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Genesis 34:13

Genesis 34:13 in Multiple Translations

But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully.

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with guile, and spake, because he had defiled Dinah their sister,

But the sons of Jacob gave a false answer to Shechem and Hamor his father, because of what had been done to Dinah their sister.

Jacob's sons weren't honest when they answered him and his father Hamor because Shechem had violated their sister Dinah.

Then the sonnes of Iaakob answered Shechem and Hamor his father, talking deceitfully, because he had defiled Dinah their sister,

And the sons of Jacob answer Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and they speak (because he defiled Dinah their sister),

The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with deceit when they spoke, because he had defiled Dinah their sister,

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, (because he had defiled Dinah their sister,)

The sons of Jacob answered Sichem and his father deceitfully, being enraged at the deflowering of their sister:

But because Shechem had done a shameful thing to their sister Dinah, the sons of Jacob deceived Shechem and his father Hamor

But Jacob’s sons were still thinking about that bad thing that Shekem did to their sister Dinah. So they pretended to make an agreement with Shekem and Hamor, but really, they were tricking them.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 34:13

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 34:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּעֲנ֨וּ בְנֵֽי יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶת שְׁכֶ֨ם וְ/אֶת חֲמ֥וֹר אָבִ֛י/ו בְּ/מִרְמָ֖ה וַ/יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ אֲשֶׁ֣ר טִמֵּ֔א אֵ֖ת דִּינָ֥ה אֲחֹתָֽ/ם
וַ/יַּעֲנ֨וּ ʻânâh H6030 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp
יַעֲקֹ֜ב Yaʻăqôb H3290 Jacob N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
שְׁכֶ֨ם Shᵉkem H7927 Shechem N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
חֲמ֥וֹר Chămôwr H2544 Hamor N-proper
אָבִ֛י/ו ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
בְּ/מִרְמָ֖ה mirmâh H4820 deceit Prep | N-fs
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
טִמֵּ֔א ṭâmêʼ H2930 to defile V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֵ֖ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
דִּינָ֥ה Dîynâh H1783 Dinah N-proper
אֲחֹתָֽ/ם ʼâchôwth H269 sister N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 34:13

וַ/יַּעֲנ֨וּ ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
בְנֵֽי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יַעֲקֹ֜ב Yaʻăqôb H3290 "Jacob" N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁכֶ֨ם Shᵉkem H7927 "Shechem" N-proper
Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֲמ֥וֹר Chămôwr H2544 "Hamor" N-proper
Hamor was a Canaanite prince of Shechem, mentioned in Genesis 33:19, and the father of Shechem. His name means he-ass. He interacted with Jacob when he entered Palestine. Hamor is also referred to as Emmor.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; father of: Shechem (H7927H) Also named: Emmor (Ἐμμόρ "Hamor" G1697) § Hamor = "he-ass" the Hivite prince of the city of Shechem when Jacob entered Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Hamor. See also: Genesis 33:19; Genesis 34:18; Judges 9:28.
אָבִ֛י/ו ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
בְּ/מִרְמָ֖ה mirmâh H4820 "deceit" Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
טִמֵּ֔א ṭâmêʼ H2930 "to defile" V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
אֵ֖ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דִּינָ֥ה Dîynâh H1783 "Dinah" N-proper
Dinah was a daughter of Jacob and Leah, and her name means judgment. She is an important figure in the book of Genesis, and her story is told in chapter 34.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.21; daughter of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); sister of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485) and Zebulun (H2074); half-sister of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144) § Dinah = "judgment" daughter of Jacob by Leah, full sister of Simeon and Levi
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Dinah. See also: Genesis 30:21; Genesis 34:13; Genesis 46:15.
אֲחֹתָֽ/ם ʼâchôwth H269 "sister" N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.

Study Notes — Genesis 34:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 25:27–34 When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home. Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob. One day, while Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the field and was famished. He said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished.” (That is why he was also called Edom. ) “First sell me your birthright,” Jacob replied. “Look,” said Esau, “I am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?” “Swear to me first,” Jacob said. So Esau swore to Jacob and sold him the birthright. Then Jacob gave some bread and lentil stew to Esau, who ate and drank and then got up and went away. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
2 Isaiah 59:13 rebelling and denying the LORD, turning away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering lies from the heart.
3 Job 13:4 You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians.
4 Proverbs 26:24–26 A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
5 Job 13:7 Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him?
6 Proverbs 12:18–20 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.
7 Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
8 Matthew 28:13 and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’
9 Judges 15:3 Samson said to them, “This time I will be blameless in doing harm to the Philistines.”
10 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

Genesis 34:13 Summary

In this verse, Jacob's sons are very upset with Shechem because he hurt their sister Dinah, and they don't want him to marry her. They decide to answer him deceitfully, which means they don't tell him the truth. This shows how hurt and angry they are, but it also highlights the importance of responding to difficult situations in a way that honors God (as seen in Proverbs 10:32). We can learn from this verse that our responses should be guided by godly wisdom, rather than just our emotions. As Romans 12:19 reminds us, we should leave room for God's wrath and not take revenge into our own hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jacob's sons answer Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully?

Jacob's sons answered deceitfully because they were angry and hurt by Shechem's actions, as he had defiled their sister Dinah, and they wanted to protect their family's honor (Genesis 34:13, Genesis 31:31).

What motivated Shechem to want to marry Dinah despite his past actions?

Shechem's motivation to marry Dinah was likely driven by his love for her, as stated in Genesis 34:3, where it says he loved her and spoke kindly to her.

How does this verse relate to the concept of forgiveness and mercy?

This verse highlights the struggle between seeking justice and offering forgiveness, as seen in the actions of Jacob's sons, who chose to deceive Shechem rather than forgive him, whereas God's mercy and forgiveness are evident in passages like Psalm 103:12 and Matthew 6:14-15.

What can we learn from Jacob's sons' response to Shechem's request?

We can learn that our responses to situations should be guided by godly wisdom and a desire to honor God, rather than being driven by emotions or a desire for revenge, as seen in Proverbs 24:29 and Romans 12:19.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when someone has wronged me or a loved one, and what can I learn from Jacob's sons' actions in this situation?
  2. In what ways can I balance the need for justice with the call to forgive and show mercy, as seen in this verse and other biblical teachings?
  3. What role does deception play in this verse, and how can I avoid using deceit in my own interactions with others?
  4. How can I prioritize honoring God in my responses to difficult situations, even when my emotions are strong or I feel hurt?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:13

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor deceitfully,.... Proposing the marriage of their sister on terms after mentioned, when they never intended it should ever be: Onkelos, Jonathan, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:13

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister: The sons of Jacob answered ... deceitfully.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:13

Deceitfully; pretending and promising marriages with them upon that condition which they never intended.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:13

Genesis 34:13 And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:Ver. 13. Deceitfully, and said, Because he had, &c.] Therefore they thought they had reason to do as they did. Satan doth so bemist men, many times, that they think they have reason to be mad, and that there is some sense in sinning; when as, indeed, our only wisdom is to keep God’ s laws; all which are founded upon so good reason, that, had God never made them, yet it had been best for us to have practised them.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 34:13

(13, 14) And said . . . and they said.—These are two different verbs in the Hebrew, and should be translated and spake (because he had defiled Dinah their sister), and said. The intermediate words are parenthetical, and there is no reason for translating spake by plotted, laid a snare, as Gesenius and others have done.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 34:13

Verse 13. Answered - deceitfully] Which nothing could excuse; yet, to show that they had had much provocation, it is immediately subjoined וידברו vaidabberu, they spoke thus because he had defiled Dinah their sister; for so this parenthesis should be read.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 34:13

13. the sons of Jacob] In Genesis 34:13-18 we have the treacherous proposal, made by the sons of Jacob, by which they would be able to revenge themselves upon the Shechemites, and attack them, when they would be incapacitated for defence.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 34:13

13. Sons of Jacob answered — “Jacob had scarcely time to advance a reply; for his sons eagerly availed themselves of their share of the influence generally allowed to brothers in the matrimonial

Sermons on Genesis 34:13

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 25:19-26 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Rebecca and her struggle with barrenness. He highlights the struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, and the spirit
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 25:33-34 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and Esau from the Bible. He highlights how Esau, without valuing his birthright, easily gives it up to Jacob in exchange
Carter Conlon When the Enemy Comes in Like a Flood by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher begins by quoting Isaiah 59:14, where Isaiah laments the state of society, with judgment turned away and truth fallen in the street. The preacher then
Zac Poonen Driving Out the Money Changers by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the mind of Christ and being transformed to think like Him. It highlights the need for zeal for God's house, purity in the church, a
Norman Grubb Job, 1975 Part 1 by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Job and the conversations that take place within it. The speaker acknowledges that the book contains 41 chapters filled with vario
Theodore Epp Confidence in God, Not Man by Theodore Epp Theodore Epp emphasizes Job's unwavering confidence in God amidst his suffering, as Job refuses to let his friends dictate his faith or understanding of his situation. He asserts h
Thomas Watson The Evil Tongue by Thomas Watson Thomas Watson preaches about the destructive power of the evil tongue, describing it as a fire fueled by hell that corrupts the whole person. He delves into various aspects of the

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