from the same as עֵפֶר; fawn-like; Ephron, the name of a Canaanite and of two places in Palestine; Ephron, Ephrain (from the margin).
Transliteration:ʻEphrôwn
Pronunciation:ef-rone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun עֶפְרוֹן (ʻEphrôwn), Strong's number `{{H6085}}`, is derived from the same root as עֵפֶר (`{{H6083}}`), which means "dust" or "ash." While the etymological link to "dust" is present, the base definition for ʻEphrôwn is given as "fawn-like." This semantic shift is intriguing, possibly suggesting a connection to the color of earth or dust (a reddish-brown hue) which resembles a fawn's coat, or perhaps implying characteristics associated with fawns such as gentleness or swiftness. Primarily, ʻEphrôwn functions as a proper noun, designating both a person and geographical locations within ancient Palestine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most significant biblical occurrence of ʻEphrôwn refers to **Ephron the Hittite**, a prominent figure in the narrative of Abraham's acquisition of a burial plot for Sarah.
* In [[Genesis 23]], Ephron is introduced as a son of Zohar and a Hittite, a member of the local community in Hebron. Abraham approaches the Hittites to purchase a burial ground.
* The transaction for the Cave of Machpelah and the surrounding field is meticulously detailed, occurring publicly at the city gate where Ephron is seated among the elders ([[Genesis 23:10]]).
* Ephron initially offers the land as a gift, stating, "I give you the field and I give you the cave that is in it" ([[Genesis 23:11]]). However, Abraham insists on paying the full market price, stating, "If you will, please hear me: I will give the price of the field; accept it from me, that I may bury my dead there" ([[Genesis 23:13]]).
* Ephron names the price of 400 shekels of silver, which Abraham promptly pays, "weighed out for Ephron... four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchants" ([[Genesis 23:16]]). This public and precise transaction ensures Abraham's legal ownership.
* The field, the cave within it, and all the trees within its boundaries are "deeded to Abraham as a possession in the presence of the Hittites" ([[Genesis 23:17-18]]).
* The Cave of Machpelah, purchased from Ephron, becomes the burial site for Sarah ([[Genesis 23:19]]), Abraham ([[Genesis 25:9-10]]), Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah ([[Genesis 49:29-32]]), and Jacob ([[Genesis 50:13]]).
ʻEphrôwn also designates two geographical locations:
* **Mount Ephron:** Mentioned as a boundary marker for the tribe of Judah in [[Joshua 15:9]]. The border "went out to the cities of Mount Ephron."
* **Ephrain/Ephron (a city):** The marginal note in the Strong's definition points to "Ephrain." This city is likely the one mentioned in [[2 Chronicles 13:19]], where King Abijah of Judah took cities from Jeroboam of Israel, including "Ephrain with its villages." This city was situated in the territory of Ephraim.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **עֵפֶר (`{{H6083}}`):** The root word meaning "dust" or "ash," from which ʻEphrôwn is derived. This connection, while not directly semantic in the proper noun's meaning, highlights the ancient practice of naming places and people with references to natural elements or characteristics.
* **Hittites:** The ethnic group to which Ephron belonged. The Hittites were a significant power in the ancient Near East, and their legal customs, particularly concerning land transactions, are reflected in the biblical narrative of Abraham's purchase.
* **Cave of Machpelah:** The specific site purchased from Ephron. This cave becomes the patriarchal burial ground, a sacred space and a tangible symbol of God's promise of land.
* **Land Ownership & Covenant:** The transaction with Ephron is a foundational moment in the history of Israel's claim to the Promised Land. It establishes Abraham's first legal possession within Canaan.
* **מַכְפֵּלָה (`{{H4375}}`):** Machpelah, the specific cave and field, which becomes the enduring symbol of the patriarchal inheritance.
### Theological Significance
The narrative involving Ephron the Hittite carries profound theological weight:
* **The First Foothold in the Promised Land:** The purchase of the Cave of Machpelah from Ephron is the initial tangible fulfillment of God's land promise to Abraham. Although Abraham is a sojourner, this act marks his first permanent possession in Canaan, a down payment on the full inheritance that would come through his descendants. It underscores the certainty of God's covenant word, even when its full realization is distant.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Gentiles:** Ephron, a non-Israelite, plays a crucial role in God's redemptive plan. His participation, though driven by cultural custom and perhaps personal gain, facilitates Abraham's acquisition of the land. This demonstrates God's sovereign hand working through all peoples and circumstances to achieve His divine purposes for His chosen.
* **Integrity and Righteousness in Dealings:** Abraham's insistence on paying the full price for the land, rather than accepting it as a gift, highlights his integrity and adherence to righteous conduct. This meticulous and public transaction sets a standard for fair and honest dealings, even between different cultures and faiths. It also emphasizes that the inheritance was not simply given but also legally acquired, solidifying its legitimacy.
* **A Symbol of Future Inheritance:** The burial of the patriarchs in the field of Ephron serves as a continuous, physical claim to the land of Canaan. Each burial reaffirms the covenant promise and roots the lineage of God's people in the promised inheritance, looking forward to the day when their descendants would fully possess the land.
### Summary
ʻEphrôwn (`{{H6085}}`) is a significant Hebrew proper noun, primarily known as the name of Ephron the Hittite and two geographical locations. While its etymological root connects to "dust" (`{{H6083}}`), its derived meaning is "fawn-like." The most pivotal biblical appearance is Ephron the Hittite, from whom Abraham legally purchases the Cave of Machpelah and its surrounding field in [[Genesis 23]]. This transaction is foundational, representing Abraham's first tangible possession of the Promised Land and serving as a crucial down payment on God's covenant promise to his descendants. The detailed account highlights themes of integrity in business dealings, God's providential use of individuals outside the covenant, and the enduring significance of the patriarchal burial site as a physical claim to the promised inheritance. Geographically, ʻEphrôwn also designates a mountain on Judah's border ([[Joshua 15:9]]) and a city (Ephrain, [[2 Chronicles 13:19]]), further embedding the name within the biblical landscape and the unfolding narrative of God's people.
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