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Genesis 23:14 - Efron's hidden land price?

Genesis 23:14 - בראשית 23:14

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַן עֶפְרוֹן אֶת־אַבְרָהָם לֵאמֹר לוֹ׃

English Translation

And ῾Efron answered Avraham, saying to him,

Transliteration

Va'ya'an Efron et-Avraham lemor lo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֧עַן עֶפְר֛וֹן אֶת־אַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֥ר לֽוֹ׃
וַיַּ֧עַן עֶפְר֛וֹן אֶת־אַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֥ר לֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse וַיַּעַן עֶפְרוֹן אֶת־אַבְרָהָם לֵאמֹר לוֹ (Bereishit 23:14) appears in the narrative of Avraham's purchase of the Cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah. This interaction follows Avraham's request to buy the cave from Efron the Hittite.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi notes that the phrase "וַיַּעַן... לֵאמֹר לוֹ" ("answered... saying to him") is a common biblical idiom, but here it carries additional meaning. He explains that Efron's response was not merely a reply but a calculated negotiation, as he initially pretended to offer the land as a gift while subtly insisting on full payment (Rashi on Bereishit 23:14). This reflects Efron's insincerity, as he later demands an exorbitant price (400 silver shekels).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (58:7) highlights Efron's hypocrisy, contrasting his earlier grandiose offer ("I give you the field") with his eventual demand for payment. This teaches about the dangers of empty flattery and dishonesty in business dealings.
  • The Sforno adds that Efron's verbose response ("Listen to me, my lord...") was a tactic to appear generous while masking his true intention to profit.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Mechira 11:15) derives from this episode that negotiations must be conducted with transparency. Avraham's insistence on paying full price (despite Efron's initial refusal) establishes the principle of kinyan kasher (a legally binding acquisition), ensuring no unresolved claims on the property.

Literary Nuance

The repetition of "לו" ("to him") emphasizes the directness of Efron's address to Avraham, contrasting with Avraham's earlier deferential speech to the Hittite elders. This subtlety underscores Efron's self-interest, as noted by Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Genesis 23:14 about Efron answering Abraham?
A: This verse occurs during the negotiation between Abraham and Efron the Hittite to purchase the Cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah. Rashi explains that Efron initially pretended to generously offer the land for free (Genesis 23:11), but here he reveals his true intention to charge full price, showing his insincerity.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Efron answered Abraham 'saying to him'? Isn't that redundant?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) teaches that seemingly extra words in the Torah always come to teach us something. Here, the phrase 'saying to him' emphasizes that Efron was speaking directly to Abraham in this negotiation, highlighting the personal nature of this important transaction for the burial place that would become the Tomb of the Patriarchs.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Efron's behavior in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 58:7) contrasts Abraham's complete honesty with Efron's deceptive behavior. While Efron initially acted generous but then demanded payment, Abraham was straightforward in his dealings. This teaches us the Jewish value of 'middat ha'emet' (the trait of truthfulness) in business transactions and interpersonal relationships.