Genesis 34:5

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Genesis 34:5 (KJV) describes Jacob's immediate reaction upon hearing the devastating news about his daughter, Dinah. This verse sets the stage for a dramatic and tragic episode in the patriarchal history, highlighting themes of family honor, vengeance, and the complexities of leadership within a prominent biblical family.

Context

This verse follows the shocking account in Genesis 34:1-4, where Dinah, Jacob's only named daughter, went out to visit the local women and was subsequently seized and "defiled" by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the country. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such an act brought immense shame and dishonor not only upon the individual but upon the entire family and clan. The family's reputation was paramount. At the moment Jacob received this grave news, his sons—who would traditionally be the primary defenders of family honor and likely the most volatile—were away tending the family's cattle in the field, leaving Jacob to process the initial shock alone.

Key Themes

  • Family Honor and Shame: The core catalyst for the events in this chapter is the profound dishonor brought upon Jacob's family through Dinah's defilement. The concept of family honor was paramount, and its violation demanded a strong response, often violent, to restore the family's standing.
  • Jacob's Prudence and Restraint: Unlike his sons, who would later react with extreme violence, Jacob "held his peace." This immediate silence was a strategic decision, reflecting his prudence and perhaps a desire to avoid an immediate, ill-considered outburst. He waited for his sons to return, knowing their presence would be crucial for any collective family response or negotiation. This moment contrasts with some of Jacob's earlier, more impulsive actions, perhaps indicating growth in his leadership or a deep concern for the impending crisis and its potential repercussions.
  • Anticipation of Conflict: The detail that Jacob's sons were away with the cattle builds significant suspense. Their return is anticipated as the moment when the family's full strength, and potentially their anger and desire for retribution, will be brought to bear on the situation, leading directly to the bloody events that unfold later in Genesis 34:25-29.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "defiled Dinah" translates the Hebrew verb ṭāmaʾ (טָמֵא), which means "to be unclean," "to pollute," or "to desecrate." It carries strong connotations of ritual impurity and moral corruption, emphasizing the severe nature of the act against Dinah and the family's honor. Jacob's action of "held his peace" comes from the Hebrew ḥāras (חָרַשׁ), meaning "to be silent," "to be deaf," or "to plow." In this context, it implies a deliberate, strategic silence or restraint, not a lack of emotion but a calculated delay before deciding on a course of action.

Practical Application

Jacob's initial reaction, or lack thereof, offers a valuable lesson in crisis management and leadership. When faced with deeply disturbing news or a challenging situation, it can be wise to:

  • Pause and Process: Instead of reacting immediately out of raw emotion, taking time to absorb the information and allow for thoughtful consideration can prevent rash or regrettable decisions.
  • Seek Counsel and Unity: Jacob waited for his sons, indicating a need for collective counsel and strength in addressing a serious family matter. Similarly, in difficult times, seeking wise counsel from trusted individuals or divine guidance can be crucial, as seen in Proverbs 11:14: "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
  • Understand the Implications: Jacob knew the gravity of the situation and its potential impact on his family and their standing with the local inhabitants. Understanding the full scope and potential consequences of a problem before acting allows for a more effective and appropriate response.
This verse underscores that even in moments of profound distress and injustice, a measured and strategic approach can be essential for navigating complex challenges and maintaining a semblance of order, though in this narrative, it tragically leads to devastating consequences.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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:
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