Genesis 34:2
Genesis 34:2 in Multiple Translations
When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force.
And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.
And Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her; and he took her, and lay with her, and humbled her.
And when Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite who was the chief of that land, saw her, he took her by force and had connection with her.
Shechem, son of Hamor the Hivite, the ruler of that area, saw her. He grabbed hold of her and raped her.
Whome when Shechem the sonne of Hamor the Hiuite lorde of that countrey sawe, hee tooke her, and lay with her, and defiled her.
and Shechem, son of Hamor the Hivite, a prince of the land, seeth her, and taketh her, and lieth with her, and humbleth her;
Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her. He took her, lay with her, and humbled her.
And when Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.
And when Sichem the son of Hemor the Hevite, the prince of that land, saw her, he was in love with her: and took her away, and lay with her, ravishing the virgin.
Shechem, one of the sons of Hamor, the ruler of that area who was descended from the Hiv people-group, saw her. He wanted her. So he grabbed her and forced her to have sex [EUP] with him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 34:2
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 34:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֨רְא
אֹתָ֜/הּ
שְׁכֶ֧ם
בֶּן
חֲמ֛וֹר
הַֽ/חִוִּ֖י
נְשִׂ֣יא
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
וַ/יִּקַּ֥ח
אֹתָ֛/הּ
וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֥ב
אֹתָ֖/הּ
וַ/יְעַנֶּֽ/הָ
וַ/יַּ֨רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֜/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
שְׁכֶ֧ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
חֲמ֛וֹר
Chămôwr
H2544
Hamor
N-proper
הַֽ/חִוִּ֖י
Chivvîy
H2340
Hivite
Art | Ngmsa
נְשִׂ֣יא
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
N-ms
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
וַ/יִּקַּ֥ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֛/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֥ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וַ/יְעַנֶּֽ/הָ
ʻânâh
H6031
be occupied
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 34:2
וַ/יַּ֨רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֹתָ֜/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
שְׁכֶ֧ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
"Shechem"
N-proper
Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
חֲמ֛וֹר
Chămôwr
H2544
"Hamor"
N-proper
Hamor was a Canaanite prince of Shechem, mentioned in Genesis 33:19, and the father of Shechem. His name means he-ass. He interacted with Jacob when he entered Palestine. Hamor is also referred to as Emmor.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; father of: Shechem (H7927H) Also named: Emmor (Ἐμμόρ "Hamor" G1697) § Hamor = "he-ass" the Hivite prince of the city of Shechem when Jacob entered Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Hamor. See also: Genesis 33:19; Genesis 34:18; Judges 9:28.
הַֽ/חִוִּ֖י
Chivvîy
H2340
"Hivite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Hivite, a member of an ancient tribe in Palestine, descended from Canaan, mentioned in Genesis 10:17.
Definition: Someone descended from Hiv(?) of the Canaanites, first mentioned at Gen.10.17; descended from Canaan (H3667); along with Sidon (H6721), Heth (H2845), Jebusite (H2983), Amorite (H0567), Girgashite (H1622), Arkite (H6208), Sinite (H5513), Arvadite (H0721), Zemarite (H6786) and Hamathite (H2577) § Hivite = "villagers" 6th generation of descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham, who were living in northern Canaan near Mount Hermon at the time of the conquest
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: Hivite. See also: Genesis 10:17; Joshua 3:10; 2 Chronicles 8:7.
נְשִׂ֣יא
nâsîyʼ
H5387
"leader"
N-ms
This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וַ/יִּקַּ֥ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֹתָ֛/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֥ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
אֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
וַ/יְעַנֶּֽ/הָ
ʻânâh
H6031
"be occupied"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To afflict or oppress someone, making them feel low or depressed. In the Bible, it can also mean to humble oneself, as seen in Psalm 35:13. It involves being put down or becoming weak.
Definition: (Qal) to be occupied, be busied with
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), speak (by mistake for H6030 (עָנָה)), submit self, weaken, [idiom] in any wise. See also: Genesis 15:13; 2 Kings 17:20; Psalms 35:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 34:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Defiling of Dinah
1Now Dinah, the daughter Leah had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the daughters of the land.
2When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force.
3And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young girl and spoke to her tenderly. 4So Shechem told his father Hamor, “Get me this girl as a wife.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 5:28 | But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. |
| 2 | Job 31:1 | “I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin? |
| 3 | Job 31:9 | If my heart has been enticed by my neighbor’s wife, or I have lurked at his door, |
| 4 | Proverbs 13:20 | He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. |
| 5 | Judges 14:1 | One day Samson went down to Timnah, where he saw a young Philistine woman. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 21:14 | And if you are not pleased with her, you are to let her go wherever she wishes. But you must not sell her for money or treat her as a slave, since you have dishonored her. |
| 7 | Genesis 33:19 | And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver. |
| 8 | Genesis 39:6–7 | So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after some time his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph and said, “Sleep with me.” |
| 9 | Judges 19:24–25 | Look, let me bring out my virgin daughter and the man’s concubine, and you can use them and do with them as you wish. But do not do such a vile thing to this man.” But the men would not listen to him. So the Levite took his concubine and sent her outside to them, and they raped her and abused her throughout the night, and at dawn they let her go. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 22:10–11 | In you they have uncovered the nakedness of their fathers; in you they violate women during their menstrual impurity. One man commits an abomination with his neighbor’s wife; another wickedly defiles his daughter-in-law; and yet another violates his sister, his own father’s daughter. |
Genesis 34:2 Summary
This verse tells us about a man named Shechem who saw a woman named Dinah and forcefully took her, which is a very sad and wrong thing to do. The Bible teaches us to treat others with kindness and respect, as seen in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31, where Jesus instructs us to love our neighbors as ourselves. We should always remember that God cares about how we treat others and wants us to live in a way that honors Him, as taught in Colossians 3:8-10 and 1 Peter 1:15-16. By following God's commands and living with love and respect for others, we can create a safer and more loving community for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Shechem being the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region?
Shechem's position as a prince indicates that he was a person of power and influence, which may have contributed to his sense of entitlement to take Dinah by force, as seen in Genesis 34:2. This is also reminiscent of the warnings in 1 Peter 5:3 against leaders who lord their power over others.
Is this verse describing a romantic relationship or an assault?
The verse clearly states that Shechem 'took her and lay with her by force', indicating that this was an act of violence and not a consensual relationship, which is why it's essential to understand the gravity of his actions in the context of God's commands against harming others, as seen in Exodus 20:17 and Matthew 5:27-28.
How does this event relate to the broader theme of God's protection of His people?
Although this specific event involves harm to Dinah, the subsequent actions of her brothers and God's overall sovereignty demonstrate His ongoing care and protection for His people, as seen in Psalm 121:7-8 and Romans 8:28, where God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
What can we learn from Shechem's actions in this verse?
Shechem's actions serve as a warning against the dangers of unchecked lust and the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, as taught in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 and Ephesians 5:3-5, emphasizing the need for self-control and holy living.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I see injustice or harm inflicted on others, and what role can I play in providing support and protection?
- In what ways can I cultivate a heart of compassion and empathy towards those who have been victims of violence or assault, just as God cares for the oppressed and vulnerable?
- What are some practical ways I can apply the principles of respect, self-control, and holy living in my own relationships and interactions with others, especially in situations where I may be tempted to act selfishly or harmfully?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and protection when I or someone I know is facing harm or injustice, and what scriptures can I turn to for comfort and guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:2
And when Shechem the son of Hamor,.... From whom the city had its name, near which Jacob and his family now were: the Hivite, prince of the country; Hamor was an Hivite, which was one of the nations
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:2
And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. Though freed from foreign troubles, Jacob met with a great domestic calamity in the fall of his only recorded daughter.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:2
Genesis 34:2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.Ver. 2. Saw her, he look her, and lay with her.] Ut vidit, periit. By those windows of the eyes and ears, sin and death often enter: through them the devil throws balls of wild fire into the soul, and sets all into a combustion. Visus, colloquium, contactus, osculum, concubitus, do too oft one succeed another. See to the five senses, if ye would keep out the enemy. Shut up the five windows, if ye would have the house, the heart, full of light, saith the Arabian proverb. Joseph’ s mistress cast her eyes upon him; but when she laid hands on him, she was the more inflamed, and set agog, as it were. The viewing, touching, or familiar talking with a woman, either without necessary occasion, or then, without prayer for holy affection, is dangerous, saith a grave divine. Thou mayest not look intently upon what thou mayest not love. Democritus the philosopher pulled out his eyes, that he might not look upon forbidden beauties.
This was no part of his wisdom: but it shall be ours, by mortification, to pluck the wanton eye out of old Adam, and to set it sober into the new man: to get that occulum irretortum, that well-ordered eye, that Job had; that Joseph had; that Gregory Nazianzen had, who could σοφρονιζειντουςοφθαλμους, tutor his eyes; that Charles V, Emperor of Germany, had, who would shut the casements, when at any time he saw fair women afar off, or heard that such were to pass by his window It is not safe to pry into the beauty of a fair woman. Circe often used allusively. may enchant us, the cockatrice slay us with her sight. "Let her not take thee with her eyelids," saith Solomon; as larks, while they gaze in a glass, are taken in a hunter’ s net. Mars videt hanc, visamque cupit, potiturque cupita. - Ovid. Time Well Spent, by Ezek. Culverwel, p. 53. Saepe clausit fenestram, ne inspiceret formosiores foeminas, &c. - Par., Hist. Profan., p. 908. In Greek and Latin mythology the name of an enchantress who dwelt in the island of Aea, and transformed all who drank of her cup into swine.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 34:2
Verse 2. Prince of the country] i.e., Hamor was prince; Shechem was the son of the prince or chief. Our version appears to represent Shechem as prince, but his father was the chief of the country. See Genesis 34:6; Genesis 34:8, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 34:2
2. Hivite] See Genesis 10:17. The name of a Canaanite tribe. In Joshua 9:7 the Hivites are found in Gibeon; but, from Judges 3:3 and Joshua 11:3, their dwelling-place was traditionally connected with Lebanon. LXX has “Horite,” as in Joshua 9:7. “Hamor,” as the name of an animal, means “he-ass.” the prince] This word, in Heb. nasi, is used frequently by P, Genesis 17:20, Genesis 23:6, Genesis 25:16. Lat. princeps.
Sermons on Genesis 34:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 34:1-9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and how she was defiled by Sheikham, the son of Hamor. The preacher emphasizes the importance of u |
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(Poland) Jesus Loves Sinners by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares powerful testimonies of individuals who were living on the streets and trapped in addiction. Through the love of Jesus Christ, they experienced |
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Why Does the Holy Spirit Not Fill the Church by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the need for it in order to save humanity. He explains that God saw the moral corruption that had spread througho |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:1-1:8 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Daniel and its relevance to the end times. The book is divided into two parts: the first six chapters are historical and the last |
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To Live Is Christ, to Die Is Gain (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for more zeal and a fresh Bible study in the lives of believers. He describes a vision that the prophet Jeremiah had, where he saw |
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Freedom From Masterbation and Sensuality by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the need to flee from sin, particularly addressing the issue of justifying masturbation as not a sin. It highlights the importance of seeking biblical guidan |
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The Sinfulness of Acts and Thoughts of Impurity by W.F. Kumuyi | This sermon emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in the church and in individual lives. It highlights the need to cut off anything that leads to sin, even if it is as v |