Genesis 34:3
Genesis 34:3 in Multiple Translations
And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young girl and spoke to her tenderly.
And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.
And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.
Then his heart went out in love to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and he said comforting words to her.
However, then he fell deeply in love with Dinah and tried to get her to love him too.
So his heart claue vnto Dinah the daughter of Iaakob: and he loued the maide, and spake kindely vnto the maide.
and his soul cleaveth to Dinah, daughter of Jacob, and he loveth the young person, and speaketh unto the heart of the young person.
His soul joined to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young lady, and spoke kindly to the young lady.
And his soul cleaved to Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spoke kindly to the damsel.
And his soul was fast knit unto her, and whereas she was sad, he comforted her with sweet words.
He [SYN] was very much attracted to her, and fell in love with her, and he tried to get her to love him.
Shekem fell in love with Dinah, and he thought that she was wonderful. So he talked to her and tried to get her to love him too.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 34:3
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 34:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּדְבַּ֣ק
נַפְשׁ֔/וֹ
בְּ/דִינָ֖ה
בַּֽת
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
וַ/יֶּֽאֱהַב֙
אֶת
הַֽ/נַּעֲרָ֔
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֖ר
עַל
לֵ֥ב
הַֽ/נַּעֲרָֽ
וַ/תִּדְבַּ֣ק
dâbaq
H1692
to cleave
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
נַפְשׁ֔/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
בְּ/דִינָ֖ה
Dîynâh
H1783
Dinah
Prep | N-proper
בַּֽת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
וַ/יֶּֽאֱהַב֙
ʼâhab
H157
to love
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַֽ/נַּעֲרָ֔
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
Art | N-fs
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
הַֽ/נַּעֲרָֽ
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 34:3
וַ/תִּדְבַּ֣ק
dâbaq
H1692
"to cleave"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.
נַפְשׁ֔/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
בְּ/דִינָ֖ה
Dîynâh
H1783
"Dinah"
Prep | 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.
בַּֽת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
יַעֲקֹ֑ב
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.
וַ/יֶּֽאֱהַב֙
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
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.
הַֽ/נַּעֲרָ֔
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
Art | N-fs
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
הַֽ/נַּעֲרָֽ
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
Art | N-fs
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 34:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 34:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 34:3
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 34:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 34:3
- Sermons on Genesis 34:3
Context — The Defiling of Dinah
1Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the daughters of the land.
2When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force.
3And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young girl and spoke to her tenderly.
4So Shechem told his father Hamor, “Get me this girl as a wife.” 5Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah, but since his sons were with his livestock in the field, he remained silent about it until they returned.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 2:14 | “Therefore, behold, I will allure her and lead her to the wilderness, and speak to her tenderly. |
| 2 | Isaiah 40:2 | “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.” |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 30:22 | And Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites who performed skillfully before the LORD. For seven days they ate their assigned portion, sacrificing fellowship offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers. |
| 4 | Ruth 1:14 | Again they wept aloud, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 19:7 | Now therefore get up! Go out and speak comfort to your servants, for I swear by the LORD that if you do not go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the adversity that has befallen you from your youth until now!” |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 18:1 | After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. |
Genesis 34:3 Summary
This verse shows that even though Shechem had done something very wrong to Dinah, he started to feel a strong attachment to her and wanted to make things right. He spoke kindly to her and wanted to marry her, but his actions were still not acceptable because they were based on his own desires rather than a genuine love and respect for Dinah. This reminds us that true love is not just about how we feel, but about how we treat others, as seen in 1 John 3:18, and that our words and actions should always be guided by a desire to honor and care for others, just like God loves and cares for us (John 3:16). As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves if our own actions and words are aligned with God's definition of love, and if there are areas where we need to repent and make amends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Shechem's feelings towards Dinah change after he had taken her by force?
The Bible does not provide a clear answer, but it may be that Shechem's actions were driven by a desire for power and control, and afterwards, he may have felt a sense of responsibility or attachment to Dinah, as seen in Genesis 34:3 where it says he loved her and spoke to her tenderly, similar to the way Jacob loved Rachel in Genesis 29:18.
Is it possible for someone to truly love another person after treating them wrongly?
The Bible teaches that true love is selfless and kind, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and it is possible for people to change and show genuine love and care for others, but it requires repentance and a willingness to make amends, as seen in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
How can we understand Shechem's statement that he loved Dinah when his actions were so hurtful?
It's possible that Shechem's idea of love was distorted, and he may have confused his desire for Dinah with true love, similar to the way King David's desire for Bathsheba led him to sin in 2 Samuel 11:2-5, and it's a reminder that our actions must align with God's definition of love, as seen in John 3:16 and 1 John 4:8.
What can we learn from Shechem's conversation with Dinah after his wrongdoing?
Shechem's tender words to Dinah in Genesis 34:3 may have been an attempt to manipulate or appease her, but it highlights the importance of speaking kindly and truthfully to others, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6, and the need to back up our words with actions that demonstrate genuine love and care.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that people may try to justify or downplay their hurtful actions towards others, and how can we respond in a way that promotes healing and restoration?
- How can we distinguish between genuine love and selfish desire, and what role does repentance play in repairing relationships that have been damaged by wrongdoing?
- In what ways can we show kindness and compassion to those who have been hurt or wronged, even if they are not expecting it or do not deserve it, and what does this reveal about God's character?
- What are some common myths or misconceptions about love and relationships that this verse helps to debunk, and how can we apply the biblical definition of love to our own relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:3
And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob,.... His inclination was to her, she was always in his thoughts; it was not a mere lustful desire that was suddenly raised, and soon over, but a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:3
And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. Though freed from foreign troubles, Jacob met with a great domestic calamity in the fall of his only recorded daughter.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:3
Perceiving her to be exceedingly enraged and perplexed at this horrid violence, he endeavours to appease and sweeten her, and to get her consent to marry him.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:3
Genesis 34:3 And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.Ver. 3. And his soul clave unto Dinah.] He kicked her not out of doors, as Amnon did Tamar, far sweeter to him in the ambition, than in the fruition; but to make amends, as they call it, by marriage, he seeks to go by the old rule in that case, Et doter, et ducat. Howbeit, marriage, God’ s ordinance, is not to be entered into through the devil’ s portal.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 34:3
Verse 3. Spake kindly unto the damsel.] Literally, he spake to the heart of the damsel - endeavoured to gain her affections, and to reconcile her to her disgrace. It appears sufficiently evident from this and the preceding verse that there had been no consent on the part of Dinah, that the whole was an act of violence, and that she was now detained by force in the house of Shechem. Here she was found when Simeon and Levi sacked the city, Genesis 34:26.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 34:3
3. his soul] i.e. his affections. Heb. nephesh. Cf. Genesis 12:13, Genesis 27:4. kindly, &c.] Heb. to the heart of the damsel. The same phrase, sometimes rendered “comfortably,” occurs in Genesis 50:21; 2 Samuel 19:7; Isaiah 40:2; Hosea 2:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 34:3
3. Spake kindly — Hebrews, spoke to the heart of the girl. He won her by tender words. She appears not to have been an unwilling party to the sin.
Sermons on Genesis 34:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Doors of Hope by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of the "door of hope" mentioned in the Bible. He begins by discussing the history of mankind as builders and the simplicity of a |
|
The Heart of God in the Wilderness by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the depth of God's love for humanity. He highlights the lack of revelation and vision in society, which lead |
|
Glimpses of the Future - Part 3 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into various prophetic glimpses from the book of Revelation and other biblical passages, highlighting the significance of young people in evangelism, the role of |
|
|
We Can't Escape the Hard Truths by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Acts chapter 5 emphasizes the importance of not deceiving God and the consequences of willful deception. It highlights the need to align our values with God's trut |
|
Learning From Losing by David Roper | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of people to look back and find direction from the way things have been done in the past. He mentions the theme song of the churc |
|
Knowing God's Ways - Part 7 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the cost of having a real ministry and the price one must pay for it. He mentions that true ministries are not found in God's bargain basemen |
|
Affection for Christ – Its Awakening, Decline, and Revival by C.A. Coates | C.A. Coates preaches about the importance of maintaining affection for Christ, emphasizing the need for the hidden spring of affections that satisfy Christ's heart above all else. |