Genesis 34:14 - and said to them, “We can’t do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised; for that is a reproach to us.
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What does "Genesis 34:14" mean?
This verse from Genesis 34:14 expresses the justification given by Simeon and Levi (Jacob's sons) for deceiving the Hivite prince Shechem and his people. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"and said to them...": This refers to Simeon and Levi speaking to the Hivite men (specifically in response to Shechem's desire to marry their sister Dinah).
"We can’t do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised...": This is the crux of their argument. They are stating that it is unacceptable, "cannot do this thing," to allow their sister Dinah to marry someone who is not circumcised. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. It marked them as God's chosen people.
"...for that is a reproach to us.": This explains why they can't allow the marriage. They view marriage to an uncircumcised man as a "reproach," meaning it would bring shame, disgrace, or dishonor upon them and their family. To them, it would be a violation of their religious and cultural identity.
In simpler terms, the verse means:
"We cannot allow our sister to marry someone who isn't circumcised because it would be shameful and disrespectful to our family and our covenant with God."
Important Context:
Deception: This statement is made as part of a larger deceptive plan. Simeon and Levi actually intend to exploit this claim to trick all the Hivite men into getting circumcised, so they can then attack and kill them while they are vulnerable. Their motivation is revenge for Shechem's violation of Dinah.
Religious and Cultural Identity: Circumcision was more than just a physical act. It was deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs and their identity as a distinct people.
Moral Implications: While the verse presents a seemingly religious justification, the context reveals it is a manipulative and ultimately violent act. The brothers use religion as a pretext for their own vengeance.
In summary, the verse is a statement framed as a religious and cultural objection to justify a deceptive and violent plan. It highlights the importance of circumcision in the brothers' identity and their perception of intermarriage.
Genesis 34:14 - and said to them, “We can’t do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised; for that is a reproach to us.
What does "Genesis 34:14" mean?
This verse from Genesis 34:14 expresses the justification given by Simeon and Levi (Jacob's sons) for deceiving the Hivite prince Shechem and his people. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"and said to them...": This refers to Simeon and Levi speaking to the Hivite men (specifically in response to Shechem's desire to marry their sister Dinah).
"We can’t do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised...": This is the crux of their argument. They are stating that it is unacceptable, "cannot do this thing," to allow their sister Dinah to marry someone who is not circumcised. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. It marked them as God's chosen people.
"...for that is a reproach to us.": This explains why they can't allow the marriage. They view marriage to an uncircumcised man as a "reproach," meaning it would bring shame, disgrace, or dishonor upon them and their family. To them, it would be a violation of their religious and cultural identity.
In simpler terms, the verse means:
"We cannot allow our sister to marry someone who isn't circumcised because it would be shameful and disrespectful to our family and our covenant with God."
Important Context:
Deception: This statement is made as part of a larger deceptive plan. Simeon and Levi actually intend to exploit this claim to trick all the Hivite men into getting circumcised, so they can then attack and kill them while they are vulnerable. Their motivation is revenge for Shechem's violation of Dinah.
Religious and Cultural Identity: Circumcision was more than just a physical act. It was deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs and their identity as a distinct people.
Moral Implications: While the verse presents a seemingly religious justification, the context reveals it is a manipulative and ultimately violent act. The brothers use religion as a pretext for their own vengeance.
In summary, the verse is a statement framed as a religious and cultural objection to justify a deceptive and violent plan. It highlights the importance of circumcision in the brothers' identity and their perception of intermarriage.