Genesis 34:23

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

Translations

Modern
Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.”
Traditional
Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us.
Literal
Their livestock and their property and every animal of theirs, will they not be ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell with us.”
Latin
Et substantia eorum, et pecora, et cuncta quæ possident, nostra erunt: tantum in hoc acquiescamus, et habitantes simul, unum efficiemus populum.

Original

Hebrew
English
Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.”

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 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