2969. The field of Ephron. That this signifies that which belonged to the church, is evident from the signification of “field,” as being the church and also doctrine (see n. 368, 2936); and from the representation of “Ephron,” as being those with whom the good and truth of faith, which belong to the church, could be received (n. 2933); hence the “field of Ephron” signifies that which belonged to the church.

2936. Which is in the end of his field. That this signifies where there is little of the church, is evident from the signification of the “end” or extremity, as being what is little; and from the signification of “field,” as being the church, and also doctrine which is of the church (see n. 368). That the “end” or extremity denotes little, may be seen from the description of land, ground, and fields, in the Word; their middle part signifies much, but the extremity signifies little; this extremity is also called the part round about. The reason is that the representative ceases at the extremity; thus here the “end of the field” signifies little of the church.