Genesis 34:21

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

Translations

Modern
“These men are at peace with us. Let them live and trade in our land; indeed, it is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters in marriage and give our daughters to them.
Traditional
These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters.
Literal
“These men, they are at peace with us; so let them dwell in the land and trade in it, for, behold, the land is broad of hands before them. Let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give our daughters to them.
Latin
Viri isti pacifici sunt, et volunt habitare nobiscum: negotientur in terra, et exerceant eam, quæ spatiosa et lata cultoribus indiget: filias eorum accipiemus uxores, et nostras illis dabimus.

Original

Hebrew
English
“These men are at peace with us. Let them live and trade in our land; indeed, it is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters in marriage and give our daughters to them.

Notes

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).

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 Peace Shechem (Person) Shechem (Place)

Topics

Deception: Jacob's Sons, in Entrapping the Shechemites Dishonesty: Simeon and Levi Deceive the Shechemites Vengeance: Sons of Jacob on Hamor and Shechem