2969. 'The field of Ephron' means that which constitutes the Church. This is clear from the meaning of 'the field' as the Church, and also doctrine, dealt with in 368, 2936, and from the representation of 'Ephron' as those with whom the good and truth of faith, which constitute the Church, could be received, dealt with in 2933. Consequently 'the field of Ephron' means that which constitutes the Church.

2936. 'Which is at the end of his field' means where little of the Church exists. This is clear from the meaning of 'the end' or the edge as that which is little, and from the meaning of 'the field' as the Church, and also the Church's doctrine, dealt with in 368. That 'the end' or the edge means that which is little becomes clear from the description of the land, the ground, and fields in the Word. The middle of them means that which is much, but the edge means that which is little. This edge is also called the circumference, the reason being that what is representative expires around the edge; and so here 'the end of the field' means where little of the Church exists.