Genesis 34:17

KJV

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)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 34:17](/genesis/34-17 "The ultimatum regarding circumcision") records the deceptive ultimatum given by Jacob's sons to Hamor and Shechem: if the males of their city refuse to be circumcised, Jacob's family will take Dinah and depart, refusing any alliance. This seemingly straightforward condition was, in reality, a calculated ruse designed to incapacitate the Shechemite men, setting the stage for the sons' brutal and vengeful massacre in response to Dinah's defilement.

### CONTEXT
This verse is a pivotal moment in the grim narrative of [Genesis 34](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/34 "The entire chapter detailing Dinah's defilement and the subsequent revenge"). Following the [defilement of Dinah](/genesis/34-2 "The defilement of Dinah by Shechem"), Jacob's only daughter, by Shechem, the son of the Hivite prince Hamor, a proposal for intermarriage and alliance is put forth by Hamor and Shechem to Jacob and his sons. Consumed by rage and a profound sense of dishonor, Jacob's sons, particularly Simeon and Levi, feign negotiation while secretly devising a treacherous plan. Their condition for an alliance, presented in [Genesis 34:15](/genesis/34-15 "The deceptive proposal of Jacob's sons"), is that all the males among Hamor's people must undergo circumcision. [Genesis 34:17](/genesis/34-17 "The ultimatum regarding circumcision") then serves as their firm ultimatum: if this condition is not met, they will withdraw their daughter and depart, thereby rejecting any proposed union or covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text of [Genesis 34:17](/genesis/34-17 "The ultimatum regarding circumcision") states, "But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone." This verse functions as the explicit articulation of the deceptive condition set forth by Jacob's sons. The phrase "**hearken unto us**" carries the weight of "listen to us and obey our condition" or "agree to our terms." There are no complex Hebrew nuances in this particular verse that significantly alter its meaning beyond the clear English translation; its power lies in the context of the unfolding treachery.

The demand "**to be circumcised**" is central to the sons' scheme. Circumcision was the sacred sign of the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/17-10 "The covenant of circumcision established with Abraham"), representing a commitment to Yahweh and His people. By demanding this rite, Jacob's sons presented a seemingly religious and culturally significant condition for alliance, which the Shechemites, eager for the union and the wealth it promised, readily accepted. However, this demand was a calculated act of deception, a strategic move to render the men of the city vulnerable. The Shechemites, weakened by the painful recovery period following circumcision, would be unable to defend themselves, paving the way for the sons' violent revenge.

The latter part of the verse, "**then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone**," serves as the ultimatum. It implies a complete rejection of the alliance and a withdrawal from the region if their terms are not met. This statement, while seemingly a simple declaration of intent, masked the true, sinister purpose behind the demand for circumcision. It was the final piece of their elaborate trap, ensuring that the Shechemites would perceive the circumcision as a necessary step for a desirable alliance, rather than as a prelude to their doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Deception and Treachery:** The primary theme is the sons' cunning misuse of a sacred ritual (circumcision, a sign of the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/17-10 "The covenant of circumcision established with Abraham")) as a pretext for their violent plan. They present a false choice, exploiting the Shechemites' desire for alliance for their own malicious ends.
* **Revenge and Retribution:** This verse is a crucial step in their elaborate scheme to exact disproportionate vengeance for Dinah's defilement. The ultimatum sets the stage for the brutal massacre of the men of Shechem, as recorded in [Genesis 34:25](/genesis/34-25 "Simeon and Levi's violent revenge on the city of Shechem").
* **Misuse of Sacred Practices:** The narrative highlights how a sign meant to signify a relationship with God can be perverted and used for ungodly, malicious ends, bringing dishonor to the covenant and God's name.
* **Family Honor and Shame:** The sons' intense anger and extreme measures stem from the deep shame and dishonor brought upon their family by Dinah's defilement, driving them to morally reprehensible acts of retribution.
* **Consequences of Sin:** The entire chapter, culminating from this verse, illustrates the devastating and far-reaching consequences of sin, both the initial defilement and the subsequent vengeful response.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of [Genesis 34:17](/genesis/34-17 "The ultimatum regarding circumcision") and the events that follow serve as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked anger, the destructive path of revenge, and the perversion of sacred things. While the initial wrong against Dinah was grievous and demanded justice, the sons' response was disproportionate, morally reprehensible, and ultimately condemned by Jacob himself (see [Genesis 49:5-7](/genesis/49-5 "Jacob's curse on Simeon and Levi")). This story reminds believers that even when deeply wronged, our response must not lead us to deception, violence, or the misuse of spiritual practices for ungodly ends. It underscores the importance of seeking justice through righteous means, rather than succumbing to the destructive impulses of rage and treachery, which can bring dishonor to God's name and lasting consequences upon all involved.

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob's sons demand circumcision as a condition for alliance?**

Answer: Jacob's sons demanded circumcision not out of genuine religious zeal or a desire to convert the Shechemites, but as a cunning and deceptive ploy. They knew that circumcision would render the men of Shechem vulnerable and incapacitated for several days, allowing Simeon and Levi to easily attack and exact their bloody revenge for Dinah's defilement. It was a strategic military tactic disguised as a religious requirement.

**Was Jacob aware of his sons' treacherous plan?**

Answer: The text suggests Jacob was initially unaware of the full extent of his sons' deceptive plan. While he was distressed by Dinah's defilement and present during the initial negotiations, he appears to have been outmaneuvered by his sons' cunning. After the massacre, Jacob expresses strong disapproval and fear for his family's safety (e.g., [Genesis 34:30](/genesis/34-30 "Jacob's fear and disapproval after the massacre")). Later, in [Genesis 49:5-7](/genesis/49-5 "Jacob's curse on Simeon and Levi"), Jacob explicitly curses Simeon and Levi for their cruel and violent actions, indicating his long-standing condemnation of their treachery.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark narrative of [Genesis 34:17](/genesis/34-17 "The ultimatum regarding circumcision") and its aftermath, characterized by human sin, deception, and violent retribution, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in Christ. The misuse of circumcision, a sign of the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/17-10 "The covenant of circumcision established with Abraham"), for malicious ends highlights humanity's propensity to pervert God's holy institutions. In Christ, the true covenant is established not through outward signs manipulated by human treachery, but through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, which truly reconciles humanity to God. While Jacob's sons sought vengeance through violence, Christ exemplifies perfect justice combined with mercy, offering forgiveness and reconciliation rather than retribution. He fulfills the law and the prophets, establishing a new covenant of grace where the "**circumcision of the heart**" (Romans 2:29) is paramount, signifying an inner transformation rather than an outward rite used for deceit. Christ's life and teachings stand in stark opposition to the vengeful spirit of Simeon and Levi, pointing to a kingdom where love, forgiveness, and true peace prevail over the cycles of violence and dishonor.

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.