בראשית, פרק כ״ג, פסוק י״ד

The negotiation for a burial plot reaches a critical turning point, shifting from grand public displays of generosity to the delicate business of setting a price. The conversation moves away from the open forum into a more private or indirect exchange. The primary approach among commentators is that Ephron named his price privately, speaking only for Abraham to hear. The reason for this sudden secrecy was embarrassment. The requested sum of four hundred silver shekels was so exorbitant that Ephron felt ashamed to demand it openly in front of his fellow townsmen. While the public was aware of Abraham's commitment to pay in full, the exact, staggering amount was kept quiet [העמק דבר, קונטרס חיבה יתירה].

Others suggest that the sheer shame of asking for such a massive amount prevented Ephron from even speaking to Abraham directly. Instead, he chose to relay his financial demand through a third party [רש ר הירש]. Taking a different perspective, some view this conversational shift as a display of cunning negotiation tactics. Ephron carefully crafted his words so that the gathered crowd would hear what sounded like an offer of a free gift. However, Abraham clearly understood the underlying message: full payment was expected, and the silver had to be weighed out before any burial could take place. Ephron expertly maneuvered the conversation, intending to force Abraham into being the one to actually name and offer the money [אלשיך].