Genesis 34:2

And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.

And when Shechem {H7927} the son {H1121} of Hamor {H2544} the Hivite {H2340}, prince {H5387} of the country {H776}, saw {H7200} her, he took {H3947} her, and lay {H7901} with her, and defiled her {H6031}.

and Sh'khem the son of Hamor the Hivi, the local ruler, saw her, grabbed her, raped her and humiliated her.

When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force.

And Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her; and he took her, and lay with her, and humbled her.

Commentary

Genesis 34:2 describes a tragic and pivotal event in the early history of Jacob's family. It directly states the violation suffered by Dinah, Jacob's daughter, at the hands of Shechem, the son of Hamor, a prominent Hivite leader in the land of Canaan.

Context

This verse occurs shortly after Jacob and his family have returned to Canaan from Paddan-Aram and settled near the city of Shechem. Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob and Leah mentioned by name (Genesis 30:21), "went out to see the daughters of the land" (Genesis 34:1). This seemingly innocent outing led to her encounter with Shechem, the local prince. The Hivites were one of the Canaanite peoples inhabiting the land promised to Abraham's descendants. Shechem's status as "prince of the country" highlights the power imbalance and the potential for severe diplomatic and familial repercussions following his actions.

Key Themes

  • Violation and Defilement: The core of the verse is the forceful taking and defilement of Dinah. Shechem "took her, and lay with her, and defiled her." This act, often understood as rape, was a profound assault not only on Dinah personally but also on her honor and the honor of her entire family in ancient Near Eastern culture. Such a violation was considered a grave offense, carrying immense shame and often demanding severe retribution.
  • Abuse of Power: Shechem, as the "prince of the country," used his position and physical strength to commit this act. His actions demonstrate a disregard for personal boundaries, the dignity of others, and the customs governing relations between different peoples.
  • The Gravity of Sexual Sin: The KJV's use of "defiled her" highlights the lasting spiritual and social damage inflicted by sexual misconduct. It implies a moral and ritual impurity that extended beyond the physical act itself, impacting the victim's standing and the family's reputation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "defiled" is โ€˜anah (ืขึธื ึธื”). While it can mean "to humble" or "to afflict," in the context of sexual relations, it carries the strong connotation of "to violate," "to debase," or "to rape." It signifies not merely sexual intercourse but an act that brings shame, degradation, and loss of honor, particularly for a virgin. This term is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe similar heinous acts, underscoring the severity of Shechem's crime against Dinah.

Practical Application

Genesis 34:2 serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual violence and the profound importance of consent and respect for others' bodies and dignity. It underscores that:

  • Sin has Far-Reaching Consequences: Shechem's act ignited a chain of events leading to severe tribal conflict and bloodshed (Genesis 34:25-29), illustrating how one person's sin can ripple through families and communities.
  • Protection of the Vulnerable is Paramount: The narrative implicitly calls attention to the need for protection and vigilance, especially for those who may be vulnerable to exploitation.
  • The Value of Personal Honor: In a broader sense, the story highlights the timeless value placed on personal honor and the deep distress caused when it is violated.
This verse, while difficult, lays the groundwork for understanding the complex challenges and moral failures that characterized even the families of faith in biblical times, providing crucial context for the unfolding narrative of God's covenant people.

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Cross-References

  • Job 31:9 (4 votes)

    ยถ If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or [if] I have laid wait at my neighbour's door;

  • Judges 14:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines.

  • Matthew 5:28 (3 votes)

    But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

  • Proverbs 13:20 (3 votes)

    ยถ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

  • Job 31:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

  • Genesis 6:2 (2 votes)

    That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they [were] fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

  • Deuteronomy 22:29 (2 votes)

    Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty [shekels] of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.