Genesis 34:2

Translations

Modern

When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force.

Traditional

And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.

Literal

And Shechem, son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the land, saw her, and he took her and lay with her and violated her.

Latin

Quam cum vidisset Sichem filius Hemor Hevæi, princeps terræ illius, adamavit eam: et rapuit, et dormivit cum illa, vi opprimens virginem.

Original

Hebrew

English

When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force.

Notes

Genesis 34:1–2

Dinah was probably Jacob's only daughter (30:21).
Shechem … saw her, he took her and lay with her by force: Shechem took Dinah and raped her, which ruined her chances for a proper marriage.

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 Holy War Shechem Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Matthew 5:28
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Job 31:1
“I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin?
Job 31:9
If my heart has been enticed by my neighbor’s wife, or I have lurked at his door,
Judges 14:1
One day Samson went down to Timnah, where he saw a young Philistine woman.
Ezekiel 22:10–11
In you they have uncovered the nakedness of their fathers; in you they violate women during their menstrual impurity.
Genesis 6:2
…the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose.
Genesis 10:17
…the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites,
Deuteronomy 21:14
And if you are not pleased with her, you are to let her go wherever she wishes. But you must not sell her for money or treat her as a slave, since you have dishonored her.
Genesis 33:19
And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver.
2 Samuel 11:2
One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman.
Genesis 20:2
Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him.

People

Hamor: A Hivite prince, father of Shechem Hivites: A Canaanite people group Shechem: Founded the city where Dinah was raped

Glossary

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

Topics

Adultery: Shechem Hivites: Shechemites and Gibeonites Were Families of Hivites: The Shechemites a People of Rape Seduction of Dinah Soul Ties Women: Dinah, in Her Fornication

Genesis 34:2

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?