Genesis 34:15
Genesis 34:15 in Multiple Translations
We will consent to this on one condition, that you become circumcised like us—every one of your males.
But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised;
Only on this condition will we consent unto you: if ye will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised;
But on this condition only will we come to an agreement with you: if every male among you becomes like us and undergoes circumcision;
We will only agree to it with this condition: all of you must be circumcised like us.
But in this will we consent vnto you, if ye will be as we are, that euery man childe among you be circumcised:
'Only for this we consent to you; if ye be as we, to have every male of you circumcised,
Only on this condition will we consent to you. If you will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised,
But in this will we consent to you: If ye will be as we are, that every male of you shall be circumcised;
But in this we may be allied with you, if you will be like us, and all the male sex among you be circumcised:
We will do that only if you do one thing: You must become like us by circumcising all the males that are among you.
So listen, we will make an agreement with you mob. You and all the men and boys in your mob, you have to have that young man operation. Then you will be like us.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 34:15
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 34:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַךְ
בְּ/זֹ֖את
נֵא֣וֹת
לָ/כֶ֑ם
אִ֚ם
תִּהְי֣וּ
כָמֹ֔/נוּ
לְ/הִמֹּ֥ל
לָ/כֶ֖ם
כָּל
זָכָֽר
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
בְּ/זֹ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Prep | Pron
נֵא֣וֹת
ʼûwth
H225
to consent
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cp
לָ/כֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
אִ֚ם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תִּהְי֣וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
כָמֹ֔/נוּ
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep | Suff
לְ/הִמֹּ֥ל
mûwl
H4135
to circumcise
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
לָ/כֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
זָכָֽר
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 34:15
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
בְּ/זֹ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Prep | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
נֵא֣וֹת
ʼûwth
H225
"to consent"
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cp
To consent means to agree or give permission, like when someone says yes to a proposal. In the Bible, it's used when people agree to follow God's commands, as seen in the book of Exodus.
Definition: (Niphal) to consent, agree
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: consent. See also: Genesis 34:15; Genesis 34:23; 2 Kings 12:9.
לָ/כֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
אִ֚ם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תִּהְי֣וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כָמֹ֔/נוּ
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep | Suff
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
לְ/הִמֹּ֥ל
mûwl
H4135
"to circumcise"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
Circumcision is the literal meaning of this word, but it can also imply destruction or cutting off. In Genesis 17:10, God commands Abraham to circumcise all males as a sign of covenant. It represents a physical and spiritual separation.
Definition: 1) to circumcise, let oneself be circumcised, cut, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to circumcise 1b) (Niphal) to be circumcised, circumcise oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be circumcised 1c1) of destruction (fig.) 1d) (Hithpolel) to be cut off 1e) (Polel) cut down
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: circumcise(-ing), selves), cut down (in pieces), destroy, [idiom] must needs. See also: Genesis 17:10; Leviticus 12:3; Psalms 58:8.
לָ/כֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
זָכָֽר
zâkâr
H2145
"male"
Adj
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
Study Notes — Genesis 34:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Revenge of Dinah’s Brothers
13But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully.
14“We cannot do such a thing,” they said. “To give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us.
15We will consent to this on one condition, that you become circumcised like us—every one of your males.
16Then we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We will dwell among you and become one people. 17But if you will not agree to be circumcised, then we will take our sister and go.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 4:12 | I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. |
Genesis 34:15 Summary
In Genesis 34:15, Jacob's sons tell Shechem and his father that they will agree to let Shechem marry their sister Dinah, but only if all the men in Shechem's city become circumcised like them. This is a sign of their covenant with God, as seen in Genesis 17:10-14. However, this request is not a genuine attempt at unity, but rather a deceitful tactic to get revenge for what Shechem did to their sister. This verse teaches us about the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships with others, and the need to extend grace and forgiveness rather than seeking revenge, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the condition that Jacob's sons give to Shechem and his father Hamor in Genesis 34:15?
The condition is that they must become circumcised like the Israelites, as stated in Genesis 34:15, which is a sign of their covenant with God, as seen in Genesis 17:10-14.
Why do Jacob's sons insist that Shechem and his males become circumcised?
Jacob's sons insist on this condition because they believe it is a disgrace to give their sister to an uncircumcised man, as stated in Genesis 34:14, and they want to ensure that Shechem and his people are committed to their customs and faith.
Is the request for circumcision in Genesis 34:15 a genuine attempt at unity or a deceitful tactic?
The request for circumcision appears to be a deceitful tactic, as Jacob's sons had already decided to deceive Shechem and his father, as seen in Genesis 34:13, and their ultimate goal is to avenge their sister's defilement.
How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant and community in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of covenant and community in the Bible, as seen in Genesis 17:10-14, where circumcision is a sign of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants, and in other verses such as Exodus 12:48, where circumcision is a requirement for participating in the Passover.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that we, like Jacob's sons, may try to impose our own conditions or expectations on others before we are willing to accept or forgive them?
- How can we balance the need to protect and care for our loved ones with the need to extend grace and forgiveness to those who have wronged us, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15?
- What does this verse reveal about the character and motivations of Jacob's sons, and what can we learn from their example about the dangers of deceit and revenge?
- In what ways can we, as followers of Jesus, work to build bridges of unity and understanding with those from different backgrounds or cultures, rather than trying to impose our own conditions or expectations on them, as seen in Ephesians 2:14-16?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:15
But in this will we consent unto you,.... Upon the following condition, that Dinah should be given in marriage: if ye will be as we [be], that every male of you be circumcised; as the sons of Jacob
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:15
And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:15
Genesis 34:15 But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we [be], that every male of you be circumcised;Ver. 15. That every male of you be circumcised.] Lo, herein was their deceit. How often is religion pretended, made a stale and stalking-horse to worldly and wicked aims and respects! A horrible profanation: as when Naboth was put to death at a fast; Henry VII, Emperor, poisoned in the sacramental bread, by a monk. Herod pretends to worship Christ; intends to worry him, &c. "From such stand off," saith St Paul; or, if ye come near them, "set a mark upon them". Foenum habet in cornu.
Sermons on Genesis 34:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Paul's Allegory of the Covenants by Peter Masters | This sermon delves into the allegory of the two covenants as explained by the Apostle Paul in Galatians. It contrasts the covenant of works, which relies on human effort and leads |