Genesis 34:8 - Hamor talked with them, saying, “The soul of my son, Shechem, longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife.
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What does "Genesis 34:8" mean?
This verse from Genesis 34:8 is part of a larger, disturbing narrative about the rape of Dinah. Let's break down what it means within that context:
Hamor talked with them: Hamor is the father of Shechem and a leader in the land where Jacob and his family have settled. He is attempting to negotiate with Jacob and his sons.
"The soul of my son, Shechem, longs for your daughter.": This is a euphemistic way of saying that Shechem is infatuated with Dinah. The phrase "soul longs" is meant to portray a deep desire, but it masks the fact that Shechem has already raped her (Genesis 34:2).
"Please give her to him as a wife.": This is the central request. Hamor is asking Jacob and his sons to allow Dinah to marry Shechem. This request is presented as a way to rectify the situation and establish peaceful relations between the two groups. However, given the circumstances of the rape, the request is fraught with complexities and moral questions. It could be interpreted as an attempt to legitimize a violent act and control Dinah's future.
In essence, Hamor is trying to smooth over the situation after his son's crime by offering marriage. However, his words downplay the violence and the violation that Dinah experienced.
Genesis 34:8 - Hamor talked with them, saying, “The soul of my son, Shechem, longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife.
What does "Genesis 34:8" mean?
This verse from Genesis 34:8 is part of a larger, disturbing narrative about the rape of Dinah. Let's break down what it means within that context:
Hamor talked with them: Hamor is the father of Shechem and a leader in the land where Jacob and his family have settled. He is attempting to negotiate with Jacob and his sons.
"The soul of my son, Shechem, longs for your daughter.": This is a euphemistic way of saying that Shechem is infatuated with Dinah. The phrase "soul longs" is meant to portray a deep desire, but it masks the fact that Shechem has already raped her (Genesis 34:2).
"Please give her to him as a wife.": This is the central request. Hamor is asking Jacob and his sons to allow Dinah to marry Shechem. This request is presented as a way to rectify the situation and establish peaceful relations between the two groups. However, given the circumstances of the rape, the request is fraught with complexities and moral questions. It could be interpreted as an attempt to legitimize a violent act and control Dinah's future.
In essence, Hamor is trying to smooth over the situation after his son's crime by offering marriage. However, his words downplay the violence and the violation that Dinah experienced.