Genesis 34:15

Verse

We will consent to this on one condition, that you become circumcised like us—every one of your males.

American Standard Version (1901)

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;

Douay-Rheims 1899

But in this we may be allied with you, if you will be like us, and all the male sex among you be circumcised:

Free Bible Version

We will only agree to it with this condition: all of you must be circumcised like us.

Geneva Bible 1599

But in this will we consent vnto you, if ye will be as we are, that euery man childe among you be circumcised:

King James (Authorized) Version

But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised;

One Unity Resource Bible

Only on this condition will we consent to you. If you will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised;

Translation for Translators

We will do that only if you do one thing: You must become like us by circumcising all the males that are among you.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Only on this condition will we agree with you: If you will become circumcised as we are, if every male among you is circumcised.

Noah Webster Bible

But in this will we consent to you: If ye will be as we are, that every male of you shall be circumcised;

World English Bible

Only on this condition will we consent to you. If you will be as we are, that every male of you be circumcised,

Young's Literal Translation

'Only for this we consent to you; if ye be as we, to have every male of you circumcised,

Context

The Revenge of Dinah’s Brothers

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.

Sermons

(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5

Chuck Smith

1.8K

Summary

In this verse, Jacob's sons respond deceptively to Shechem and his father Hamor, suggesting that they cannot give their sister Dinah to an uncircumcised man. This deceitful tactic is part of a larger plan to avenge the violation of Dinah by Shechem. The brothers use the requirement of circumcision as a means to weaken the men of the city, intending to take revenge for the dishonor brought upon their family. This verse illustrates the complex and sometimes morally ambiguous actions taken by individuals in the Old Testament, reflecting the consequences of sin and the imperfect nature of humanity.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

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 were, according to the command given to Abraham their great grandfather, Gen 17:10.