Genesis 34:9

KJV

And make ye marriages with us, [and] give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And make ye marriages {H2859} with us, and give {H5414} your daughters {H1323} unto us, and take {H3947} our daughters {H1323} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

and intermarry with us: give your daughters to us, and take our daughters for yourselves.

Berean Standard Bible

Intermarry with us; give us your daughters, and take our daughters for yourselves.

American Standard Version

And make ye marriages with us; give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 34:9 records Hamor, prince of the Hivites, proposing a widespread intermarriage alliance between his people and Jacob's family. This offer, made in the wake of Shechem's defilement of Dinah, aims to forge a deep, lasting bond and integrate the two communities, driven by Hamor's desire for economic and social advantage, though it ultimately serves as a prelude to the violent retribution planned by Jacob's sons.

### CONTEXT
This proposal from Hamor, Shechem's father, immediately follows the traumatic violation of Jacob's daughter, Dinah, by Shechem in [Genesis 34:2](/genesis/34-2 "The Defilement of Dinah"). Hamor's intention is to mend the fractured relations and secure a strategic alliance, envisioning a complete integration of the two peoples through widespread intermarriage. He further elaborates on the economic benefits for his people in [Genesis 34:10](/genesis/34-10 "Hamor's Economic Proposal"), desiring to share in Jacob's wealth and flocks. Unbeknownst to Hamor, Jacob's sons are already plotting a deceptive and brutal retribution for their sister's dishonor, transforming this seemingly benevolent offer into a tragic setup for the ensuing violence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 34:9, "And make ye marriages with us, [and] give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you," encapsulates Hamor's strategic overture to Jacob's family. The Hebrew verb *hithchattenu* (הִתְחַתְּנוּ), translated as "make ye marriages," signifies a deep familial integration, aiming for a merging of entire households and communities, not merely individual unions. This verse, though brief, carries profound implications within the narrative:

* **Strategic Alliance and Assimilation:** Hamor's offer reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice where intermarriage was a potent tool for forging political, economic, and social alliances. His vision was for the two groups to become "one people," leveraging Jacob's prosperity for the Hivites' benefit.
* **Compromise and Covenantal Distinctiveness:** From the perspective of Jacob's family, the proposal of intermarriage with uncircumcised Gentiles presented a significant spiritual and cultural challenge. While the Mosaic Law, given later, would explicitly forbid such unions to preserve Israel's distinct identity ([Deuteronomy 7:3](/deuteronomy/7-3 "God's Command Against Intermarriage")), the underlying tension about maintaining separation from pagan practices was already present in the patriarchal narratives. Hamor's proposal implicitly challenged the nascent covenantal identity of Jacob's household.
* **Deception's Prelude:** This verse is a pivotal moment leading to the brutal retribution by Simeon and Levi. Hamor's open and seemingly benevolent proposal is met with cunning deceit by Jacob's sons ([Genesis 34:13](/genesis/34-13 "The Deceit of Jacob's Sons")), who feign acceptance of the terms, setting the stage for the violent massacre of the Shechemites.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Consequences of Sin:** The entire narrative surrounding Genesis 34:9 powerfully illustrates how one sin (Shechem's defilement of Dinah) can unleash a chain reaction of further sins (Hamor's opportunistic proposal, the sons' deceit, and the subsequent violence), leading to widespread devastation and moral compromise.
* **The Purity of God's People:** The tension inherent in Hamor's proposal highlights the recurring biblical theme of God's desire for His people to remain distinct and undefiled by the practices of the surrounding cultures. While the specific Mosaic laws were yet to be given, the principle of separation for the sake of covenant purity is evident.
* **Human Schemes vs. Divine Providence:** Hamor's attempt to secure an alliance through human means, and Jacob's sons' reliance on deceit and violence, underscore the futility and tragic outcomes of human schemes when they operate outside of God's righteous character and commands.
* **The Nature of True Reconciliation:** The narrative exposes the superficiality of reconciliation based on expediency or force. True reconciliation, as revealed throughout Scripture, requires repentance, justice, and ultimately, divine intervention, rather than mere strategic alliances or violent retribution.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 34:9, set in its ancient context, offers enduring insights into the complexities of human relationships and decision-making. It serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to exercise profound discernment when forming alliances or deep relationships, particularly marriage. The narrative implicitly warns against being [unequally yoked](/2_corinthians/6-14 "Warning Against Unequal Yoking") with those who do not share a foundational commitment to God's ways, as such unions can compromise spiritual integrity and lead to unforeseen complications. Furthermore, the passage underscores the perilous ripple effects of sin, demonstrating how one transgression can initiate a tragic chain of events, highlighting the critical importance of integrity over expediency in all our dealings.

### FAQ
**Why did Hamor propose intermarriage with Jacob's family?**

Answer: Hamor's proposal was primarily strategic, aiming to integrate his people with Jacob's family for economic and social gain. He saw Jacob's household as prosperous and sought to share in their wealth and flocks, believing intermarriage would create a lasting and beneficial alliance.

**Was intermarriage always forbidden for God's people in the Bible?**

Answer: While explicit prohibitions against intermarriage with specific pagan nations were later codified in the Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 7:3](/deuteronomy/7-3 "God's Command Against Intermarriage")), the underlying principle of maintaining spiritual distinctiveness was present from early on. The narrative in Genesis 34 highlights the inherent tension and potential for compromise when God's people intermarry with those outside the covenant, even before formal laws were given.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic events surrounding Genesis 34:9, marked by human sin, deceit, and violence, powerfully underscore humanity's desperate need for a true and righteous mediator. Hamor's failed attempt at human-orchestrated unity and the sons' sinful retribution reveal the brokenness of a world apart from God's perfect plan. Christ, however, fulfills the longing for true reconciliation and unity, not through strategic alliances or violent conquest, but through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. He breaks down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")), creating one new humanity, His Church, comprised of people from every tribe and nation, united not by human schemes or carnal compromise, but by the Spirit in a covenant of grace. Unlike the compromised unions proposed by Hamor, Christ establishes a pure and holy bride, the Church, called to be distinct and set apart for Him, free from the defilement of the world.

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.