Genesis 34:20
Genesis 34:20 in Multiple Translations
So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and addressed the men of their city:
¶ And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,
And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,
Then Hamor and Shechem, his son, went to the meeting-place of their town, and said to the men of the town,
Hamor and Shechem went to the town gate and spoke to the other leaders there.
Then Hamor and Shechem his Sonne went vnto the gate of their citie, and communed with the men of their citie, saying,
And Hamor cometh — Shechem his son also — unto the gate of their city, and they speak unto the men of their city, saying,
Hamor and Shechem, his son, came to the gate of their city, and talked with the men of their city, saying,
And Hamor and Shechem his son came to the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,
And going into the gate of the city they spoke to the people:
Shechem went with Hamor to the meeting place near the city gate, and they spoke to the city leaders, saying,
Hamor and his son Shekem, they went to the town gate, and they had a meeting with the other men that lived in that town. Hamor and Shekem said to those men,
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 34:20
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 34:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
חֲמ֛וֹר
וּ/שְׁכֶ֥ם
בְּנ֖/וֹ
אֶל
שַׁ֣עַר
עִירָ֑/ם
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֛וּ
אֶל
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
עִירָ֖/ם
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
חֲמ֛וֹר
Chămôwr
H2544
Hamor
N-proper
וּ/שְׁכֶ֥ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
Conj | N-proper
בְּנ֖/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שַׁ֣עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-ms
עִירָ֑/ם
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs | Suff
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֛וּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
עִירָ֖/ם
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs | Suff
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 34:20
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
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.
וּ/שְׁכֶ֥ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
"Shechem"
Conj | 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.
בְּנ֖/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
שַׁ֣עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
עִירָ֑/ם
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וַֽ/יְדַבְּר֛וּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
עִירָ֖/ם
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Genesis 34:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 34:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 34:20
- Sermons on Genesis 34:20
Context — The Revenge of Dinah’s Brothers
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.
20So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and addressed the men of their city:
21“These men are at peace with us. Let them live and trade in our land; indeed, it is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters in marriage and give our daughters to them. 22But only on this condition will the men agree to dwell with us and be one people: if all our men are circumcised as they are.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruth 4:1 | Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. |
| 2 | Proverbs 31:23 | Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land. |
| 3 | Amos 5:12 | For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate. |
| 4 | Genesis 23:10 | Now Ephron was sitting among the sons of Heth. So in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city, Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham, |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 17:5 | you must bring out to your gates the man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you must stone that person to death. |
| 6 | Genesis 22:17 | I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. |
| 7 | Amos 5:15 | Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.” |
| 8 | Zechariah 8:16 | These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates, |
| 9 | Amos 5:10 | There are those who hate the one who reproves in the gate and despise him who speaks with integrity. |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 15:2 | He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” |
Genesis 34:20 Summary
In Genesis 34:20, Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city to talk to the men of their city. They wanted to convince them to let the sons of Jacob live and trade in their land. This shows how they were trying to make a deal with the people of their city, but it ultimately led to trouble, as we see in the rest of the story. We can learn from this that it's essential to make decisions that please God, rather than trying to fit in with the world, as encouraged in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 5:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hamor and his son Shechem go to the gate of their city?
Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city to address the men of their city, as it was a place of gathering and decision-making, similar to the town square in other cultures, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:19 and Ruth 4:1-2.
What was the purpose of Hamor and Shechem's speech to the men of their city?
The purpose of their speech was to persuade the men of their city to agree to their proposal of allowing the sons of Jacob to live and trade in their land, as stated in Genesis 34:21-22, in exchange for the condition of circumcision.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Genesis 34?
This verse is a pivotal point in the story, as it shows Hamor and Shechem's attempt to negotiate with the men of their city, which ultimately leads to the tragic events that unfold in Genesis 34:25-31, highlighting the consequences of sin and deception, as warned in Proverbs 12:13 and 26:27.
What can we learn from Hamor and Shechem's actions in this verse?
We can learn that worldly compromise and a desire for wealth or power can lead to disastrous consequences, as seen in the story of Hamor and Shechem, and that it is essential to prioritize obedience to God's commands, as emphasized in Psalm 119:1-2 and Romans 12:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be compromising my faith or values to fit in with the world, and what are the potential consequences of such actions?
- How can I, like the men of Shechem's city, be influenced by the opinions and decisions of those around me, and what can I do to stand firm in my convictions?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of Genesis 34:20 to my own life, particularly in regards to making decisions that may have long-term consequences, and how can I seek wisdom from God in these situations, as encouraged in James 1:5-6?
- What are some modern-day 'gates of the city' where important decisions are made, and how can I, as a follower of Christ, be a voice of wisdom and righteousness in these settings, as exemplified in Proverbs 31:8-9?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:20
And Hamor and Shechem his son went unto the gate of their city,.... Where courts of judicature were held, and all public affairs respecting the common interest of the city were transacted: here, no
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:20
And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying, Hamor and Shechem ... came unto the gate of their city.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:20
The gate of their city, the place where all public affairs were debated and concluded. See Poole on ""; see Poole on "".
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:20
Genesis 34:20 And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,Ver. 20. And Hamor and Shechem, &c.] These great men easily persuaded and prevailed with the people to have what they would. Great need have we to pray for good governors. When Crispus believed, who was the chief ruler of the synagogue, many Corinthians believed also. Paul was loath to lose the deputy; because his conversion would draw on many others, is on the contrary, Jeroboam caused Israel to sin; and generally, as the kings were good or evil, so were the people; in which, as in a beast, the whole body follows the head.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 34:20
20. the gate of their city] The place for the transaction of public business: see note on Genesis 19:1, Genesis 23:10.
Sermons on Genesis 34:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Marriage Series #4 - Ruth & Boaz by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Ruth and its significance in the context of the spiritual state of the children of Israel during that time. The book portrays a c |
|
The Kinsman Redeemer by G.W. North | G.W. North explores the concept of the Kinsman Redeemer, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of redemption as presented in both the Old and New Testaments. He highlights that redem |
|
A Young Man's Attitude Towards Women by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the loss of innocence and beauty in our culture. He laments how the simple act of touching hands can no longer evoke a sense of awe and excite |
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(Through the Bible) Amos 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing to meet God, as everyone will ultimately stand before Him in judgment. The preacher describes a vision of all th |
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Danger of Defiance by Thaddeus Barnum | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the message of Amos, particularly in chapter 5 and verse 24. He emphasizes the importance of hating evil, loving good, and establishing just |
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That He Might Fill All Things - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of emptying oneself and allowing God to work in their lives. He uses the example of Joseph, who started off as a conceited you |
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The Melchizedek Priesthood (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how the preaching of the word of God defies analysis and critique. He mentions how scholars believe that Paul missed an opportunity in Athens |