Genesis 34:17
Genesis 34:17 in Multiple Translations
But if you will not agree to be circumcised, then we will take our sister and go.”
But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.
But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.
But if you will not undergo circumcision as we say, then we will take our daughter and go.
But if you don't agree with us that you should be circumcised, then we'll take our sister and leave.”
But if ye will not hearken vnto vs to be circumcised, then will we take our daughter and depart.
and if ye hearken not unto us to be circumcised, then we have taken our daughter, and have gone.'
But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our sister, and we will be gone.”
But if ye will not hearken to us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.
But if you will not be circumcised, we will take our daughter and depart:
But if you will not agree to being circumcised, we will take our sister and go back to our land.”
But if you will not agree to do what we say, if you will not do that young man operation on your boys and your men, then we will take our sister and we will leave this place.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 34:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 34:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
לֹ֧א
תִשְׁמְע֛וּ
אֵלֵ֖י/נוּ
לְ/הִמּ֑וֹל
וְ/לָקַ֥חְנוּ
אֶת
בִּתֵּ֖/נוּ
וְ/הָלָֽכְנוּ
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
לֹ֧א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִשְׁמְע֛וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
אֵלֵ֖י/נוּ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לְ/הִמּ֑וֹל
mûwl
H4135
to circumcise
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
וְ/לָקַ֥חְנוּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בִּתֵּ֖/נוּ
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs | Suff
וְ/הָלָֽכְנוּ
hâlak
H1980
to go
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 34:17
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֧א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִשְׁמְע֛וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֵלֵ֖י/נוּ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
לְ/הִמּ֑וֹל
mûwl
H4135
"to circumcise"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
Circumcision is the literal meaning of this word, but it can also imply destruction or cutting off. In Genesis 17:10, God commands Abraham to circumcise all males as a sign of covenant. It represents a physical and spiritual separation.
Definition: 1) to circumcise, let oneself be circumcised, cut, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to circumcise 1b) (Niphal) to be circumcised, circumcise oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be circumcised 1c1) of destruction (fig.) 1d) (Hithpolel) to be cut off 1e) (Polel) cut down
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: circumcise(-ing), selves), cut down (in pieces), destroy, [idiom] must needs. See also: Genesis 17:10; Leviticus 12:3; Psalms 58:8.
וְ/לָקַ֥חְנוּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בִּתֵּ֖/נוּ
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
וְ/הָלָֽכְנוּ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 34:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Revenge of Dinah’s Brothers
15We will consent to this on one condition, that you become circumcised like us—every one of your males.
16Then we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We will dwell among you and become one people.
17But if you will not agree to be circumcised, then we will take our sister and go.”
18Their offer seemed good to Hamor and his son Shechem. 19The young man, who was the most respected of all his father’s household, did not hesitate to fulfill this request, because he was delighted with Jacob’s daughter.Genesis 34:17 Summary
[Genesis 34:17 is a turning point in the story where the men of Shechem give Jacob's family an ultimatum: be circumcised and become one with us, or we will take Dinah and leave. This condition is significant because circumcision was a cultural and religious practice that symbolized belonging and identity. In simple terms, the men of Shechem are asking Jacob's family to conform to their customs in order to form an alliance, similar to how the Israelites were instructed to circumcise their males as a sign of God's covenant with them, as seen in Genesis 17:10-14. This verse teaches us about the importance of unity and community, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where the early Christian community comes together in love and fellowship.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the condition that the men of Shechem are asking of Jacob's family in Genesis 34:17?
The men of Shechem are asking that all the males of Jacob's family be circumcised, as stated in Genesis 34:15, in order to form an alliance and become one people, as mentioned in Genesis 34:16.
Why is circumcision so important to the men of Shechem?
Circumcision was a significant part of the culture and religion of the men of Shechem, and they saw it as a necessary step for Jacob's family to take in order to be fully accepted and integrated into their community, similar to how it was a covenant sign for the Israelites in Genesis 17:10-14.
What are the consequences if Jacob's family refuses to be circumcised according to Genesis 34:17?
If Jacob's family refuses to be circumcised, the men of Shechem will take Dinah, Jacob's daughter, and leave, as stated in Genesis 34:17, which would mean that the alliance and marriage between Shechem and Dinah would not be possible.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of covenant and community in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of covenant and community in the Bible, as seen in Genesis 17:1-14, where God establishes a covenant with Abraham, and in Acts 2:42-47, where the early Christian community comes together in unity and fellowship.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things that you are willing to 'give up' or change in order to be part of a community or group, and are they truly worth it?
- How do you think Jacob's family felt when they were presented with this condition, and what would you do if you were in their shoes?
- What are some ways that you can 'become one' with others, as the men of Shechem desired, without compromising your values or faith?
- In what ways can you show love and acceptance to those who may be different from you, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 22:37-40?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:17
But if ye will not hearken to us to be circumcised,.... Will not agree to this condition, circumcision: then will we take our daughter; by force, as the Targum of Jonathan adds: and we will be gone:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:17
And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us: No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:17
Genesis 34:17 But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.Ver. 17. But if ye will not hearken.] How often have men found treason in trust, and murder under show of marriage! as in 1 Samuel 18:17; 1 Samuel 18:25 Daniel 11:17, and in the massacre of Paris.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 34:17
Verse 17. Then will we take our daughter, and we will he gone.] It is natural to suppose that the tribe of Hamor was very inconsiderable, else they would not have sought an alliance with the family of Jacob, and have come so readily into a painful, disgraceful measure, without having either the sanction of Divine authority or reason; for it does not appear that the sons of Jacob urged either. And they are threatened here that if they do not agree to be circumcised, Dinah shall be taken from them, and restored to her family; and this is probably what the Shechemites saw they had not power at present to prevent.