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Genesis 34:30

Genesis 34:30 in Multiple Translations

Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.”

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me, to make me odious to the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and, I being few in number, they will gather themselves together against me and smite me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, You have made trouble for me and given me a bad name among the people of this country, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and because we are small in number they will come together against me and make war on me; and it will be the end of me and all my people.

But Jacob criticized Simeon and Levi, telling them, “You've just caused me a lot of trouble! You've made me like a bad smell among the people in this country, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites. I only have a few men, and if these people gather to attack me, I and my whole family will be wiped out.”

Then Iaakob said to Simeon and Leui, Ye haue troubled me, and made me stinke among the inhabitats of the land, aswell the Canaanites, as the Perizzites, and and I being few in nomber, they shall gather theselues together against me, and slay me, and so shall I, and my house be destroied.

And Jacob saith unto Simeon and unto Levi, 'Ye have troubled me, by causing me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanite, and among the Perizzite: and I [am] few in number, and they have been gathered against me, and have smitten me, and I have been destroyed, I and my house.'

Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have troubled me, to make me odious to the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites. I am few in number. They will gather themselves together against me and strike me, and I will be destroyed, I and my house.”

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me odious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites, and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they will assemble themselves against me, and slay me, and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.

And when they had boldly perpetrated these things, Jacob said to Simeon and Levi: You have troubled me, and made me hateful to the Chanaanites and Pherezites, the inhabitants of this land: we are few: they will gather themselves together and kill me; and both I, and my house, shall be destroyed.

Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have caused a lot of trouble for me! Now the Canaan people-group and the Perizzi people-group and everyone else who lives in this land will ◄hate me/say my name stinks►! I do not have many men to fight for us, so if they all gather together and come to me and attack us, they will destroy us and all our household!”

Then Jacob talked strongly to his sons Simeon and Levi. He said, “You made big trouble for me. You know about the other tribes that live in this land, the Canaan tribe and the Periz tribe. Well, now those tribes will hate us, because you finished up Shekem’s mob. And maybe those tribes will join together and attack us. My mob is small, so we will not be able to fight those big tribes, and then they will finish us up, me and my family.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 34:30

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 34:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶל שִׁמְע֣וֹן וְ/אֶל לֵוִי֮ עֲכַרְתֶּ֣ם אֹתִ/י֒ לְ/הַבְאִישֵׁ֨/נִי֙ בְּ/יֹשֵׁ֣ב הָ/אָ֔רֶץ בַּֽ/כְּנַעֲנִ֖י וּ/בַ/פְּרִזִּ֑י וַ/אֲנִי֙ מְתֵ֣י מִסְפָּ֔ר וְ/נֶאֶסְפ֤וּ עָלַ/י֙ וְ/הִכּ֔וּ/נִי וְ/נִשְׁמַדְתִּ֖י אֲנִ֥י וּ/בֵיתִֽ/י
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יַעֲקֹ֜ב Yaʻăqôb H3290 Jacob N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
שִׁמְע֣וֹן Shimʻôwn H8095 Shimeon N-proper
וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep
לֵוִי֮ Lêvîy H3878 Levi N-proper
עֲכַרְתֶּ֣ם ʻâkar H5916 to trouble V-Qal-Perf-2mp
אֹתִ/י֒ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
לְ/הַבְאִישֵׁ֨/נִי֙ bâʼash H887 to stink Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
בְּ/יֹשֵׁ֣ב yâshab H3427 to dwell Prep | V-Qal
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs
בַּֽ/כְּנַעֲנִ֖י Kᵉnaʻanîy H3669 Canaanitess Prep | Ngmsa
וּ/בַ/פְּרִזִּ֑י Pᵉrizzîy H6522 Perizzite Conj | Prep | Ngmsa
וַ/אֲנִי֙ ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron
מְתֵ֣י math H4962 man N-mp
מִסְפָּ֔ר miçpâr H4557 number N-ms
וְ/נֶאֶסְפ֤וּ ʼâçaph H622 to gather Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
עָלַ/י֙ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
וְ/הִכּ֔וּ/נִי nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
וְ/נִשְׁמַדְתִּ֖י shâmad H8045 to destroy Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
אֲנִ֥י ʼănîy H589 I Pron
וּ/בֵיתִֽ/י bayith H1004 place Conj | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 34:30

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
יַעֲקֹ֜ב Yaʻăqôb H3290 "Jacob" N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
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.
שִׁמְע֣וֹן Shimʻôwn H8095 "Shimeon" N-proper
Shimeon, also known as Simeon, was the second son of Jacob and the progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. He is also the name of an Israelite who had a foreign wife during the time of Ezra.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.31 § Simeon or Shimeon = "heard" 1) the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife Leah and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon 2) an Israelite of the sons of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Simeon. See also: Genesis 29:33; Numbers 26:12; Ezekiel 48:33.
וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | 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.
לֵוִי֮ Lêvîy H3878 "Levi" N-proper
Levi was a son of Jacob and Leah, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. He was a brother of Reuben, Simeon, and Judah, and the father of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi's name is significant in the tribe of Levi.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) § Levi = "joined to" the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: Levi. See also H3879 (לֵוִי), H3881 (לֵוִיִּי). See also: Genesis 29:34; Deuteronomy 27:12; Psalms 135:20.
עֲכַרְתֶּ֣ם ʻâkar H5916 "to trouble" V-Qal-Perf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to trouble or disturb, like stirring up water. It is used to describe causing problems or affliction, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to trouble, stir up, disturb, make (someone) taboo 1a) (Qal) to disturb, trouble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be disturbed, be stirred up 1b2) disturbance, calamity (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: trouble, stir. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Kings 18:18; Psalms 39:3.
אֹתִ/י֒ 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.
לְ/הַבְאִישֵׁ֨/נִי֙ bâʼash H887 "to stink" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to smell bad or stink, and can also mean to be morally offensive. It is used to describe something or someone that is disgusting or wicked.
Definition: 1) to have a bad smell, stink, smell bad 1a) (Qal) to stink, smell bad 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to become odious 1b2) to make oneself odious 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stink, emit a stinking odour 1c2) to cause to stink 1c3) of wickedness (fig.) 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself odious 2) (TWOT) to abhor
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (make to) be abhorred (had in abomination, loathsome, odious), (cause a, make to) stink(-ing savour), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Samuel 27:12; Psalms 38:6.
בְּ/יֹשֵׁ֣ב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Prep | V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ 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.
בַּֽ/כְּנַעֲנִ֖י Kᵉnaʻanîy H3669 "Canaanitess" Prep | Ngmsa
A Canaanitess was a woman from the land of Canaan, known for being merchants and traders. The term is used in the Bible to describe a woman who was a mother of one of the tribe of Benjamin, as seen in Genesis and other books.
Definition: Describing a woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.46.10; mother of: Shaul (H7586H) § a merchant, trader
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: Canaanite, merchant, trafficker. See also: Genesis 10:18; Joshua 11:3; Proverbs 31:24.
וּ/בַ/פְּרִזִּ֑י Pᵉrizzîy H6522 "Perizzite" Conj | Prep | Ngmsa
A Perizzite was a member of a Canaanite tribe, first mentioned in Genesis 13:7, that lived in southern Canaan before the conquest. They were one of the groups the Israelites encountered. The name likely means 'belonging to a village'.
Definition: Someone descended from Periz(?), first mentioned at Gen.13.7 § Perizzite = "belonging to a village" a people who inhabited southern Canaan prior to the conquest
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Perizzite. See also: Genesis 13:7; Joshua 9:1; Nehemiah 9:8.
וַ/אֲנִי֙ ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
מְתֵ֣י math H4962 "man" N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a grown man, as seen in Genesis 14:24 and Numbers 31:28. It can also mean a few men or a small group of people, depending on the context. The word is used to describe adult males in various biblical stories.
Definition: 1) male, man 1a) males, men 1b) few men (in prose) 1b1) less emphasis on sex 1c) men (poetic) 1c1) less emphasis on sex
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] few, [idiom] friends, men, persons, [idiom] small. See also: Genesis 34:30; Job 19:19; Psalms 17:14.
מִסְפָּ֔ר miçpâr H4557 "number" N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
וְ/נֶאֶסְפ֤וּ ʼâçaph H622 "to gather" Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
עָלַ/י֙ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וְ/הִכּ֔וּ/נִי nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
וְ/נִשְׁמַדְתִּ֖י shâmad H8045 "to destroy" Conj | V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word shâmad means to destroy or desolate something, used to describe annihilation or devastation. It is used in the Bible to describe the destruction of cities or nations, such as in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to destroy, exterminate, be destroyed, be exterminated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be annihilated, be exterminated 1a2) to be destroyed, be devastated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to annihilate, exterminate 1b2) to destroy Aramaic equivalent: she.mad (שְׁמַד "to destroy" H8046)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: destory(-uction), bring to nought, overthrow, perish, pluck down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 2 Samuel 22:38; Psalms 37:38.
אֲנִ֥י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
וּ/בֵיתִֽ/י bayith H1004 "place" Conj | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

Study Notes — Genesis 34:30

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — The Revenge of Dinah’s Brothers

28They took their flocks and herds and donkeys, and everything else in the city or in the field. 29They carried off all their possessions and women and children, and they plundered everything in their houses.

30Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.”

31But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?”

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 105:12 When they were few in number, few indeed, and strangers in the land,
2 Joshua 7:25 “Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies.
3 Exodus 5:21 “May the LORD look upon you and judge you,” the foremen said, “for you have made us a stench before Pharaoh and his officials; you have placed in their hand a sword to kill us!”
4 1 Samuel 13:4 And all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal.
5 Genesis 13:7 And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land.
6 Genesis 49:5–7 Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. May I never enter their council; may I never join their assembly. For they kill men in their anger, and hamstring oxen on a whim. Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.
7 1 Chronicles 16:19 When they were few in number, few indeed, and strangers in the land,
8 1 Samuel 27:12 So Achish trusted David, thinking, “Since he has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel, he will be my servant forever.”
9 Genesis 28:13–14 And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.
10 1 Chronicles 19:6 When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent a thousand talents of silver to hire for themselves chariots and horsemen from Aram-naharaim, Aram-maacah, and Zobah.

Genesis 34:30 Summary

[In this verse, Jacob is worried that the actions of his sons Simeon and Levi will get them into trouble with the people who live in the land, as seen in Genesis 34:30. He knows that they are outnumbered and that if the Canaanites and Perizzites decide to attack, they will not be able to defend themselves, similar to the situation in Deuteronomy 32:30. This verse reminds us to think about how our actions might affect those around us, and to try to be at peace with others, as taught in Romans 12:18. By considering the potential consequences of our decisions, we can seek to be a blessing to those around us, rather than a source of trouble.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jacob's concern in this verse?

Jacob is worried that the actions of Simeon and Levi will provoke the Canaanites and Perizzites to attack him and his household, as seen in Genesis 34:30, because they are few in number and cannot withstand an attack, similar to the concerns expressed in Deuteronomy 32:30.

Why does Jacob say they have become a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites?

Jacob says they have become a stench because the actions of Simeon and Levi in Genesis 34:30 have likely made the other nations in the area view them as a threat or a nuisance, much like the Israelites were viewed by the Egyptians in Exodus 8:24.

Is Jacob's concern about the safety of his household justified?

Yes, Jacob's concern is justified because the Bible teaches that the actions of a few can affect the entire community, as seen in Joshua 7:1-26, where one man's sin led to defeat in battle.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Genesis 34?

This verse is a turning point in the story, as Jacob's reaction to the actions of Simeon and Levi shows that he is aware of the potential consequences of their behavior, and it sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where the brothers justify their actions in Genesis 34:31.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that my actions, like those of Simeon and Levi, might be affecting my family or community?
  2. How can I, like Jacob, be mindful of the potential consequences of my actions on those around me?
  3. In what ways can I seek to be a peacemaker, rather than a source of trouble, as Jacob desires in Genesis 34:30?
  4. What can I learn from Jacob's example about the importance of considering the potential outcomes of my decisions?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:30

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi,.... who were the principals concerned in this affair: ye have troubled me; because of the sin they had committed, because of the dishonour brought upon religion,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:30

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:30

You have not only discomposed my mind, but perplexed my affairs, and brought me into such troubles and dangers as I am never likely to escape. You have made me odious to the inhabitants of the land, who will impute this perfidious and bloody fact to my contrivance. Few in number; Heb. men of number, i.e. few; for such can easily be numbered. So this phrase is used 33:6, opposite to which are men without number, . They shall slay me: he could expect no other in human reason, and they were hindered from so doing only by the hand of the great God smiting them with terror, .

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:30

Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I [being] few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.Ver. 30. Are have troubled me.] In mind and estate, and many such trouble houses and trouble towns there are abroad. All places are full of them, and so is hell too. There God will trouble them another while, as he did Achan, when he will show mercy to such Jacobs in whose families that is committed that they abhor. I being few in, number.] So the saints were ever a little flock, a poor few to the many; jewels, nothing so much in bulk as lumber; strangers, few, in respect of home dwellers; sons of God, few, to common subjects. When Christ "came to his own, his own received him not." He wondered at one good Nathanael, and set a "Behold" upon him, as a rare bird. Cum in animo tum in rationibus. - Jun.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 34:30

(30) Ye have troubled me.—Jacob’s timidity led him to think first of the danger that would result from the conduct of his sons, and only afterwards of the cruelty and treacherousness of their deed. He commented upon this on his dying bed in words of fitting reprobation, but his reproof now is singularly weak, and the retort of his sons just. If the danger were all, this could have no weight when a shameful wrong had been done; but in avenging this wrong they had committed a crime of a deeper dye

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 34:30

Verse 30. Ye have troubled me] Brought my mind into great distress, and endangered my personal safety; to make me to stink-to render me odious to the surrounding tribes, so that there is every reason to suspect that when this deed is come abroad they will join in a confederacy against me, and extirpate my whole family. And had he not been under the peculiar protection of God, this in all human probability would have been the case; but he had prevailed with God, and he was also to prevail with men. That Jacob's resentment was not dissembled we have the fullest proof in his depriving these two sons of the birthright, which otherwise they had doubtless enjoyed. See Genesis 49:5; Genesis 49:7, where some additional circumstances are related.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 34:30

30. And Jacob, &c.] This and the following verse continue the narrative of Gen 34:26. Jacob reproaches his two sons for the murder, on account of which the people of the land will be infuriated with Jacob and his house. Cf. Genesis 49:5-7. troubled] The same word used in the story of Achan (Joshua 6:18; Joshua 7:25; 1 Chronicles 2:7). Jacob’s rebuke turns, not so much upon the dastardly treachery and cruelty of his sons, as upon the evil effects it will produce, and upon the insecurity it will bring upon himself and his house. make me to stink] A common Heb. metaphor: cf. Exodus 5:21 (“make savour to be abhorred”); 1 Samuel 13:4 (“had in abomination”), Genesis 27:12 (“made … abhor”); 1 Chronicles 19:6 (“made … odious”). the Canaanites and the Perizzites] See note on Genesis 13:7. being few in number] Cf. 1 Chronicles 16:19.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 34:30

30. Jacob said to Simeon and Levi — His words of reproof partake here largely of worldly policy and prudence.

Sermons on Genesis 34:30

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 35 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob and the tragic events that took place in his life. Jacob, despite being a spiritual giant, was not prepared for the challe
John Hames Going Back to the Altar by John Hames John Hames preaches on the importance of returning to our spiritual 'Bethel' when we find ourselves straying away from God's path. Using Jacob's experience as an example, he highli
Carter Conlon Who Are the Meek and What Do They Inherit by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by Moses when he was sent by God to deliver the Israelites from the grip of Pharaoh. Despite coming with a message of fre
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 13:5-13 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of love and unity among believers. He shares a personal story about his uncle who never came to the Lord because of the figh
Zac Poonen (The Works of Faith) Wait for God to Act by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13. He highlights the strife between their servants and emphasizes the significance of the last sent
Zac Poonen Through the Bible - Genesis - Part 2 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham and highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God. He emphasizes that God watches every transaction and attitu
Devern Fromke Imperatives - Authority by Devern Fromke In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the 300 soldiers who fought alongside Gideon. He emphasizes that their discipline and way of life revealed their true char

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