Ephron the Hittite and the Evil Eye That Cost Him a Letter

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Re'eh 4:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

(Deuteronomy 14:22:) "You shall surely tithe." This is what Scripture says (Proverbs 28:22): "A man with an evil eye hastens after wealth, and does not know <that want will come upon him>." Rabbi Hanina interpreted the verse with reference to Ephron. For Rabbi Hanina said: All the shekels mentioned in the Torah are sela'im, those in the Prophets are litrin, and those in the Writings are kintirin (centenarii), except for the shekels of Ephron, which are kintirin. This is what is written (Genesis 23:9): "Let him give it to me for the full price." Because he brought the evil eye upon Abraham's money, Scripture diminished him a waw.

Themes

ProtectionAmuletsFolk ReligionWisdomAdam Eve

Biblical References

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