Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJames Hastings Dictionary of the Bible: Ephron
Subjects in this Topic:
EPHRON.—1. The Hittite from whom Abraham purchased the field or plot of ground in which was the cave of Machpelah (Gen_23:1-20). The purchase is described with great particularity; and the transactions between Ephron and Abraham are conducted with an elaborate courtesy characteristic of Oriental proceedings. Ephron received 400 shekels’ weight of silver (23:15): coined money apparently did not exist at that time. If we compare the sale of the site with other instances (Gen_33:19, 1Ki_16:24), Ephron seems to have made a good bargain. 2. A mountain district, containing cities, on the border of Judah, between Nephtoah and Kiriath-jearim (Jos_15:9). The ridge W. of Bethlehem seems intended. 3. A strong fortress in the W. part of Bashan between Ashteroth-karnaim and Bethshean (1Ma_5:46 ff., 2Ma_12:27). The site is unknown. 4. In 2Ch_13:19 RV [Note: Revised Version.] reads Ephron for AV [Note: Authorized Version.] Ephrain. The place referred to is probably the Ephraim of Joh_11:54. See Ephraim (city), No. 2.