Keraia
Genesis 34

Genesis 34:17

The Revenge of Dinah’s Brothers · Genesis 34:13–31
Read Genesis 34

Translations

Modern
But if you will not agree to be circumcised, then we will take our sister and go.”
Traditional
But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.
Literal
But if you will not listen to us, to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter, and we will go.”
Latin
Si autem circumcidi nolueritis, tollemus filiam nostram, et recedemus.

Original

Hebrew
English
But if you will not agree to be circumcised, then we will take our sister and go.”

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

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 Dishonesty: Simeon and Levi Deceive the Shechemites