Genesis 23:10

10 Now `Efron was sitting in the midst of the children of Het. `Efron the Hittite answered Avraham in the hearing of the children of Het, even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying,

Genesis 23:10 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 23:10

And Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth
Or "sat" ^F2 among them, in the present assembly of them; and, according to Jarchi, as their president for the time on this occasion; but if so, Abraham would have directed his speech to him: however, he was upon the spot, as appears from what follows, and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the
children of Heth;
he rose up in the assembly upon the mention of his name, and in the hearing of the rest of the princes gave an answer himself to Abraham's request: [even] of all that went in at the gates of his city;
the city of Kirjatharba, afterwards called Hebron, ( Genesis 23:2 ) , where he was born, or however where he now lived; and perhaps it, or the greater part of it, was his possession and property: it was now at one of the gates of this city, where the assembly of the princes was held; it being usual to hold assemblies on any business, or courts of judicature, in such places, they being public, where multitudes resorted, or were continually passing and repassing, and so had the opportunity of hearing, and of being witnesses: saying;
as follows:

---

FOOTNOTES:

F2 (bvy) , (ekayhto) Sept. "sedens", Montanus; "sedebat", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Drusius, Schmidt.

Genesis 23:10 In-Context

8 He talked with them, saying, "If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to `Efron the son of Tzochar,

9 that he may give me the cave of Makhpelah, which he has, which is in the end of his field. For the full price let him give it to me in the midst of you for a possession of a burying-place."

10 Now `Efron was sitting in the midst of the children of Het. `Efron the Hittite answered Avraham in the hearing of the children of Het, even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying,

11 "No, my lord, hear me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the presence of the children of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead."

12 Avraham bowed himself down before the people of the land.