Genesis 34:13

KJV

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Jacob {H3290} answered {H6030} Shechem {H7927} and Hamor {H2544} his father {H1} deceitfully {H4820}, and said {H1696}, because he had defiled {H2930} Dinah {H1783} their sister {H269}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Ya'akov answered Sh'khem and Hamor his father deceitfully, because he had defiled Dinah their sister.

Berean Standard Bible

But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with guile, and spake, because he had defiled Dinah their sister,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 34:13 marks a pivotal and dark moment in the patriarchal narrative, revealing the calculated and treacherous response of Jacob's sons to the defilement of their sister, Dinah. This verse introduces a chilling element of premeditated deception and malice, setting the stage for a devastating act of vengeance that will profoundly impact both Jacob's family and the Hivite inhabitants of Shechem. It underscores the deep dishonor felt by the family and their chosen, morally compromised path to address it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Jacob's family, immediately following the deeply disturbing account of Dinah's defilement by Shechem, the son of Hamor, the Hivite prince of the land ([Genesis 34:1-2](/genesis/34-1-2 "Dinah's Defilement")). The preceding verses detail Shechem's subsequent desire to marry Dinah and Hamor's diplomatic approach to Jacob, proposing a broader alliance and intermarriage between their peoples ([Genesis 34:8-12](/genesis/34-8-12 "Hamor's Proposal to Jacob")). [Genesis 34:13](/genesis/34-13 "The Sons' Deceitful Answer") serves as the sons' initial, deceptive response to this proposal, directly preceding their cunning plan involving circumcision, which ultimately leads to the massacre of the men of Shechem. It is a turning point where the sons' concealed rage transforms into a deliberate, treacherous strategy, moving the narrative from negotiation to premeditated violence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the honor of a family, particularly concerning its women, was paramount. The defilement of a virgin, especially one from a prominent family like Jacob's, was an egregious affront that demanded a strong response to restore honor. Such an act was not merely a personal offense but a public disgrace that could diminish a family's standing and influence. While Hamor's proposal for marriage and alliance was a culturally appropriate attempt to rectify the situation and integrate the families, the sons of Jacob viewed it through the lens of profound dishonor and a deep-seated desire for vengeance. Their response, though deceitful, was rooted in a cultural imperative to uphold family honor, albeit through means that ultimately transgressed moral and covenantal boundaries.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 34:13](/genesis/34-13 "The Sons of Jacob Answer Deceitfully") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the pervasive theme of **human depravity and sin**, demonstrating how even those within the covenant line can succumb to unrighteous anger and treachery. The verse introduces the theme of **deceit and cunning** as a recurring motif in Jacob's family, echoing Jacob's own earlier deceptions ([Genesis 27:35](/genesis/27-35 "Jacob's Deception of Isaac")). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **vengeance and its destructive consequences**, setting in motion a cycle of violence that brings further shame and instability to Jacob's household, a pattern that Jacob himself later condemns in his dying words concerning Simeon and Levi ([Genesis 49:5-7](/genesis/49-5-7 "Jacob's Curse on Simeon and Levi")). This episode also subtly touches upon the theme of **God's sovereignty amidst human failure**, as even these dark events unfold within the larger divine plan for the formation of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term (H1121) signifies a son as a builder of the family name, encompassing a wide range of relationships. Here, it emphasizes the collective identity and responsibility of Jacob's male offspring, highlighting their role as inheritors of the covenant promise, yet choosing a path of treachery that jeopardizes their spiritual heritage and family's reputation.
* **answered (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** This word (H6030) primarily means "to heed" or "to respond," and by extension, "to begin to speak." In this context, it highlights that the sons' response was not an impulsive outburst but a deliberate, calculated verbal engagement. The choice of this verb underscores the premeditated nature of their reply, indicating a conscious decision to engage in dialogue while harboring ulterior, malicious motives.
* **deceitfully (Hebrew, _mirmâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to deceive," this noun (H4820) denotes fraud, treachery, or guile. Its use here is critical, explicitly characterizing the sons' answer as a premeditated act of cunning designed to mislead and harm. This word reveals the moral core of their actions, indicating a deliberate intention to betray trust and manipulate the situation for their violent ends, rather than engaging in honest negotiation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully":** This opening clause immediately establishes the actors and the nature of their response. The "sons of Jacob" are presented as a unified front, indicating a collective decision to act. Their "answer" to Shechem and Hamor, the Hivite prince and his father, is explicitly qualified as "deceitfully." This adverb is crucial, revealing that their words were not genuine expressions of negotiation or agreement, but a cunning facade designed to conceal their true, vengeful intentions. It highlights a deliberate act of treachery, setting a morally compromised tone for the events that follow.
* **"and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister":** This second clause provides the explicit motivation for the sons' deceit. Their actions are directly attributed to the defilement of Dinah, their sister. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such an act was a profound dishonor to the family, demanding a response. While the grievance was legitimate, this clause serves as the justification for their chosen method of retaliation—a method characterized by guile and ultimately, extreme violence. It reveals the deep-seated anger and sense of violated honor that fueled their deceptive strategy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Characterization** is evident in the direct labeling of the sons' response as "deceitfully," immediately revealing their moral state and strategic intent. This single adverb powerfully defines their actions and motivations from the outset. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as this deceptive answer directly sets the stage for the gruesome massacre that follows, indicating that the seemingly polite negotiation is merely a prelude to violence. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast** between the outward appearance of engagement and the inward reality of malicious intent. The sons' "answer" appears to be a diplomatic reply to a marriage proposal, but the qualifying "deceitfully" exposes the stark opposition between their words and their true, vengeful purpose, highlighting the moral hypocrisy at play.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 34:13](/genesis/34-13 "The Sons of Jacob Answer Deceitfully") powerfully illustrates the destructive nature of unrighteous anger and the corrupting influence of deceit, even when provoked by legitimate injustice. While the defilement of Dinah was a grave sin, the sons' response demonstrates how human sinfulness, left unchecked, can escalate into further, more profound transgressions. Their actions reveal a profound misuse of the covenant sign of circumcision for treacherous ends, highlighting the danger of religious hypocrisy and the perversion of sacred institutions for human, sinful purposes. This narrative serves as a stark warning against resorting to cunning and violence, even in the pursuit of perceived justice, emphasizing that such means ultimately bring greater shame and suffering, rather than true honor or resolution.

* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Lying Lips Are Abomination to the Lord")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Vengeance Is Mine, I Will Repay, Says the Lord")
* [Psalm 7:14-16](/psalms/7-14-16 "The Wicked Conceive Trouble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 34:13](/genesis/34-13 "The Sons of Jacob Answer Deceitfully") offers a sobering reflection on the human tendency to respond to injustice with further sin, particularly through the insidious means of deceit and vengeance. The sons of Jacob, fueled by a legitimate sense of outrage, chose a path of cunning that ultimately led to widespread bloodshed and brought profound shame upon their family. This narrative challenges us to examine our own responses when we feel wronged or dishonored. Do we seek God's righteous justice, or do we succumb to the temptation to retaliate with our own flawed and sinful methods? It underscores the critical importance of seeking wisdom and discernment from God, trusting in His ultimate sovereignty and justice, rather than relying on human cunning or brute force. We are called to break cycles of sin and violence by responding with integrity, forgiveness, and a commitment to righteous pathways, even when faced with deep provocation, thereby upholding the character of God in a fallen world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sons' "deceitful" response in [Genesis 34:13](/genesis/34-13 "The Sons of Jacob Answer Deceitfully") highlight the destructive nature of unrighteous anger?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to use "deceitful" or manipulative means to achieve what we perceive as justice or to protect our honor?**
* **What biblical principles should guide our response to injustice, especially when we feel deeply wronged, to avoid perpetuating cycles of sin?**

### FAQ
**Was the sons' deceit justified given the severity of Dinah's defilement?**

Answer: From a biblical and theological perspective, the sons' deceit was not justified. While their anger over Dinah's defilement was understandable and culturally significant, the Bible consistently condemns deceit and unrighteous violence. The narrative itself demonstrates the disastrous consequences of their actions, leading to widespread bloodshed and bringing further dishonor to Jacob's family. Jacob himself later condemned Simeon and Levi's actions, calling their anger "fierce" and their wrath "cruel" ([Genesis 49:5-7](/genesis/49-5-7 "Jacob's Curse on Simeon and Levi")). This episode serves as a powerful illustration that even in response to grave injustice, resorting to sin perpetuates a cycle of evil rather than bringing true justice, honor, or God's blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark narrative of [Genesis 34:13](/genesis/34-13 "The Sons of Jacob Answer Deceitfully") and its aftermath, steeped in human sin, deceit, and violent vengeance, ultimately points to the profound need for a different kind of justice and a perfect deliverer found in Christ. While Jacob's sons sought to avenge a wrong through their own flawed and sinful means, leading to further bloodshed and dishonor, Jesus Christ offers true justice and reconciliation through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection. He did not respond to the ultimate injustice of His crucifixion with vengeance or deceit, but with self-sacrificial love, absorbing the wrath due to humanity's sin ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Own Love for Us")). In Christ, we see the true fulfillment of justice that satisfies God's righteousness without resorting to human sin, offering forgiveness and peace where human vengeance only brings destruction ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ")). He establishes a new covenant people marked by truth and love, not guile and violence, calling His followers to be peacemakers and to overcome evil with good ([Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Blessed Are the Peacemakers"); [Romans 12:21](/romans/12-21 "Overcome Evil with Good")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 13:23

And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which [is] beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king's sons.

2 Samuel 13:29

And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.

Job 13:4

But ye [are] forgers of lies, ye [are] all physicians of no value.

Proverbs 12:13

¶ The wicked is snared by the transgression of [his] lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

Proverbs 26:24

¶ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

Proverbs 26:26

[Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation.

Proverbs 24:28

¶ Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive [not] with thy lips.