Who and what is…
Ephron

Hebrew: עֶפְרוֹן

Meaning: fawn-like

Ephron is the name of a biblical man and a city and mountain range. This name appears in 12 Old Testament verses.

1. Genesis 23:8
2. Genesis 23:10
3. Genesis 23:13
4. Genesis 23:14
5. Genesis 23:16
6. Genesis 23:17
7. Genesis 25:9
8. Genesis 49:29
9. Genesis 49:30
10. Genesis 50:13
11. Joshua 15:9
12. 2 Chronicles 13:19

Ephron, the man

This is the son of Zohar, a Hittite, the owner of the field and cave of Machpelah, which Abraham bought for 400 shekels of silver (Genesis 23:8-17; 25:9; 49:29-30).

Ephron lived in Mamre among the children of Heth.

Abraham came to the Hittites, which were strangers to him, and asked them to sell him a property that he can use as a burial site. The Hittites, flattering Abraham by calling him a mighty prince says that he can choose whichever tomb he wants (Genesis 23:1–8).

Abraham then asks them to contact Ephron son of Zohar who owns the cave of Machpelah which he is offering to buy for “the full price.” Ephron slyly replies that he is prepared to give Abraham the field and the cave within, knowing that that would not result in Abraham having a permanent claim on it. Abraham politely refuses the offer and insists on paying for the field.

Ephron replies that the field is worth 400 shekels of silver and Abraham agrees to the price without bargaining. He then proceeded to bury his beloved dead wife Sarah there (Genesis 23:9–20).

Ephron, a city and associated mountain range of the same name

Ephron was a landmark on the north boundary of the lands of the Tribe of Judah. Various villages were associated with this city.

Abijah pursued Jeroboam and captured from him several cities, Bethel with its villages, Jeshanah with its villages and Ephron with its villages. —2 Chronicles 13:19

From the top of the mountain the border curved to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron; then the border curved to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim). —Joshua 15:9