Genesis 34:5

Genesis 34:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Jacob 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.

King James Version KJV

And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.

American Standard Version ASV

Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter; and his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they came.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now Jacob had word of what Shechem had done to his daughter; but his sons were in the fields with the cattle, and Jacob said nothing till they came.

Free Bible Version FBV

Jacob found out that Shechem had violated his daughter Dinah, but as his sons were away looking after the flocks in the fields he didn't say anything until they came home.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

(Nowe Iaakob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter, and his sonnes were with his cattell in the fielde: therefore Iaakob helde his peace, vntill they were come.)

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jacob hath heard that he hath defiled Dinah his daughter, and his sons were with his cattle in the field, and Jacob kept silent till their coming.

World English Bible WEB

Now Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah, his daughter; and his sons were with his livestock in the field. Jacob held his peace until they came.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter (now his sons were with his cattle in the field:) and Jacob held his peace till they had come.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But when Jacob had heard this, his sons being absent, and employed in feeding the cattle, he held his peace till they came back.

Translation for Translators T4T

Jacob very soon found out that his daughter Dinah had been disgraced/defiled. But his sons were in the fields with his livestock, so he did nothing about it until they returned home.

Plain English Version PEV

At that time, Jacob was in his camp, and Jacob’s sons were out in the grass lands looking after Jacob’s animals. Then somebody went and told Jacob that Shekem did that bad thing to his daughter Dinah. But Jacob didn’t say anything, because he wanted to wait for his sons to come home.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 34:5

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 34:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/יַעֲקֹ֣ב שָׁמַ֗ע כִּ֤י טִמֵּא֙ אֶת דִּינָ֣ה בִתּ֔/וֹ וּ/בָנָ֛י/ו הָי֥וּ אֶת מִקְנֵ֖/הוּ בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה וְ/הֶחֱרִ֥שׁ יַעֲקֹ֖ב עַד בֹּאָֽ/ם

וְ/יַעֲקֹ֣ב Yaʻăqôb H3290 Jacob Conj | N-proper

שָׁמַ֗ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-3ms

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj

טִמֵּא֙ ṭâmêʼ H2930 to defile V-Piel-Perf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

דִּינָ֣ה Dîynâh H1783 Dinah N-proper

בִתּ֔/וֹ bath H1323 Bath (Shua) N-fs | Suff

וּ/בָנָ֛י/ו bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp | Suff

הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אֶת ʼêth H854 with Prep

מִקְנֵ֖/הוּ miqneh H4735 livestock N-ms | Suff

בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה sâdeh H7704 field Prep | N-ms

וְ/הֶחֱרִ֥שׁ chârash H2790 to plow/plot Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

יַעֲקֹ֖ב Yaʻăqôb H3290 Jacob N-proper

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

בֹּאָֽ/ם bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 34:5

וְ/יַעֲקֹ֣ב Yaʻăqôb H3290 "Jacob" Conj | 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.

שָׁמַ֗ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

טִמֵּא֙ ṭâmêʼ H2930 "to defile" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.

Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled

Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.

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.

דִּינָ֣ה Dîynâh H1783 "Dinah" 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.

בִתּ֔/וֹ bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" N-fs | Suff

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.

וּ/בָנָ֛י/ו bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

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.

אֶת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep

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.

מִקְנֵ֖/הוּ 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.

בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֑ה sâdeh H7704 "field" Prep | N-ms

A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.

Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)

Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.

וְ/הֶחֱרִ֥שׁ chârash H2790 "to plow/plot" Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.

Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil

Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.

יַעֲקֹ֖ב 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.

Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

בֹּאָֽ/ם bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

Study Notes — Genesis 34:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 34:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:5
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:5
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 34:5
Sermons on Genesis 34:5

Context — The Defiling of Dinah

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.

6Meanwhile, Shechem’s father Hamor came to speak with Jacob. 7When Jacob’s sons heard what had happened, they returned from the field. They were filled with grief and fury, because Shechem had committed an outrage in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 13:22	And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad, because he hated Amnon for disgracing his sister Tamar.
2	Leviticus 10:3	Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.
3	1 Samuel 10:27	But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.
4	Luke 15:29	But he answered his father, ‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.
5	Luke 15:25	Meanwhile the older son was in the field, and as he approached the house, he heard music and dancing.
6	Genesis 37:13–14	Israel said to him, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flocks at Shechem? Get ready; I am sending you to them.” “I am ready,” Joseph replied. Then Israel told him, “Go now and see how your brothers and the flocks are faring, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. And when Joseph arrived in Shechem,
7	1 Samuel 16:11	And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.”
8	Genesis 30:35	That very day Laban removed all the streaked or spotted male goats and every speckled or spotted female goat—every one that had any white on it—and every dark-colored lamb, and he placed them under the care of his sons.
9	1 Samuel 17:15	but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep in Bethlehem.
10	Psalms 39:9	I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.

Genesis 34:5 Summary

[Genesis 34:5 tells us that Jacob heard about Shechem defiling his daughter Dinah, but he didn't say anything until his sons came back from the fields. This shows that Jacob wanted to make sure his whole family was together before deciding what to do, much like how families should work together and support each other, as seen in Ephesians 6:1-4. Jacob's patience and desire for a unified response are important lessons for us today, reminding us to seek wisdom and unity in our own families and communities, just as encouraged in Psalm 133:1.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jacob remain silent about Shechem defiling Dinah?

Jacob remained silent because his sons were away with the livestock and he was waiting for their return to discuss the situation, as seen in Genesis 34:5, a decision that would ultimately lead to a unified response from his family, much like the unity and counsel found in Proverbs 24:6.

What does it mean for Shechem to have 'defiled' Dinah?

In Genesis 34:5, Shechem defiling Dinah refers to the act of violating her sexually, which was a grave offense against her and her family, highlighting the importance of purity and respect as taught in Ephesians 5:3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7.

Why did Jacob not immediately confront Shechem or his father Hamor?

Jacob's decision to wait for his sons' return indicates he valued their input and a collective response, possibly to avoid escalating the situation without the support of his family, reflecting the wisdom of seeking counsel found in Proverbs 15:22.

How does Jacob's reaction here compare to other biblical fathers?

Jacob's patience and desire for a unified family response contrast with other reactions, such as Lot's attempt to negotiate with the men of Sodom in Genesis 19:6-8, showing different approaches to protecting family and resolving conflict, with Jacob's approach more aligned with the principles of wise and patient leadership found in 1 Timothy 3:4-5.

Reflection Questions

What are some situations in my life where I should remain silent and wait for the right moment to act, just like Jacob?
How do I balance the need for immediate action with the wisdom of waiting for the right time, especially in situations involving family or close relationships?
In what ways can I demonstrate patience and unity in my family or community, following Jacob's example of waiting for his sons to return before addressing the situation with Shechem?
What are some lessons from Jacob's decision-making process in this verse that I can apply to my own decision-making, especially in times of crisis or conflict?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:5

And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter,.... That is, that Shechem had defiled her; the report of this was brought him very probably by one of the maids which attended her to the city;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:5

And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come. Jacob held his peace.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:5

Being unable to punish the delinquent, and not knowing what to do, he waits for his sons’ coming and advice.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:5

Genesis 34:5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.Ver. 5. And Jacob heard.] To his very great grief and regret: for she was his only daughter; a damsel of not more than fifteen years of age. The Hebrews say she was afterwards given to Job in marriage; but that is not likely; for she is reckoned anong those that went down to Egypt. And Jacob held his peace.] He felt God’ s hand upon his back; he therefore lays his own hand upon his mouth. And herein he did better in "ruling his own spirit," than his sons did, that "took the city." "He sitteth alone, and is silent," saith the prophet of the afflicted person. So was Aaron; so was David; so was the Lord Christ, as a sheep dumb before the shearer. The Romans placed the image of their goddess Angeronia upon the altar of Volupia, with her mouth shut, and sealed up; to signify, saith Macrobius, that they that bridle their grief, and say nothing, shall, by their patience, soon attain to greatest pleasure. Patience in the soul, as the town clerk at Ephesus, sends away mutinous thoughts, as he did the many headed multitude; it quiets the boiling spirit, as Christ becalmed the raging sea, with ‘ "Peace," and "Be still"; it makes a David dumb - a dumb show, but a very good one; it says, Cedamus: leve fit, quod bene fertur onus. Macrob., lib. i., in Som. Scip .

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 34:5

(5) Jacob heard.—As Dinah did not return home (Genesis 34:26), her father probably learned her dishonour from the maidservants who had gone out with her. But “he held his peace,” chiefly from his usual cautiousness, as being no match for the Hivites, but partly because Leah’s sons had the right to be the upholders of their sister’s honour.

Sermons on Genesis 34:5

	Sermon	Description
	Cleansed by the Blood to Serve the Living God or Intercourse Through the Blood by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray emphasizes the transformative power of the blood of Christ, which not only sanctifies believers but also grants them the privilege of intimate fellowship with God. He
	Are You Distracted in Worship? by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson addresses the issue of mental distractions during worship, emphasizing that many come to church physically but are mentally and spiritually absent. He highlights Je
	A Son or a Slave by Ian Robson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of living as a son or daughter in God's house, rather than as a slave, focusing on the need to intend well in our hearts, serve with love, and
	What Wilt Thou Have Me to Do? by Smith Wigglesworth	Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the importance of yielding to God's will, as exemplified by Paul's question, 'What wilt thou have me to do?' He explains that true obedience opens the
	An Offered Life by Richard E. Bieber	Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of giving offerings to God willingly and with a grateful heart, emphasizing that true offerings are not investments seeking a return
	The Cause of This Discrepancy Between God's Gifts by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray addresses the believer's complaint about not receiving the fullness of God's blessings, emphasizing that the root cause lies in unbelief and a misunderstanding of God
	The Low Experience of Too Many of Us by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray addresses the spiritual dissatisfaction many believers experience, likening it to the elder son in the parable who, despite living with his father and having access t