Genesis 34:23
Genesis 34:23 in Multiple Translations
Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.”
Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us.
Shall not their cattle and their substance and all their beasts be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us.
Then will not their cattle and their goods and all their beasts be ours? so let us come to an agreement with them so that they may go on living with us.
If that happens, won't all their livestock and property—all their animals—end up belonging to us? We just have to agree to this and they will come and live among us.”
Shall not their flockes and their substance and all their cattell be ours? onely let vs consent herein vnto them, and they will dwell with vs.
their cattle, and their substance, and all their beasts — are they not ours? only let us consent to them, and they dwell with us.'
Won’t their livestock and their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let’s give our consent to them, and they will dwell with us.”
Will not their cattle, and their substance, and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent to them, and they will dwell with us.
And their substance, and cattle, and all that they possess, shall be ours: only in this let us condescend, and by dwelling together, we shall make one people.
But if we do that, just think! Their livestock and their possessions and their other animals will become ours [RHQ]! So we should agree to do what they suggest, and then they will live among us!”
Then all their animals will belong to us, and everything else that they own, it will belong to us too. We just have to agree to do what they say. We have to have that young man operation. Then they will live here with us.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 34:23
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 34:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִקְנֵ/הֶ֤ם
וְ/קִנְיָנָ/ם֙
וְ/כָל
בְּהֶמְתָּ֔/ם
הֲ/ל֥וֹא
לָ֖/נוּ
הֵ֑ם
אַ֚ךְ
נֵא֣וֹתָה
לָ/הֶ֔ם
וְ/יֵשְׁב֖וּ
אִתָּֽ/נוּ
מִקְנֵ/הֶ֤ם
miqneh
H4735
livestock
N-ms | Suff
וְ/קִנְיָנָ/ם֙
qinyân
H7075
acquisition
Conj | N-ms | Suff
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
בְּהֶמְתָּ֔/ם
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
N-fs | Suff
הֲ/ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
לָ֖/נוּ
Prep | Suff
הֵ֑ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
אַ֚ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
נֵא֣וֹתָה
ʼûwth
H225
to consent
V-Niphal-1cp
לָ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
וְ/יֵשְׁב֖וּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אִתָּֽ/נוּ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 34:23
מִקְנֵ/הֶ֤ם
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
N-ms | Suff
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
וְ/קִנְיָנָ/ם֙
qinyân
H7075
"acquisition"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to something acquired or purchased, including creatures, wealth, or property. It describes things gained through buying or obtaining, such as riches or goods.
Definition: 1) thing acquired, acquisition, possession, purchased property, wealth 1a) thing acquired (by purchase) 1b) creatures (more general)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: getting, goods, [idiom] with money, riches, substance. See also: Genesis 31:18; Psalms 104:24; Psalms 105:21.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | 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.
בְּהֶמְתָּ֔/ם
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
הֲ/ל֥וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
לָ֖/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
הֵ֑ם
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.
אַ֚ךְ
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.
נֵא֣וֹתָה
ʼûwth
H225
"to consent"
V-Niphal-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/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/יֵשְׁב֖וּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
אִתָּֽ/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.
Study Notes — Genesis 34:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 34:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 34:23
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 34:23
- Sermons on Genesis 34:23
Context — The Revenge of Dinah’s Brothers
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. 25Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons (Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi) took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and slaughtered every male.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 1:12–13 | let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. We will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder. |
| 2 | John 6:26–27 | Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.” |
| 3 | John 2:16 | To those selling doves He said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!” |
| 4 | Proverbs 28:20 | A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished. |
| 5 | Proverbs 23:4–5 | Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky. |
| 6 | 1 Timothy 6:6–10 | Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. |
| 7 | Acts 19:24–26 | It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen. Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity. And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in nearly the whole province of Asia, Paul has persuaded a great number of people to turn away. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. |
Genesis 34:23 Summary
Genesis 34:23 shows us that the men of Shechem were willing to do whatever it took to live among the Israelites and gain access to their possessions. They thought that if they agreed to be circumcised, they would get to keep all of the Israelites' livestock and possessions for themselves, as stated in the verse. However, this decision ultimately led to tragedy, as seen in Genesis 34:25. This teaches us that we should be careful what we agree to and make sure our motivations are pure, as encouraged in verses like Proverbs 10:9 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea of Genesis 34:23?
The main idea of Genesis 34:23 is that the men of Shechem believe that if they agree to the condition of circumcision, they will gain not only the right to live among the Israelites but also access to their possessions and livestock, as stated in Genesis 34:23, 'Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours?'
Why do the men of Shechem want to dwell among the Israelites?
The men of Shechem want to dwell among the Israelites because they see the potential benefits of being part of a larger community, including access to their possessions and livestock, as well as the opportunity to marry their daughters, as mentioned in Genesis 34:21.
What is the condition that the men of Shechem must agree to in order to dwell among the Israelites?
The condition that the men of Shechem must agree to is circumcision, as stated in Genesis 34:22, 'if all our men are circumcised as they are.'
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Genesis?
This verse is part of the story of Dinah and Shechem, which highlights the complexities of relationships between different cultures and the importance of faith and obedience to God, as seen in other stories in Genesis, such as the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which we might be tempted to compromise our values or faith in order to gain something we want, and how can we avoid making similar mistakes to the men of Shechem?
- How can we balance the desire to fit in with others with the need to remain faithful to God's laws and principles, as seen in verses like Romans 12:2?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of considering the long-term consequences of our actions, and how can we apply this principle to our own lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 27:12?
- In what ways can we prioritize our relationship with God and our commitment to His commands, even when it is difficult or unpopular, as seen in verses like Matthew 10:22?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:23
Shall not their cattle, and their substance, and every beast of theirs, [be] ours?.... Which would in course come into their families in process of time, by intermarrying with them, or, being more
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:23
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:23
Shall not their substance be ours? Either for our use and benefit in the way of commerce and trade; or because they will descend to the issue of our children as well as theirs; or because we being more numerous and potent than they, can easily overrule them, and when we think meet, dispose all things to our own advantage. Thus they cover their private design with the specious show of public good.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:23
Genesis 34:23 [Shall] not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs [be] ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us.Ver. 23. Shall not their cattle, &c.] Profit persuades mightily with the multitude. They all look to their own way; "Every one for his gain from his quarter". "Who will show us any good?" is Vox populi . And who begs not attention, or inoculates not his faithful endeavour into his friend’ s creed and belief, with a tale of gain!
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 34:23
Verse 23. Shall not their cattle and their substance - be ours? This was a bait held out for the poor unsuspecting people of Hamor by their prince and his son, who were not much less deceived than the people themselves.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 34:23
23. cattle … substance] It would be a good business transaction.
Sermons on Genesis 34:23
| Sermon | Description | |
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(John - Part 29): From That Time, Many of His Disciples Went Back - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a disturbing message that the Lord gave to the people. He tells them that they are not morally able to believe in Him and that they will peri |
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God Has a Plan for Trouble Times by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging God's faithfulness throughout generations and asks for the grace to deliver the message clearly. The sermon is based on Mark ch |
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Take Hold of Eternal Life (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of losing passion for seeking God and following Him. He emphasizes the importance of remembering the early days when there was a fer |
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Why People Stay With Christ by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly understanding what it means to be saved. He highlights that salvation is not just about making a profession of faith |
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Does This Offend You? by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how the preaching of the word of God can have different effects on people. It can either draw them closer to God or push them away. The preac |
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Now by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the contrast between the terrifying beast from the sea in chapter 13 and the glimpse of hope in chapter 14. The 14th chapter describes a lamb |
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Lake Geneva Bible Conference 1984-01 John 6:52 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying a passage in its context, particularly in the Bread of Life Discourse. He highlights two key themes to watch for i |