עֶפְרוֹן (eph.ron)

The name עֶפְרוֹן (Ephron) appears in twelve verses, primarily within Genesis, Joshua, and II Chronicles. Lexical sources identify him as a Hittite son of Zohar who lived during the time of the Patriarchs. The meaning of his name is often linked to the word for "fawn," suggesting a connection to youth or agility, though its precise etymological significance remains a subject of scholarly discussion.

Ephron is best known as the individual from whom Abraham purchased the field and cave of Machpelah. This transaction, recorded in Genesis 23, was crucial for securing a permanent burial site for Sarah and establishing a foothold for Abraham’s family in Canaan. The narrative highlights Ephron’s role not just as a seller, but as a significant local figure whose agreement allowed the patriarch to fulfill his familial duties with dignity and legal clarity.

While his personal character is not extensively detailed beyond this transaction, his name persists in biblical geography and genealogy. Later references in Joshua and Chronicles likely point to descendants or other individuals bearing the same name, reflecting the enduring presence of his family line in the region. The word serves as a marker of historical continuity, linking the patriarchal era with the later settlement and history of Israel.