Genesis 34:22
Genesis 34:22 in Multiple Translations
But only on this condition will the men agree to dwell with us and be one people: if all our men are circumcised as they are.
Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.
Only on this condition will the men consent unto us to dwell with us, to become one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.
But these men will make an agreement with us to go on living with us and to become one people, only on the condition that every male among us undergoes circumcision as they have done.
But they will only agree to this on one condition: they will only join us and become one family if every male among us is circumcised like they are.
Onely herein will the men consent vnto vs for to dwell with vs, and to be one people, if all the men children among vs be circumcised as they are circumcised.
'Only for this do the men consent to us, to dwell with us, to become one people, in every male of us being circumcised, as they are circumcised;
Only on this condition will the men consent to us to live with us, to become one people, if every male among us is circumcised, as they are circumcised.
Only herein, will the men consent to us to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us shall be circumcised, as they are circumcised.
One thing there is for which so great a good is deferred: We must circumcise every male among us, following the manner of the nation.
But these men will agree to live among us and become one people-group with us only if all our males are circumcised, as they are.
But first, there is one thing that we have to do. All of us men and boys in our mob, we have to have a young man operation, just like Jacob and his family. If we do that, then Jacob and his sons will agree to live with us, and their mob will join together with our mob, and we will become one tribe.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 34:22
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 34:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַךְ
בְּ֠/זֹאת
יֵאֹ֨תוּ
לָ֤/נוּ
הָ/אֲנָשִׁים֙
לָ/שֶׁ֣בֶת
אִתָּ֔/נוּ
לִ/הְי֖וֹת
לְ/עַ֣ם
אֶחָ֑ד
בְּ/הִמּ֥וֹל
לָ֨/נוּ֙
כָּל
זָכָ֔ר
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
הֵ֥ם
נִמֹּלִֽים
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
בְּ֠/זֹאת
zôʼth
H2063
this
Prep | Pron
יֵאֹ֨תוּ
ʼûwth
H225
to consent
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
לָ֤/נוּ
Prep | Suff
הָ/אֲנָשִׁים֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-mp
לָ/שֶׁ֣בֶת
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אִתָּ֔/נוּ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
לִ/הְי֖וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/עַ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-ms
אֶחָ֑ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
בְּ/הִמּ֥וֹל
mûwl
H4135
to circumcise
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
לָ֨/נוּ֙
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
זָכָ֔ר
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
הֵ֥ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
נִמֹּלִֽים
mûwl
H4135
to circumcise
V-Niphal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 34:22
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.
בְּ֠/זֹאת
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.
יֵאֹ֨תוּ
ʼûwth
H225
"to consent"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
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.
לָ֤/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
הָ/אֲנָשִׁים֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לָ/שֶׁ֣בֶת
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
אִתָּ֔/נוּ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
לִ/הְי֖וֹת
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
לְ/עַ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Prep | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֶחָ֑ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
בְּ/הִמּ֥וֹל
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.
לָ֨/נוּ֙
""
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.
זָכָ֔ר
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.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | 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.
הֵ֥ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
נִמֹּלִֽים
mûwl
H4135
"to circumcise"
V-Niphal
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.
Study Notes — Genesis 34:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Revenge of Dinah’s Brothers
20So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and addressed the men of their city:
21“These men are at peace with us. Let them live and trade in our land; indeed, it is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters in marriage and give our daughters to them.
22But only on this condition will the men agree to dwell with us and be one people: if all our men are circumcised as they are.
23Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.” 24All the men who went out of the city gate listened to Hamor and his son Shechem, and every male of the city was circumcised.Genesis 34:22 Summary
[Genesis 34:22 is saying that the men of Shechem's city want to live with Jacob's family and be one people, but only if all the men get circumcised like Jacob's family is. This shows that they want to be part of their community, but they have to be willing to make some changes to fit in. As Christians, we are part of God's family, and we are called to be one with each other, just like Jesus and the Father are one (John 17:21-23). We can learn from this verse that being part of a community requires some level of commitment and sacrifice, but it's worth it to have strong relationships and a sense of belonging.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the condition that the men of Shechem's city must fulfill to live with Jacob's family?
The men of Shechem's city must be circumcised as Jacob's family is, as stated in Genesis 34:22, in order to become one people with them and dwell together.
Is circumcision still a requirement for people to become part of God's family today?
No, according to Galatians 6:15 and Romans 2:25-29, circumcision is no longer a requirement for salvation or to be part of God's family; instead, it is faith in Jesus Christ that makes us part of God's family.
What can we learn from the way the men of Shechem's city agreed to be circumcised in order to marry Jacob's daughters?
We can learn that the men of Shechem's city were willing to make a significant sacrifice in order to form alliances and relationships with Jacob's family, but as seen in Genesis 34:25-31, their motives were not entirely pure, and we must be cautious in our own relationships and decisions, seeking God's wisdom and guidance as in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of unity and oneness in the Bible?
Genesis 34:22 shows that the men of Shechem's city wanted to become one people with Jacob's family, which is a picture of the unity that God desires for His people, as seen in John 17:21-23, where Jesus prayed that His disciples would be one, just as He and the Father are one.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my commitment to being part of God's family, just as the men of Shechem's city demonstrated their commitment through circumcision?
- How can I balance the desire for unity and oneness with others, while also being mindful of the potential risks and consequences, as seen in the story of Shechem and Jacob's family?
- In what ways can I seek to understand and respect the customs and traditions of others, while also being faithful to God's commands and principles, as seen in Genesis 34:22?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to 'fit in' or 'be one' with others, but may be compromising my values or faith in the process, and how can I seek God's guidance and wisdom in these situations?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:22
Only herein will the men consent unto us,.... The only term or condition insisted upon, to come into an alliance and affinity with us, and for to dwell with us, to be one people, to become one body
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:22
These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:22
Genesis 34:22 Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they [are] circumcised.Ver. 22. If every male among us be circumcised.]