Genesis 34:23

KJV

[Shall] not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs [be] ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Shall not their cattle {H4735} and their substance {H7075} and every beast {H929} of theirs be ours? only let us consent {H225} unto them, and they will dwell {H3427} with us.

Complete Jewish Bible

Won't their cattle, their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let's consent to do what they ask, and then they will live with us."

Berean Standard Bible

Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.”

American Standard Version

Shall not their cattle and their substance and all their beasts be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 34:23 reveals the deceptive argument Hamor, the prince of Shechem, and his son Shechem employed to persuade their city's men to undergo circumcision. They presented the painful ritual as a means to absorb the vast material wealth of Jacob’s family, promising that their "cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs" would eventually become collective Shechemite property, thereby agreeing to the terms proposed by Jacob's sons, who were secretly plotting vengeance.

### CONTEXT
This verse is spoken by Hamor and Shechem to the males of their city, following the defilement of Dinah, Jacob's daughter, by Shechem. Jacob's sons, particularly Simeon and Levi, had responded with a cunning and vengeful proposal: they would only agree to intermarriage and peaceful coexistence if every male in Shechem were circumcised, a sacred sign of the Abrahamic covenant that they cynically exploited as a pretext for attack ([see Genesis 34:13](/genesis/34-13 "Understanding the deceptive plot of Jacob's sons")). Hamor and Shechem, driven by a desire for material gain rather than genuine spiritual conversion or covenant, presented this condition to their people as an opportunity to acquire the substantial wealth of Jacob's prosperous household. The entire chapter functions as a tragic narrative, beginning with [Dinah's defilement](/genesis/34-2 "The account of Dinah's defilement"), illustrating the destructive consequences of unchecked anger, deceitful dealings, and the prioritization of worldly gain over moral integrity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
In Genesis 34:23, Hamor and Shechem appeal to the materialistic desires of their townsmen, framing the required circumcision as a shrewd economic maneuver. Their argument is simple yet powerfully manipulative: by consenting to Jacob's family's terms, the Shechemites would not only gain new inhabitants but also inherit their considerable assets.

* **"Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours?"**: This rhetorical question highlights the central appeal. Hamor and Shechem emphasize the comprehensive nature of Jacob's wealth. The Hebrew term for "substance" (*yequm*) refers to all movable property, including livestock, servants, and all acquired possessions, underscoring the extensive material assets that were the object of their covetous gaze. They envisioned a future where, through intermarriage and cohabitation, Jacob's family's wealth would naturally merge with and enrich their own.
* **"only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us"**: The word "consent" (Hebrew: *'avah*) implies a willing agreement. However, in this context, that willingness is not born of genuine desire for peace or covenant, but is swayed by the promise of illicit gain. This reveals the profound moral compromise on the part of the Shechemite leaders, who are willing to subject their entire male population to a painful and culturally significant ritual for purely economic advantage.
* **Misuse of a Sacred Sign**: The verse underscores the tragic irony of the situation. Circumcision, a divinely ordained sign of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants, is here reduced to a bargaining chip. For Jacob's sons, it is a tool for vengeance; for Hamor and Shechem, it is a means to material acquisition. This desecration of a sacred act sets the stage for the violent retribution that follows, as the Shechemites, weakened by the circumcision, become vulnerable to Simeon and Levi's attack.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Deception and Treachery**: The narrative is saturated with deceit. Jacob's sons use a sacred covenant sign as a pretext for a violent attack, while Hamor and Shechem manipulate their own people with promises of wealth. This tragic episode demonstrates the destructive nature of [cunning and betrayal](/proverbs/11-3 "The consequences of deceit in Proverbs 11:3").
* **Materialism Over Morality**: The Shechemite leaders prioritize tangible assets ("cattle," "substance," "beast") over ethical considerations or the sanctity of a genuine agreement. Their willingness to accept a painful ritual for financial benefit exposes a deep-seated materialism that blinds them to the true intentions of Jacob's sons and ultimately leads to their downfall.
* **Consequences of Sin**: The events of Genesis 34 vividly illustrate how one sin (Dinah's defilement) can trigger a cascading series of further sins, including treachery, covetousness, violence, and ultimately, widespread destruction and loss of life. It highlights the far-reaching and devastating ripple effects of unrighteous actions.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 34:23 serves as a profound cautionary tale for all generations, warning against the seductive allure of quick wealth and the dangers of making decisions based purely on materialistic motives. It compels us to examine our own motivations and to discern the true intentions behind offers or agreements, recognizing that [the pursuit of illicit gain often leads to ruin](/proverbs/28-20 "The dangers of quick riches in Proverbs 28:20"). True peace and lasting relationships, whether between individuals, families, or communities, cannot be built on a foundation of deception, exploitation, or covetousness. The narrative also highlights the tragic outcomes when anger, revenge, and a desire for worldly possessions are allowed to dictate actions, as seen in Jacob's sons' eventual violent retribution, which Jacob himself later condemned ([see Genesis 49:5-7](/genesis/49-5 "Jacob's curse on Simeon and Levi")).

### FAQ
**Why did Hamor and Shechem believe Jacob's wealth would become theirs?**

Answer: Hamor and Shechem likely believed that through intermarriage and the eventual integration of Jacob's family into their community, the wealth of Jacob's prosperous household would naturally merge with and enrich their own. They saw Jacob's large flocks and possessions as a valuable asset that would become part of the collective Shechemite property once the two groups were united through marital and residential ties. Their perspective was purely economic and opportunistic.

**What is the significance of circumcision in this narrative?**

Answer: Circumcision was the physical sign of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants, symbolizing their unique relationship with God and their separation as a holy people. In Genesis 34, however, it is tragically misused. Jacob's sons, particularly Simeon and Levi, exploit this sacred ritual as a deceptive means to exact vengeance, while Hamor and Shechem view it merely as a prerequisite for material gain. This narrative thus highlights the desecration of a holy sign when it is treated as a mere cultural custom or a tool for worldly advantage, rather than a symbol of genuine spiritual commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic events of Genesis 34, epitomized by the materialistic deception in verse 23, underscore humanity's fallen state and the destructive consequences of sin, covetousness, and the misuse of sacred things. In contrast to the false covenant and treacherous peace offered by both parties in Shechem, Christ establishes a new and true covenant, not based on ritualistic manipulation or the pursuit of worldly gain, but on His own perfect sacrifice. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant, offering genuine reconciliation and peace that transcends material possessions or deceptive schemes. Where the Shechemites sought earthly wealth and Jacob's sons sought vengeful satisfaction, Christ offers spiritual riches and forgiveness, breaking the cycle of sin and violence through His atoning work, establishing a kingdom "not of this world" ([see John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' kingdom is not of this world")), and inviting humanity into a relationship built on truth, grace, and eternal life.

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.