Nay, my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that is therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the sons of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead.
Ephron answered, Nay, my lord, ... Here is a great show of generosity, but it was only a show-a characteristically Oriental scene; for while Abraham wanted only the cave, he joins "the field and the cave;" and though he offered them both as free gifts, he of course expected some costly presents in return, with which he would not have been easily satisfied. The patriarch knowing this, wished to make a purchase, and which he would not have been easily satisfied. The patriarch knowing this, wished to make a purchase, and asked the terms.