Genesis 34:20

Translations

Modern

So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and addressed the men of their city:

Traditional

And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,

Literal

And Hamor came—and Shechem his son—to the gate of their city, and they spoke to the men of their city, saying,

Latin

Ingressique portam urbis, locuti sunt ad populum:

Original

Hebrew

English

So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and addressed the men of their city:

Notes

Genesis 34:18–24

The Canaanite men agreed to the condition, and every male in the town was circumcised. This was not only to allow Shechem to marry Dinah. They also saw it as a way to gain everything that Jacob owned (34:23).

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

Ruth 4:1
Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.
Proverbs 31:23
Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.
Genesis 23:10
Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth. So in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city, Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham,
Amos 5:12
For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate.
2 Samuel 15:2
He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,”
Amos 5:15
Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
Zechariah 8:16
These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates,
Job 29:7
When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the public square,
Genesis 22:17
I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies.
Amos 5:10
There are those who hate the one who reproves in the gate and despise him who speaks with integrity.
Deuteronomy 17:5
…you must bring out to your gates the man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you must stone that person to death.

People

Hamor: A Hivite prince, father of Shechem 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) Shechem (Place)

Topics

Courts of Justice: Inferior Court: Held at the Gates Deception: Jacob's Sons, in Entrapping the Shechemites Dishonesty: Simeon and Levi Deceive the Shechemites Gates of Cities: Conferences Held At Gates: Conferences on Public Affairs Vengeance: Sons of Jacob on Hamor and Shechem

Genesis 34:20

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