Genesis 34:3

And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.

And his soul {H5315} clave {H1692} unto Dinah {H1783} the daughter {H1323} of Jacob {H3290}, and he loved {H157} the damsel {H5291}, and spake {H1696} kindly {H3820} unto the damsel {H5291}.

But actually he was strongly attracted to Dinah the daughter of Ya'akov; he fell in love with the girl and tried to win her affection.

And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young girl and spoke to her tenderly.

And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.

Commentary

Genesis 34:3 provides a complex insight into the immediate aftermath of Shechem's defilement of Dinah, Jacob's daughter. It describes his developing feelings and actions towards her post-event, attempting to frame a relationship.

Context

This verse immediately follows the traumatic event in Genesis 34:2 where Shechem, the prince of the Hivites, 'took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.' It's crucial to understand that verse 3 describes Shechem's disposition after this act of sexual violence, not a preceding romantic development. Dinah had gone out 'to see the daughters of the land' (Genesis 34:1), a seemingly innocent excursion that led to tragic consequences for Jacob's family honor and sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the chapter.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of Shechem's "Love": The text states his "soul clave unto Dinah" and "he loved the damsel." The Hebrew word for "clave" (dabaq) implies a strong, persistent attachment, often used in positive contexts like a man cleaving to his wife (Genesis 2:24). However, in this context, immediately following an act of sexual violence, it appears as a possessive desire rather than genuine, respectful love. His "kindly" words may have been an attempt to soothe, manipulate, or genuinely seek her affection after his initial violent act, highlighting the complex and often contradictory emotions that can follow a sinful act.
  • The Aftermath of Transgression: This verse highlights how a perpetrator might react to their own wrongdoing. Shechem's actions were clearly wrong, yet his subsequent feelings suggest a desire to legitimize or at least contain the damage of his deed. This contrasts sharply with the deep pain and dishonor felt by Dinah and her family, particularly Jacob and his sons, whose reaction dominates the rest of the chapter.
  • Seeking Reconciliation (or Control): Shechem's actions and declared affection here are a prelude to his family's attempt to negotiate a marriage with Jacob's family, hoping to cover the shame and integrate Dinah into their society. This demonstrates the cultural importance of marriage and family alliances in the Ancient Near East, even in the wake of severe wrongdoing, as a means to restore or establish order.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "his soul clave unto Dinah" uses the Hebrew verb dabaq (ื“ึธึผื‘ึทืง), meaning "to cling, stick, join, cleave." While it can denote a deep, loyal attachment, its use here immediately after an act of defilement suggests an intense, perhaps obsessive, desire to possess or retain Dinah, rather than a pure, selfless affection. The word "loved" ('ahab, ืึธื”ึทื‘) is broad, but its preceding context significantly colors its interpretation, indicating a desire that is rooted in self-interest rather than true devotion.

Practical Application

Genesis 34:3 serves as a stark reminder that even after egregious sin, individuals may experience complex emotions, including a desire to rectify or rationalize their actions. It underscores that true love is characterized by respect, honor, and selflessness, not by force or coercion. For believers, this passage highlights the devastating ripple effects of sin on individuals and families, emphasizing the importance of purity, integrity, and seeking God's will in relationships, rather than indulging in selfish desires that lead to destruction and dishonor. It also implicitly calls for understanding the pain of victims and the need for justice and healing, rather than merely accommodating the perpetrator's desires.

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Cross-References

  • Hosea 2:14 (3 votes)

    ยถ Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.

  • Isaiah 40:2 (3 votes)

    Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

  • 2 Samuel 19:7 (2 votes)

    Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.

  • Ruth 1:14 (2 votes)

    And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

  • 1 Samuel 18:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:22 (2 votes)

    And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the LORD: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers.