And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the
land
He addressed himself to Ephron who spoke last, with an audible voice, so that all could hear him: saying, but if thou [wilt give it], I pray thee, hear me;
the words are very concise, and in the original text are only "if thou", and differently supplied; by some, "if thou art he" F3, Ephron, whom it is supposed Abraham knew not by face, or that he was present; which is not likely, since Abraham had lived in those parts now so as to be well known himself, and must know his neighbours; and had lived formerly here, and could not but know so great a prince as Ephron, whose city he dwelt in. The Targum of Jonathan is,
``if thou art willing to do me a kindness, hear me;''it will be taken as a favour to admit me to speak once more, and to grant what shall be desired. Others read the words thus,
``if thou wilt hear me, or I pray thee hear me, or if thou, if (I say) thou wilt hear me F4:''then follows his proposal, I will give thee the money for the field;