### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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