Genesis 34:15

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we [be], that every male of you be circumcised;

Complete Jewish Bible:

Only on this condition will we consent to what you are asking: that you become like us by having every male among you get circumcised.

Berean Standard Bible:

We will consent to this on one condition, that you become circumcised like us—every one of your males.

American Standard Version:

Only on this condition will we consent unto you: if ye will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But in this^{H2063} will we consent^{H225} unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male^{H2145} of you be circumcised^{H4135};

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 34:15

Genesis 34:15 is part of the narrative concerning Dinah, the daughter of Jacob (also known as Israel). The verse is set in the context of a violent and controversial event in the early history of the Israelite people. Here's a brief summary of the themes and historical context:

**Themes:**
1. **Violence and Retribution:** The passage deals with the aftermath of the rape of Dinah by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite. This act of violence sparks a chain of events that involves deception and retribution.

2. **Integration and Separation:** The offer of circumcision by Jacob's sons to the men of Shechem's city reflects a tension between integration with and separation from the surrounding Canaanite culture. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites, and by demanding it, Jacob's sons were imposing a religious and cultural boundary.

3. **Deception and Trust:** The sons of Jacob deceive Shechem and his people into believing that they can become one people through circumcision. However, their true intent is to avenge the dishonor done to their sister. This highlights themes of deception, trust, and the complex dynamics of intergroup relations.

**Historical Context:**
- **Early Israelite History:** The events occur during the time of the patriarchs, when the Israelites were a small family group recently returned from Paddan-aram to the land of Canaan, where they were semi-nomadic.

- **Cultural Tensions:** The Israelites were beginning to establish their identity as a distinct people, separate from the Canaanites. This identity was rooted in their unique covenantal relationship with God, which included practices like circumcision.

- **Moral and Ethical Questions:** The narrative raises questions about moral and ethical behavior, especially in the context of family honor and the treatment of women. It also reflects the harsh realities of ancient Near Eastern society, where such incidents could lead to warfare and the slaughter of entire cities.

In summary, Genesis 34:15 is part of a complex narrative that deals with themes of violence, cultural boundaries, deception, and the early formation of Israelite identity. The historical context is that of the patriarchal period, where the nascent Israelite tribe is navigating its way among the various peoples and cultures of Canaan.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H2063
   There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: זֹאת
   Transliteration: zôʼth
   Pronunciation: zothe'
   Description: irregular feminine of זֶה; this (often used adverb); hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus.
   
2. Strong's Number: H225
   There are 117 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אוּת
   Transliteration: ʼûwth
   Pronunciation: ooth
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to come, i.e. (implied) to assent; consent.
   
3. Strong's Number: H2145
   There are 80 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: זָכָר
   Transliteration: zâkâr
   Pronunciation: zaw-kawr'
   Description: from זָכַר; properly, remembered, i.e. a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex); [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind).
   
4. Strong's Number: H4135
   There are 32 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּל
   Transliteration: mûwl
   Pronunciation: mool
   Description: a primitive root; to cut short, i.e. curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e. to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy; circumcise(-ing), selves), cut down (in pieces), destroy, [idiom] must needs.