Genesis 34:19

And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he [was] more honourable than all the house of his father.

And the young man {H5288} deferred {H309} not to do {H6213} the thing {H1697}, because he had delight {H2654} in Jacob's {H3290} daughter {H1323}: and he was more honourable {H3513} than all the house {H1004} of his father {H1}.

and the young man did not put off doing what was asked of him, even though he was the most respected member of his father's family, because he so much wanted Ya'akov' s daughter.

The young man, who was the most respected of all his father’s household, did not hesitate to fulfill this request, because he was delighted with Jacob’s daughter.

And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob’s daughter: and he was honored above all the house of his father.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 34:19 is a pivotal verse in the tragic narrative of Dinah, Jacob's daughter. The "young man" refers to Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, who had taken Dinah (see Genesis 34:1-2). Following this incident, Shechem's father, Hamor, approached Jacob to propose a marriage alliance and integration between their peoples. Jacob's sons, however, responded with a deceitful condition: all males among Shechem's people must be circumcised if they wished to marry Dinah and integrate (see Genesis 34:13-17). This verse highlights Shechem's immediate and enthusiastic agreement to this painful and dangerous condition. His eagerness stemmed from his strong "delight" in Dinah, driving him to overlook the severity of the requirement. His high status as "more honourable than all the house of his father" also meant he had significant influence to persuade his entire city to undergo the procedure, setting the stage for the devastating events that followed.

Key Themes

  • Unchecked Desire and Rashness: Shechem's intense "delight" or infatuation with Dinah led him to agree to a drastic and dangerous measure without hesitation. This illustrates how strong personal desires can override caution and lead to immediate, ill-considered actions.
  • Influence and Authority: The description of Shechem as "more honourable" signifies his significant social standing and influence within his clan and city. His personal conviction was powerful enough to sway an entire community to accept a painful covenant, underscoring the weight of leadership, for good or ill.
  • Tragic Irony: Shechem's sincere desire to legitimize his relationship with Dinah and his immediate compliance ultimately paved the way for the destruction of himself, his family, and his city at the hands of Simeon and Levi (see Genesis 34:25-29). His eagerness to fulfill a condition born of deceit led directly to his demise.

Linguistic Insights

  • "deferred not": The Hebrew phrase `lo' 'iḥar` (לֹא אִחַר) literally means "did not delay." This emphasizes the immediate and unhesitating nature of Shechem's response, driven by his strong desire.
  • "delight": The Hebrew word used here is `ḥaphets` (חָפֵץ), which conveys a strong sense of pleasure, desire, or inclination. It indicates Shechem's deep affection or infatuation for Dinah, which motivated his actions.
  • "more honourable": The Hebrew `nikhbad` (נִכְבָּד) means "respected," "esteemed," or "weighty." It denotes Shechem's significant social standing and influence, which was crucial for convincing the men of his city to undergo circumcision.

Practical Application

This verse offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of impulsive decisions driven by intense desire.

  • Beware of Hasty Commitments: Shechem's immediate agreement, while born of genuine affection, was ultimately rash and led to catastrophic consequences. It reminds us to consider the full implications of our commitments, especially when emotions run high.
  • Understanding Influence: Shechem's "honourable" status allowed him to persuade others to accept a difficult proposition. This highlights the significant responsibility that comes with influence and authority, and how easily it can be misused or lead others into peril, even if unintentionally.
  • The Consequences of Deception: While Shechem was sincere, he became a victim of the deceitful scheme orchestrated by Jacob's sons. The entire chapter, including this verse, serves as a stark reminder of how vengeance and manipulation can lead to widespread suffering and tragic outcomes for all involved.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 4:9 (2 votes)

    And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

  • Isaiah 62:4 (1 votes)

    Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

  • Genesis 29:20 (1 votes)

    And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him [but] a few days, for the love he had to her.

  • Isaiah 23:8 (1 votes)

    Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning [city], whose merchants [are] princes, whose traffickers [are] the honourable of the earth?

  • Isaiah 23:9 (1 votes)

    The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.

  • Isaiah 5:13 (1 votes)

    Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because [they have] no knowledge: and their honourable men [are] famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.

  • Acts 17:12 (1 votes)

    Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.