Genesis 34:31
Genesis 34:31 in Multiple Translations
But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?”
And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with a harlot?
But they said, Were we to let him make use of our sister as a loose woman?
But they replied, “Should we have let him treat our sister like a prostitute?”
And they answered, Shoulde hee abuse our sister as a whore?
And they say, 'As a harlot doth he make our sister?'
They said, “Should he deal with our sister as with a prostitute?”
And they said, Should he deal with our sister, as with a harlot?
They answered: Should they abuse our sister as a strumpet?
But they replied, “◄Should we have allowed Shechem to treat our sister like a prostitute?/We could not just let Shechem treat our sister like a prostitute!►” [RHQ]
But Simeon and Levi said, “That man did a bad thing to our sister. He made her sleep with him, like a woman sleeps with her husband, and then he tried to pay us money for her. Somebody had to do payback to his mob.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 34:31
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 34:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֑וּ
הַ/כְ/זוֹנָ֕ה
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
אֶת
אֲחוֹתֵֽ/נוּ
וַ/יֹּאמְר֑וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/כְ/זוֹנָ֕ה
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
Part | Prep | V-Qal
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲחוֹתֵֽ/נוּ
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 34:31
וַ/יֹּאמְר֑וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
הַ/כְ/זוֹנָ֕ה
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
Part | Prep | V-Qal
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
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.
אֲחוֹתֵֽ/נוּ
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 34:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 34:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 34:31
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 34:31
- Sermons on Genesis 34:31
Context — The Revenge of Dinah’s Brothers
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
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:34 | For jealousy enrages a husband, and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance. |
| 2 | Genesis 34:13 | But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully. |
| 3 | Genesis 49:7 | 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. |
Genesis 34:31 Summary
[This verse shows that Simeon and Levi were very upset that Shechem had treated their sister Dinah like a prostitute, and they wanted to defend her honor. They were angry and hurt, and they wanted to make things right. But as we see in other parts of the Bible, like Romans 12:19, God calls us to trust in His justice and mercy, rather than taking revenge into our own hands. We can learn from Simeon and Levi's example the importance of defending and protecting our loved ones, but we must also seek to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in Psalm 37:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Simeon and Levi's response in Genesis 34:31?
Simeon and Levi's response in Genesis 34:31 is in reaction to Jacob's rebuke of their actions against the Shechemites, as seen in Genesis 34:30, and they are justifying their defense of their sister Dinah's honor, as Shechem had treated her like a prostitute.
How does this verse relate to the concept of justice and revenge in the Bible?
This verse highlights the theme of justice and revenge, as Simeon and Levi seek to avenge their sister's dishonor, but it also raises questions about the balance between justice and mercy, as seen in other verses like Romans 12:19 and Deuteronomy 32:35.
What does this verse reveal about the character of Simeon and Levi?
This verse shows that Simeon and Levi are fiercely protective of their family, particularly their sister Dinah, and are willing to take drastic action to defend her honor, but it also suggests a lack of self-control and impulsiveness, as seen in their violent response to Shechem's actions.
How can we apply the principles of this verse to our own lives?
We can learn from Simeon and Levi's example the importance of defending and protecting our loved ones, but we must also consider the wisdom of Proverbs 24:29, which cautions against taking revenge into our own hands, and instead seek to trust in God's justice and mercy, as seen in Psalm 37:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I feel the need to defend or protect someone, and how can I do so in a way that honors God?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with the need for mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate the same kind of loyalty and devotion to my family and loved ones that Simeon and Levi showed to their sister Dinah?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when I feel the need to take matters into my own hands, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:31
And they said,.... Simeon and Levi, in a very pert and unseemly manner: should he deal with our sister as with an harlot? make a whore of her, and then keep her in his house as such? is this to be borne with?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:31
And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot? Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot? The brothers were, by consuetudinary right, the guardians of the honour as well as the life of their sister (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:31
Shall we express no more resentment of this abominable abuse of our sister, than if she had been some common harlot, whose abuse no man either regardeth or revengeth? Thus they excuse one fault by committing another, and defend themselves by accusing their father of stupidity, and insensibleness of so great an indignity and injury.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:31
Genesis 34:31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?Ver. 31. Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?] Why, no: but should you therefore speak so boldly to your father, and deal so cruelly with your confederates; whom you first cheated into a covenant, and then basely butchered, when not able to help themselves? But anger is outrageous, and forethinks not what will follow hereafter, or becomes a man for present. Bridle it therefore. The word harlot is written with a great letter in the original æ, to show with what a courage they spake it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 34:31
Verse 31. Should he deal with our sister as with a harlot?] On this outrage alone they vindicated their flagitious conduct. The word harlot first occurs here: the original is not פילגש pilegesh, which we render concubine, (see its explanation Genesis 22:24), but זונה zonah, which ordinarily signifies one who prostitutes herself to any person for hire. Our word harlot is said to have been derived from a very odd circumstance: Robert, duke of Normandy, seeing a fine - looking country girl dancing with her companions on the green, took her to his bed. She was the daughter of a skinner, and her name was Arlotta; and of her William, surnamed The Conqueror, was born. Hence it is said all such women were from her called harlots, as William himself was usually termed the Bastard. But horelet, the diminutive of whore, is not a less likely derivation. SOLOMON has very properly said, My son, enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men; avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away, Proverbs 4:14-15. Had not Dinah gone out to see the daughters of the land, and very possibly at one of their idolatrous festivals, she had not suffered the foul disgrace mentioned in this chapter. Not only prudence dictates that young women should keep at home, but God expressly commands it, Titus 2:5.
Dinah got among idolaters, and thus partook of their iniquities; and this led to the most base and cruel transaction upon record. How true is the saying, Those who wander out of the way of understanding shall abide in the congregation of the dead! In the case before us blame seems to attach to all parties. 1. It was wrong in Jacob to suffer his daughter, alone and unprotected, to visit the daughters of the land. 2. It was excessively wicked in Shechem to take this advantage of the daughter of a respectable stranger, who had sought his friendship, and came to sojourn among his people, and whose righteous dealing they must have witnessed for at least seven years past. In his behalf we may say, and it would be unjust not to say it, that having done the mischief, and sinned deeply against the laws of hospitality, he wished to make all the reparation in his power; and therefore in the most frank and liberal manner he not only offered, but most pressingly entreated, permission to take Dinah to wife. This was the utmost he could do in such a case. And in this he is a saint of the first order when compared with the noble and ignoble profligates who, while blaspheming the Christian name by continuing to assume it, commit all kinds of breaches on the virtue of simple females, and the peace of respectable families, and not only make no reparation, but glory in their shame. 3.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 34:31
31. Should he deal] Simeon and Levi regard the incident as one in which the honour of the clan was involved, and as if they had only one course of action to follow with regard to Shechem and Hamor.
Sermons on Genesis 34:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 34:31 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the teachings of Romans 12 for Christians today. He explains that seeking revenge or taking vengeance goes again |
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(Genesis) Genesis 39:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights Joseph's commitment to serving God and maintaining a high moral standard, even in a land f |
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From the Death of Antigonus to the Finishing of the Temple by Herod by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the events from the death of Antigonus to the completion of the temple by Herod. Herod seizes Jerusalem, captures Antigonus, and punishes his enemies whil |
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Palestine for the Young - the Tribe of Levi by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy regarding the Tribe of Levi, highlighting their unique role as servants of God scattered throughout Israel. Unlike other |
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Homily 8 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the divine foreknowledge and prophetic order behind every detail, from the humble circumstances o |