Genesis 23:17
βAnd the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sureβ
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.