Genesis 34:5

KJV

And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jacob {H3290} heard {H8085} that he had defiled {H2930} Dinah {H1783} his daughter {H1323}: now his sons {H1121} were with his cattle {H4735} in the field {H7704}: and Jacob {H3290} held his peace {H2790} until they were come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Ya'akov heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter, his sons were with his livestock in the field; so Ya'akov restrained himself until they came.

Berean Standard Bible

Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah, but since his sons were with his livestock in the field, he remained silent about it until they returned.

American Standard Version

Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter; and his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they came.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jacob's initial, measured response to the devastating news of his daughter Dinah's defilement, a profound violation of family honor. This verse highlights his strategic silence and deliberate delay in action, necessitated by the absence of his sons, who were away tending the family's livestock. This moment of restrained leadership sets the tense stage for the dramatic and tragic events that will unfold upon their return, underscoring the immense cultural weight of the transgression and the impending family crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the shocking and tragic account in [Genesis 34:1-4](/genesis/34-1-4 "Genesis 34:1-4 - Dinah's Defilement"), where Dinah, Jacob's only named daughter, ventured out and was seized and "defiled" by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land. The narrative quickly shifts from the act itself to the immediate aftermath and the profound impact on Jacob. The preceding verses establish the grave nature of the transgression, while [Genesis 34:5](/genesis/34-5 "Genesis 34:5 - Jacob's Initial Reaction") serves as a pivotal transition, detailing Jacob's initial, restrained reaction and setting the stage for the highly volatile and violent retribution that will follow in [Genesis 34:6-31](/genesis/34-6-31 "Genesis 34:6-31 - The Revenge of Simeon and Levi"). This verse is crucial for understanding the family dynamics and the escalating tension that characterizes this dark chapter in the patriarchal narrative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a daughter's virginity and the family's honor were inextricably linked. The defilement of a woman, especially one from a prominent family like Jacob's, was not merely a personal affront but a profound public shaming of the entire clan. Such an act brought immense dishonor (Hebrew: *qalon*) upon the father and brothers, demanding a swift and decisive response to restore the family's standing and reputation. The absence of Jacob's sons, who, as adult males, were the primary enforcers of family honor, left Jacob in a precarious position, forcing him to suppress his immediate reaction and await their return. The Hivites, as inhabitants of the land, would have been aware of these cultural norms, making Shechem's act an even greater provocation. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a semi-nomadic patriarchal society where alliances, honor, and retribution were central to social order and survival.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "Genesis 34 - Dinah and the Shechemites") is rich with complex themes. The central theme introduced by Dinah's defilement is the **violation of covenant purity and family honor**. This act directly challenges the integrity of Jacob's household, which is meant to be a bearer of God's covenant promises. Jacob's initial "peace" or silence introduces the theme of **leadership in crisis**, contrasting his measured response with the rash and violent actions of his sons later in the chapter. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **divine justice versus human vengeance**, as the family's pursuit of honor quickly devolves into a brutal massacre, raising questions about the appropriate response to injustice. Furthermore, it highlights the **vulnerability of women** in a patriarchal society and the far-reaching **consequences of sin**, demonstrating how one act of defilement can lead to widespread bloodshed and treachery, echoing the brokenness seen in earlier narratives such as the deception of [Jacob himself](/genesis/27 "Genesis 27 - Jacob Deceives Isaac").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse states, "And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ_):** This verb (H8085) signifies more than just auditory perception; it implies hearing intelligently, often with an implication of attention and even obedience. In this context, Jacob did not merely register the sound of the news but understood its profound implications—the defilement of his daughter, the dishonor to his family, and the gravity of the situation demanding a response. His "hearing" is thus an act of comprehension and processing.
* **Defiled (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ_):** The root (H2930) means "to be foul," specifically in a ceremonial or moral sense, implying contamination, pollution, or being made unclean. This word is crucial as it elevates Shechem's act beyond mere sexual assault to a profound spiritual and social desecration. Dinah was not just physically violated but rendered ritually and morally "unclean," bringing deep shame and impurity upon herself and, by extension, her entire family, demanding a response to restore purity and honor.
* **Held his peace (Hebrew, _chârash_):** This primitive root (H2790) carries a range of meanings from "to scratch" or "plough" to "to fabricate," but in this context, it primarily means "to be silent," "to let alone," or "to be quiet." It implies a deliberate, strategic silence or restraint, not a passive or apathetic reaction. Jacob's "holding his peace" is an active decision to suppress an immediate emotional outburst, indicating prudence and a calculated waiting period before acting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter":** The news of Dinah's defilement reaches Jacob directly, emphasizing the personal and profound impact of this violation on him as her father and the patriarch of the family. The use of "defiled" (ṭâmêʼ) underscores the gravity of the transgression, highlighting the deep shame and ritual impurity it brought upon Dinah and the entire household, demanding a response to restore honor and purity.
* **"now his sons were with his cattle in the field":** This seemingly incidental detail is critically important, serving as a narrative explanation for Jacob's immediate reaction. The absence of his sons—the natural enforcers of family honor and likely the most volatile members—meant that Jacob was isolated in his initial processing of the news. Their distance prevented an immediate, potentially impulsive, collective family reaction and necessitated a period of solitary contemplation and strategic waiting by Jacob. It also builds narrative suspense, as their return is anticipated as the catalyst for the family's collective, and ultimately violent, response.
* **"and Jacob held his peace until they were come":** Jacob's deliberate decision to "hold his peace" (chârash) signifies a strategic, calculated restraint rather than apathy or weakness. He chose to remain silent, suppressing any immediate emotional outburst, because he understood the immense gravity of the situation and the need for collective counsel and a unified family front before deciding on a course of action. This calculated delay suggests a degree of maturity and strategic thinking in Jacob's leadership, contrasting sharply with the impulsive and brutal actions his sons would later take. He recognized that a response of such magnitude required the full presence and agreement of his male heirs.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jacob's strategic silence and the mention of his sons' absence strongly hint at a future, more dramatic confrontation. The delay in action builds considerable **suspense**, leaving the reader to anticipate the family's eventual response. There is also a subtle **contrast** between Jacob's initial, measured restraint and the implied impetuosity of his absent sons, whose return is explicitly stated as the trigger for Jacob's eventual action. The phrase "held his peace" also functions as a form of **understatement**, masking the profound inner turmoil and strategic calculation that must have been occurring within Jacob, given the immense cultural weight of the defilement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The defilement of Dinah and Jacob's initial response highlight the pervasive nature of sin and its capacity to disrupt covenant relationships and societal order. This incident underscores the profound importance of family honor and purity in the ancient world, where a violation against one member brought immense shame upon the entire clan, necessitating a response to restore their standing. Jacob's leadership in crisis, marked by initial restraint, also raises questions about the appropriate and righteous response to injustice, foreshadowing the complex ethical dilemmas that emerge when human vengeance takes precedence over divine principles.

* [Deuteronomy 22:28-29](/deuteronomy/22-28-29 "Deuteronomy 22:28-29 - Law on Seduction") - This Mosaic law outlines a prescribed response to the defilement of an unbetrothed virgin, highlighting the legal and social implications of such an act in ancient Israelite society.
* [2 Samuel 13:1-22](/2_samuel/13-1-22 "2 Samuel 13:1-22 - Amnon and Tamar") - The tragic account of Amnon's defilement of Tamar, David's daughter, provides a parallel narrative of sexual violence and its devastating consequences for a royal family, emphasizing themes of shame, vengeance, and familial breakdown.
* [Proverbs 29:11](/proverbs/29-11 "Proverbs 29:11 - Wisdom on Anger") - This proverb, stating "A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards," offers a wisdom parallel to Jacob's decision to "hold his peace," suggesting prudence in delaying an emotional response.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jacob's initial reaction, characterized by a deliberate and strategic silence, offers a profound lesson in navigating moments of profound crisis and emotional distress. When confronted with deeply disturbing news or an overwhelming challenge, the immediate impulse is often to react impulsively, driven by raw emotion. However, Jacob's example demonstrates the wisdom of pausing, processing the information, and exercising restraint. This thoughtful delay allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the situation's gravity, prevents rash or regrettable decisions, and creates space for seeking wise counsel and formulating a measured, collective response. His decision to wait for his sons underscores the importance of communal deliberation and seeking unity in addressing serious matters, echoing biblical wisdom that emphasizes the strength found in collective wisdom, as seen in [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Counsel for Safety") which states, "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Understanding the full scope and potential consequences of a problem before acting allows for a more effective and appropriate response, even if, in this particular narrative, the subsequent actions of his sons tragically lead to devastating and morally questionable outcomes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when confronted with shocking or deeply disturbing news? Is my first impulse to react emotionally or to pause and process?**
* **In what situations might Jacob's "holding his peace" be a wise strategy for me to adopt in my own life or leadership?**
* **What role does seeking counsel from others play in my decision-making process, especially when facing difficult ethical or relational challenges?**
* **How can I cultivate a more measured and thoughtful response to conflict or injustice, rather than succumbing to immediate emotional reactions?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jacob "hold his peace" instead of reacting immediately?**

Answer: Jacob's silence was a deliberate, strategic act of restraint, not apathy or weakness. He was likely processing the immense gravity of the situation, understanding the profound cultural implications of the defilement, and waiting for his sons—the primary enforcers of family honor in that society—to return. His intention was to formulate a unified and considered response with his family, recognizing the immense potential for conflict and the need for a collective approach. This calculated delay allowed him to gather his thoughts and prepare for the difficult discussions and decisions ahead, as seen in the subsequent narrative of [Genesis 34:6-7](/genesis/34-6-7 "Genesis 34:6-7 - Hamor and Shechem Approach Jacob").

**What does the Hebrew word for "defiled" (ṭâmêʼ) imply in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *ṭâmêʼ* (H2930) means "to be unclean," "to pollute," or "to desecrate." In the context of Dinah's defilement, it signifies not merely a physical violation but a profound act of ritual, moral, and social impurity. This act brought immense shame and dishonor upon Dinah and her entire family, rendering them "unclean" in a societal and spiritual sense. It was a desecration of their family's honor and standing, demanding a response to restore their purity and reputation, which ultimately led to the violent retribution by Simeon and Levi in [Genesis 34:25-29](/genesis/34-25-29 "Genesis 34:25-29 - The Massacre of Shechem").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 34:5](/genesis/34-5 "Genesis 34:5 - Jacob's Initial Reaction"), set against the backdrop of human brokenness, profound injustice, and the anticipation of violent retribution, profoundly highlights humanity's desperate need for a divine solution to sin and its devastating consequences. While Jacob's human restraint ultimately gives way to his sons' vengeful and flawed actions, the narrative points forward to Christ as the one who perfectly upholds divine justice without succumbing to human vengeance or treachery. Jesus, the true Son of God, demonstrates perfect wisdom and restraint in the face of injustice, as exemplified by His silence before His accusers ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Silent Lamb") and [Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12-14 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus Before Pilate")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ ultimately purifies and restores what sin has defiled, offering true honor, reconciliation, and a path to purity that human efforts, laws, or retaliations can never achieve ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies") and [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansed by Blood")). He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Lamb of God")), providing the perfect, righteous redemption for a fallen and defiled humanity.

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 13:22

And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

Luke 15:25

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

1 Samuel 10:27

But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

1 Samuel 17:15

But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.

Leviticus 10:3

¶ Then Moses said unto Aaron, This [is it] that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

Genesis 30:35

And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, [and] every one that had [some] white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave [them] into the hand of his sons.

Luke 15:29

And he answering said to [his] father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: