Genesis 34:11

Genesis 34:11 captures a pivotal and deeply troubling moment in the narrative of Jacob's family. Following the defilement of Dinah, Jacob's daughter, by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, Shechem desperately seeks to rectify the situation and legitimize his desire for Dinah.

Context

This verse occurs immediately after Shechem has defiled Dinah (Genesis 34:1-2) and subsequently fallen in love with her, expressing a desire to marry her. His father, Hamor, has just initiated negotiations with Jacob and his sons. Here, Shechem directly addresses Dinah's father, Jacob, and her brothers, acknowledging the gravity of his actions but attempting to buy favor and secure his wish. The profound dishonor brought upon Dinah and the family sets the stage for the deceptive and violent retribution that follows from Dinah's brothers, Simeon and Levi (Genesis 34:25-29).

Key Themes

• Desperate Plea for Favor: Shechem's opening words, "Let me find grace in your eyes," reveal his earnest desire for acceptance and forgiveness from the offended family. He is pleading for their approval and willingness to overlook his egregious act.
• Attempted Bribery and Negotiation: The phrase "what ye shall say to me I will give" underscores Shechem's willingness to pay any price – whether a dowry, gifts, or compensation for the wrong done – to secure Dinah as his wife. This highlights a worldly approach to resolving a spiritual and moral offense.
• Honor and Dishonor: The entire chapter revolves around the concept of family honor in ancient Near Eastern culture. Dinah's defilement was a profound dishonor to Jacob's entire household, and Shechem's offer, while seemingly generous, does not truly address the depth of the offense.
• Consequences of Sin: While Shechem seeks to mitigate the immediate consequences of his sin, this verse foreshadows the tragic and violent events that unfold as a direct result of his actions and the Hivites' subsequent compliance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "grace" here is חֵן (chen), which signifies favor, acceptance, or compassion. It's a plea for human kindness and leniency, distinct from divine grace. Shechem is not asking for spiritual cleansing but for practical, social acceptance. The verb "give" (נָתַן, nathan) is a common and strong verb, indicating a sincere promise to provide whatever material compensation is requested, reflecting his determination.

Practical Application

Genesis 34:11 serves as a stark reminder that attempts to rectify deep wrongs with mere material compensation or superficial pleas for favor often fall short. True reconciliation requires genuine repentance, acknowledgment of the full extent of the harm, and often, more than just monetary offerings. The narrative demonstrates the lasting and devastating impact of sin, not only on the immediate victims but also on the perpetrator and their community. It highlights the complexities of justice, vengeance, and the profound importance of honor within family and community structures, even in our modern context of relationships and conflict resolution.