2941. 'And Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham' means the state of their receptivity. This is clear from the meaning of 'answering', when assent is being given, as receptivity, as is also evident from what follows shortly. Ephron is here called 'the Hittite' in order that he may represent the spiritual Church as its head and chief.

2957. 'Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him' means a state of receptivity. This is clear from the meaning of 'answering', when assent is being given, as receptivity, dealt with above in 2941. The fact that it is a state of receptivity which is meant here by answering and saying is evident from what follows.