Genesis 34:20 - Hamor and Shechem, his son, came to the gate of their city, and talked with the men of their city, saying,

Generated Verse: Genesis 34:20

What does "Genesis 34:20" mean?


Genesis 34:20 sets the stage for a deception and a violent act. Let's break down what it means:

"Hamor and Shechem, his son...": Hamor was the ruler of the land where Jacob and his family had settled. Shechem was his son, who had previously raped Jacob's daughter Dinah.
"...came to the gate of their city...": The city gate was the center of public life in ancient cities. It was where business was conducted, legal matters were decided, and important announcements were made. Coming to the gate meant they were addressing the entire community.
"...and talked with the men of their city, saying,": This indicates that Hamor and Shechem are about to present a proposal or argument to the male citizens of their city. The following verses will reveal the content of their speech, which is crucial for understanding their intentions and the subsequent events.

In essence, this verse is a setup. It shows Hamor and Shechem taking official action to persuade their community about something. It hints at an important negotiation or decision that will impact the relationship between the people of Shechem and Jacob's family.

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