King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.
Complete Jewish Bible:
But if you won't do as we say and get circumcised, then we'll take our daughter and go away."
Berean Standard Bible:
But if you will not agree to be circumcised, then we will take our sister and go.”
American Standard Version:
But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
But if ye will not hearken{H8085} unto us, to be circumcised{H4135}; then will we take{H3947} our daughter{H1323}, and we will be gone{H1980}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Genesis 34:17
Genesis 34:17 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 deceptive episode involving Dinah, Shechem (a Hivite prince), and the subsequent interactions between the Hivites and the sons of Jacob.
**Historical Context:**
The story takes place during the period when the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were living in the land of Canaan. Jacob's family had recently returned from Paddan-aram, where Jacob had acquired wealth and wives. The family's presence in Canaan was part of the broader narrative of the patriarchs, who were the progenitors of the Israelite people.
**Themes:**
1. **Betrayal and Vengeance:** The verse follows the rape of Dinah by Shechem, who then seeks to make amends by proposing marriage. Shechem's father, Hamor, negotiates with Jacob and his sons, proposing that all the men of the city undergo circumcision as a condition for the union of Shechem and Dinah, and for intermarriage between the two peoples. The theme of betrayal is evident in the actions of Shechem and the subsequent deceit planned by Dinah's brothers.
2. **Purity and Covenant:** Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants (Genesis 17). The Hivites' willingness to undergo circumcision would symbolically integrate them into this covenant relationship. However, the offer is made under false pretenses by Dinah's brothers, who are plotting revenge rather than genuine unity.
3. **Family Honor and Retribution:** Dinah's brothers are motivated by a sense of honor and the need to avenge the wrong done to their sister. Their response, which includes the condition of circumcision as a ruse, reflects the cultural norms of the time regarding family honor and the obligation to seek retribution.
4. **Cultural Integration vs. Segregation:** The chapter highlights the tension between the desire for cultural integration (as seen in the Hivites' willingness to be circumcised) and the need for the Israelites to maintain their distinct identity as a people set apart by God.
In summary, Genesis 34:17 reflects the complex dynamics of family, honor, and covenant within the early history of the Israelites. It showcases the moral ambiguities and violent retributions that were part of the societal norms of the time, while also foreshadowing the importance of maintaining a distinct Israelite identity in the face of cultural assimilation.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H8085
There are 1072 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁמַע
Transliteration: shâmaʻ
Pronunciation: shaw-mah'
Description: a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. - 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. - Strong's Number: H3947
There are 909 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לָקַח
Transliteration: lâqach
Pronunciation: law-kakh'
Description: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. - Strong's Number: H1323
There are 499 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בַּת
Transliteration: bath
Pronunciation: bath
Description: from בָּנָה (as feminine of בֵּן); a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively); apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. - Strong's Number: H1980
There are 468 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: הָלַךְ
Transliteration: hâlak
Pronunciation: haw-lak'
Description: akin to יָלַךְ; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively); (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl.