Genesis 34:31 - They said, “Should he deal with our sister as with a prostitute?”
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What does "Genesis 34:31" mean?
This verse from Genesis 34:31 expresses the outrage and indignation of Simeon and Levi, the brothers of Dinah, after she was raped by Shechem, the son of Hamor, a Hivite prince. Let's break down what it means:
"They said...": This refers to Simeon and Levi, Dinah's full brothers (sons of Jacob and Leah).
"Should he deal with our sister...": This is the core of the statement. The brothers are objecting to the way Dinah was treated.
"...as with a prostitute?": This is the key to understanding their anger. By comparing the treatment of Dinah to that of a prostitute, they are saying the following:
Lack of Respect/Value: Prostitutes in that time were often considered outcasts with very little social standing or value. Simeon and Levi feel that Dinah has been robbed of her dignity and treated as though she had no worth.
Illicit Sex/Lack of Commitment: Prostitution implies casual, non-committal sexual encounters. They are enraged that Shechem took Dinah against her will and did not treat her with the respect due a woman whom he might want to marry honorably. In that culture, sex outside of marriage was a serious violation of social and moral norms.
Temporary Gratification: The use of the prostitute comparison further suggests that the act was only for Shechem's momentary gratification, with no consideration for Dinah's feelings, her future, or her honor.
In essence, this verse encapsulates the brothers' extreme anger and sense of betrayal. They viewed Shechem's actions as a profound defilement and a massive insult to their family. They felt he had reduced Dinah to a mere object of sexual gratification and violated the sanctity of their familial bonds. This verse sets the stage for their subsequent vengeful actions.
It's important to note that interpretations of this passage can vary. Some commentators argue that the brothers' actions, including their deception and massacre of the Hivite men, were excessive and morally questionable. Others emphasize the cultural context and the brothers' perceived obligation to defend their family's honor.
Genesis 34:31 - They said, “Should he deal with our sister as with a prostitute?”
What does "Genesis 34:31" mean?
This verse from Genesis 34:31 expresses the outrage and indignation of Simeon and Levi, the brothers of Dinah, after she was raped by Shechem, the son of Hamor, a Hivite prince. Let's break down what it means:
"They said...": This refers to Simeon and Levi, Dinah's full brothers (sons of Jacob and Leah).
"Should he deal with our sister...": This is the core of the statement. The brothers are objecting to the way Dinah was treated.
"...as with a prostitute?": This is the key to understanding their anger. By comparing the treatment of Dinah to that of a prostitute, they are saying the following:
Lack of Respect/Value: Prostitutes in that time were often considered outcasts with very little social standing or value. Simeon and Levi feel that Dinah has been robbed of her dignity and treated as though she had no worth.
Illicit Sex/Lack of Commitment: Prostitution implies casual, non-committal sexual encounters. They are enraged that Shechem took Dinah against her will and did not treat her with the respect due a woman whom he might want to marry honorably. In that culture, sex outside of marriage was a serious violation of social and moral norms.
Temporary Gratification: The use of the prostitute comparison further suggests that the act was only for Shechem's momentary gratification, with no consideration for Dinah's feelings, her future, or her honor.
In essence, this verse encapsulates the brothers' extreme anger and sense of betrayal. They viewed Shechem's actions as a profound defilement and a massive insult to their family. They felt he had reduced Dinah to a mere object of sexual gratification and violated the sanctity of their familial bonds. This verse sets the stage for their subsequent vengeful actions.
It's important to note that interpretations of this passage can vary. Some commentators argue that the brothers' actions, including their deception and massacre of the Hivite men, were excessive and morally questionable. Others emphasize the cultural context and the brothers' perceived obligation to defend their family's honor.