Genesis 34:18

KJV

¶ And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son.

KJV (with Strong's)

And their words {H1697} pleased {H3190}{H5869} Hamor {H2544}, and Shechem {H7927} Hamor's {H2544} son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What they said seemed fair to Hamor and Sh'khem the son of Hamor,

Berean Standard Bible

Their offer seemed good to Hamor and his son Shechem.

American Standard Version

And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor’s son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
A pivotal moment in the tragic narrative of Dinah's defilement and its brutal aftermath, revealing the eager and unsuspecting acceptance of a deceptive proposal by Hamor, the Hivite prince, and his son Shechem. Blinded by the perceived economic and political advantages of an alliance with Jacob's prosperous family, they unwittingly endorsed the terms that would facilitate a devastating act of retribution against their entire city, setting the stage for a horrific display of human vengeance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the unfolding drama of [Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "Genesis 34 - The Defilement of Dinah"). Following Dinah's defilement by Shechem, the son of Hamor, the Hivite ruler, Jacob's sons are consumed by a profound sense of outrage and dishonor, as vividly described in [Genesis 34:7](/genesis/34-7 "The Indignation of Jacob's Sons"). When Hamor and Shechem approach Jacob to propose a marriage alliance and broader integration between their peoples, Jacob's sons, particularly Simeon and Levi, respond with cunning and deceit. They present a seemingly reasonable yet deeply manipulative condition: all males in Shechem's city must be circumcised to facilitate full integration and intermarriage. [Genesis 34:18] highlights the immediate and uncritical acceptance of these terms by Hamor and Shechem, demonstrating their fatal misjudgment of the true intentions of Jacob's sons. This acceptance is the crucial step that enables the subsequent, horrific act of vengeance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds in the land of Canaan, where various city-states and tribal groups coexisted, often forming alliances or engaging in conflict. Marriage alliances were common tools for strengthening political and economic ties, and the acquisition of wealth (livestock, property) was a significant motivator for such unions. The concept of "honor" and "shame" was paramount in ancient Near Eastern societies; Dinah's defilement brought immense shame upon Jacob's family, demanding a response. Circumcision, a distinctive sign of the Abrahamic covenant for Jacob's family, was presented by Jacob's sons as a prerequisite for intermarriage, though it was not a common practice among the Canaanites. Hamor and Shechem's willingness to adopt this painful and culturally distinct practice for their entire male population underscores their overwhelming desire for the perceived benefits of the alliance, including the wealth of Jacob's large and prosperous household, as they later explain to their own people in [Genesis 34:23](/genesis/34-23 "Shechem's Perceived Gain").
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "Genesis 34 - The Defilement of Dinah") is replete with significant themes. One prominent theme is the **danger of deception**, as Jacob's sons employ cunning to achieve their vengeful aims, contrasting sharply with the divine integrity expected of God's chosen family. Closely related is the theme of **human vengeance versus divine justice**, where the disproportionate and brutal actions of Simeon and Levi stand in stark opposition to God's righteous character and His methods of dealing with sin. The narrative also explores the **corrupting influence of sin**, illustrating how one act of transgression (Shechem's defilement of Dinah) can spiral into a cascade of further sin, including extreme violence and bloodshed. Finally, the **consequences of worldly desires** are evident in Hamor and Shechem's eagerness to accept a dangerous proposal, blinded by the lure of material gain and political advantage, ultimately leading to their destruction. This chapter serves as a dark commentary on the complexities of intergroup relations and the profound consequences of unrighteous actions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 34:18] succinctly captures the moment of fatal agreement, stating, "And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son." This seemingly simple statement carries immense weight, revealing the immediate and uncritical acceptance of a proposal designed to facilitate a horrific act of vengeance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers not merely to spoken utterances but encompasses the entire "matter" or "affair" being discussed. In this context, it signifies the full proposal put forth by Jacob's sons, including the condition of circumcision for all males. The fact that this "matter" or "proposal" pleased Hamor and Shechem indicates their full comprehension and acceptance of the terms, viewing the entire arrangement as beneficial.
* **pleased (Hebrew, _yâṭab'_):** From H3190, this verb means "to be good, well, right, pleasing, beneficial." Its use here indicates that the proposal presented by Jacob's sons appeared agreeable, advantageous, and morally acceptable from the perspective of Hamor and Shechem. They genuinely perceived the terms as a "good deal" or a "favorable arrangement," completely unaware of the malicious intent underlying the proposition. This highlights their profound lack of discernment.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this common term simply identifies Shechem as Hamor's direct male offspring. Its inclusion emphasizes the familial and hierarchical relationship, indicating that Shechem, as the one who defiled Dinah and initiated the marriage proposal, was in full agreement with his father's acceptance of Jacob's sons' terms. This joint acceptance underscores the unified and unsuspecting nature of their decision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their words pleased Hamor":** This clause signifies that the entire proposition, including the demand for circumcision, was favorably received by Hamor, the patriarch and ruler of the Hivite city. His "pleasure" indicates that he perceived the terms as advantageous, likely focusing on the potential for economic gain and the strengthening of his city through an alliance with Jacob's prosperous family. His acceptance was not cautious or suspicious, but rather eager and uncritical, setting the stage for the tragic events to follow.
* **"and Shechem Hamor's son":** This addition emphasizes that Shechem, who was directly involved in the defilement of Dinah and the subsequent desire for her as his wife, was equally pleased with the terms. His agreement, alongside his father's, underscores the unified consent of the Hivite leadership to the deceptive proposal. Shechem's personal desire for Dinah, combined with the perceived benefits of the alliance, blinded him to the sinister intentions of Jacob's sons, making him a willing participant in the trap.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is powerfully present, as Hamor and Shechem believe they are entering into a mutually beneficial alliance, yet their "pleasure" in the "words" of Jacob's sons leads directly to their destruction. They are pleased by the very terms that will be their undoing. This also serves as strong **Foreshadowing**, signaling to the reader that the Hivites' acceptance of the seemingly innocuous condition will have dire consequences. The narrative subtly builds suspense around the impending tragedy. Furthermore, there is a stark **Contrast** between the outward appearance of a diplomatic negotiation and the hidden, vengeful motives of Jacob's sons. This contrast highlights the deceptive nature of the proposal and the profound lack of discernment on the part of Hamor and Shechem, who are focused solely on worldly gain rather than spiritual or moral integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is pregnant with theological and thematic implications. It powerfully illustrates the destructive power of human deception and the tragic consequences for those who lack spiritual discernment, being swayed by perceived worldly benefits rather than seeking truth and integrity. The narrative serves as a stark reminder that unchecked anger and a desire for vengeance, as seen in Jacob's sons, often lead to disproportionate and horrific acts that stand in direct opposition to God's character of justice and mercy. The entire episode underscores the pervasive and corrupting influence of sin, demonstrating how one transgression can trigger a cascade of further moral failures, highlighting humanity's desperate need for divine intervention and true redemption.

* [Proverbs 26:24-26](/proverbs/26-24-26 "Proverbs 26:24-26 - Deceitful Lips"): "He that hates dissembles with his lips, and lays up deceit within him; When he speaks fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shown before the whole congregation."
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God"): "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord."
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money"): "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic events surrounding [Genesis 34:18] offer profound lessons for believers today, serving as a cautionary tale against spiritual blindness and the destructive nature of unchecked human passions. We are reminded of the critical importance of discernment, not allowing ourselves to be easily swayed by propositions that appear advantageous but lack integrity or are rooted in unrighteousness. This narrative serves as a stark warning against the destructive power of unrighteous anger and the pursuit of vengeance outside of God's will. For Christians, it underscores the call to seek wisdom from God, as promised in [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - God Gives Wisdom"), and to respond to injustice with a spirit of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, rather than resorting to violent or deceptive means. It challenges us to trust in God's ultimate justice and to live by principles of truth and love, even when faced with provocation, recognizing that true peace and resolution come through divine means, not human brutality or cunning.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might a desire for worldly gain or perceived advantage blind us to potential dangers or moral compromises in our own lives?**
* **In what ways do we, like Jacob's sons, sometimes seek "justice" through means that are contrary to God's character or commands?**
* **How can we cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize deception, both from others and within our own hearts?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the long-term consequences of unaddressed sin and vengeance, even when seemingly justified?**

### FAQ
**Why were Hamor and Shechem so easily deceived by Jacob's sons?**

Answer: Hamor and Shechem were easily deceived primarily because their judgment was profoundly clouded by the prospect of significant material and political gain. They saw the proposed alliance, including the unusual circumcision requirement, as an unparalleled opportunity to acquire the substantial wealth and livestock of Jacob's large family, thereby integrating a powerful and prosperous group into their city and strengthening their own position. Their focus on these perceived advantages, as detailed when they persuade their own people in [Genesis 34:20-23](/genesis/34-20-23 "Hamor and Shechem Persuade Their People"), blinded them to the underlying rage and vengeful intentions of Jacob's sons. They failed to discern the true, sinister motive behind the proposal, interpreting the terms as a genuine offer of peace and prosperity rather than a meticulously laid trap.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark narrative of [Genesis 34:18] and the ensuing massacre profoundly underscores humanity's desperate need for a righteous King and a perfect High Priest. While this passage does not directly prophesy Christ, it powerfully illustrates the brokenness of a world steeped in sin, where defilement leads to disproportionate vengeance, and human justice is marred by brutality and deception. In stark contrast to the vengeful actions of Simeon and Levi, who brought death and destruction, Jesus Christ embodies true justice tempered with boundless mercy. He is the one who perfectly fulfills the Law, not through violence or cunning, but through His sacrificial death on the cross, providing true atonement for sin and offering reconciliation where there was only enmity ([Romans 5:8-10](/romans/5-8-10 "Romans 5:8-10 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Unlike the painful and ultimately deceptive circumcision demanded by Jacob's sons, Christ offers a spiritual circumcision of the heart, cutting away the power of sin and bringing true new life ([Colossians 2:11-12](/colossians/2-11-12 "Colossians 2:11-12 - Circumcision of Christ")). He is the ultimate Deliverer who redeems humanity from the cycle of sin and vengeance, establishing a kingdom of peace and righteousness that far transcends any earthly alliance or retribution ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")).

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.