Genesis 34:29 - and all their wealth. They took captive all their little ones and their wives, and took as plunder everything that was in the house.

Generated Verse: Genesis 34:29

What does "Genesis 34:29" mean?


This verse describes the aftermath of a violent act of revenge carried out by Simeon and Levi, the sons of Jacob, against the city of Shechem. Let's break it down:

"and all their wealth": This indicates that the attackers seized all of the material possessions belonging to the people of Shechem. This would include things like livestock, money, precious metals, and other valuable items.

"They took captive all their little ones and their wives": This is a particularly brutal detail. It signifies that the children and women of Shechem were taken as prisoners. In ancient times, captives could be enslaved, sold, or forced into marriage. This emphasizes the complete subjugation and exploitation of the Shechemites.

"and took as plunder everything that was in the house.": This reinforces the idea that no property or possessions were left untouched. "Plunder" refers to goods taken by force or in a raid. Everything of value within the houses of Shechem was stolen.

In Summary:

The verse depicts a total and devastating looting of the city of Shechem. Simeon and Levi not only took the material wealth of the city but also seized the most vulnerable members of the population, demonstrating their complete dominance and control through violence and cruelty.

Context is Important:

It's crucial to understand this verse within the larger context of Genesis 34. The events described are a response to the rape of Dinah, Jacob's daughter, by Shechem, the son of Hamor, the ruler of the city. Hamor and Shechem offered marriage and a peaceful merging of their people with Jacob's family. However, Simeon and Levi deceitfully agreed to the arrangement only on the condition that all the men of Shechem be circumcised. While the men of Shechem were recovering from the circumcision, Simeon and Levi attacked the defenseless city, killing all the men and taking everything described in this verse.

Ethical Considerations:

This passage raises significant ethical questions. While Simeon and Levi might have felt justified in their actions as revenge for Dinah's rape, their response was excessively violent and deceptive. The passage is often interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked anger, revenge, and the misuse of power. It highlights the complexities of moral decision-making in difficult situations.

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