Genesis 23:10
βAnd Ephron dwelt among the children of Heth: and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying,β
KJV
Read in Genesis 23Meaning
The unit presents a formal negotiation in which Abraham seeks a burial property and Ephron states a price before the people at the city gate.
Read carefully
Ancient courtesy formulas and bargaining conventions should be read in their social setting; they are not a complete template for modern real-estate law.
Reflection
The narrative emphasizes public agreement and recognized transfer, not coercion, conquest, or entitlement to take another person's property.