The Hebrew word ʻEphrôwn, represented by H6085, means fawn-like. It appears 14 times in 12 verses and is used to identify both a Canaanite individual and two distinct locations in Palestine. Its most prominent use is in the context of Abraham's first land purchase in the land of Canaan.
In the biblical narrative, H6085 is central to the account of Abraham acquiring a burial place for his wife, Sarah. Ephron the Hittite, son of Zohar, is the owner of the field and cave of Machpelah Genesis 23:8. The transaction is detailed, with Abraham insisting on paying the full price, weighing out four hundred shekels of silver in the presence of the sons of Heth Genesis 23:16. This field, purchased from Ephron, becomes the hereditary burying place for the patriarchs (Genesis 49:30, Genesis 50:13). The name is also used geographically for Mount Ephron, a landmark on the border of Judah Joshua 15:9, and for the city of Ephrain, which was taken by Abijah from Jeroboam 2 Chronicles 13:19.
Several related words provide context for the story of Ephron:
- H2850 Chittîy (Hittite): This identifies the people group to which Ephron belonged. The entire transaction for the burial plot occurs between Abraham and Ephron the Hittite in the presence of the sons of Heth Genesis 25:9.
- H272 'ăchuzzâh (possession): This word describes the legal status of the land Abraham bought. The field of Ephron was purchased for a possession of a buryingplace, establishing a permanent and legal holding for Abraham's family in Canaan Genesis 50:13.
- H4375 Makpêlâh (Machpelah): This is the proper name of the area containing the field and cave that Abraham bought from Ephron. The site is repeatedly identified as the field of Ephron in Machpelah Genesis 23:17.
- H7704 sâdeh (field): The transaction with Ephron was not just for a cave but for the entire field, including the cave and all the trees within its borders, securing the full property for Abraham Genesis 23:17.
The narrative involving H6085 carries significant thematic weight.
- Firstfruits of the Promised Land: Abraham's purchase of the field from Ephron marks the first piece of land legally owned by the patriarchs in Canaan. This act serves as a tangible claim and a down payment on the future inheritance promised to his descendants (Genesis 50:13, Genesis 17:8).
- A Public and Legal Witness: The negotiation and payment for the field are conducted publicly in the audience H241 of the children of Heth at the city gate Genesis 23:10. This formal, witnessed transaction legally establishes Abraham's rights to the land, precluding future disputes.
- A Place of Hope and Heritage: The cave in the field of Ephron becomes the tomb for Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 25:9, Genesis 49:29). It is a physical anchor for the family's identity and a symbol of their faith that they would one day possess the entire land.
In summary, H6085 ʻEphrôwn is primarily remembered as the individual who sold the first piece of the Promised Land to Abraham. This transaction for the field of Machpelah is more than a simple land deal; it is a foundational moment in Israel's history. It represents an act of faith, the establishment of a legal inheritance, and the creation of a sacred space that would bind the patriarchal family to the land of Canaan for generations to come.
TRV