What does Genesis 23:9 mean?
Abraham is formally addressing an assembled group of Hittite landowners or elders. He has expressed his desire to own a property in the area for the purpose of burying his dead. His wife Sarah has recently died (Genesis 23:2).The group has acknowledged Abraham's prestigious status among them, even though he is a foreigner. They have offered to share their tombs with him, expressing their willingness to have him bury his dead in the area. Abraham now stands and singles out the owner of a specific property. He publicly addresses a man named Ephron who owns a cave at the end of a field. Abraham makes clear he wishes to buy this cave at Machpelah for its full value as a burying place for his people.
Part of the significance of this request is that Abraham is asking to become a landowner in the area, though he is a foreigner. This would make him an official stakeholder among the Hittites, though the size of his property would be very small.