round it, (BBE). ...
/h/hollow.htm - 20k

Rock (176 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Genesis 23:17 So Ephron's field at Machpelah near Mamre, with the hollow
in the rock and all the trees in the field and round it, (BBE). ...
/r/rock.htm - 49k

What is the significance of the cave of Machpelah? | GotQuestions.org

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