Genesis 34:13

Translations

Modern

But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully.

Traditional

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:

Literal

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with deceit, and they spoke because he had defiled Dinah their sister,

Latin

Responderunt filii Jacob Sichem et patri ejus in dolo, sævientes ob stuprum sororis:

Original

Hebrew

English

But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully.

Notes

Genesis 34:13–17

Dinah’s brothers responded to the proposal without waiting for Jacob to respond, and they acted deceitfully. They may not have thought that Shechem and his people would ever agree to the rite of circumcision, but they knew what they would do if the Canaanites accepted (34:25).

Genesis 34:1–31

After Jacob and his family settled in the land, the Canaanites became a threat. This story warns the Israelites about the risk of being influenced by the Canaanites. Later, God commanded Israel not to marry or make deals with them because they were corrupt and would corrupt others. This chapter gives an implicit warning against adopting their lifestyle (34:1–2).

It also teaches Israel to maintain integrity and not misuse holy things for deceit or violence (34:13). Israel's reputation was at risk in the land (34:30). Because of their violent actions, Simeon and Levi did not receive the birthright blessing (49:5–7).

Theme notes and profiles

Jacob Circumcision Shechem Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Proverbs 26:24–26
A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart.
Proverbs 12:13
An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.
Job 13:7
Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him?
Proverbs 12:18–20
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Judges 15:3
Samson said to them, “This time I will be blameless in doing harm to the Philistines.”
Job 13:4
You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians.
Matthew 28:13
…and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’
Isaiah 59:13
…rebelling and denying the LORD, turning away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering lies from the heart.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
Micah 7:2
The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net.
Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
Genesis 25:27–34
When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home.

People

Dinah: Daughter of Jacob and Leah Hamor: A Hivite prince, father of Shechem Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Shechem: Founded the city where Dinah was raped

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Circumcision Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Patriarchs, Period of the Shechem (Person)

Topics

Deception: Jacob's Sons, in Entrapping the Shechemites

Genesis 34:13

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Notes?

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