Genesis 34:4
Genesis 34:4 in Multiple Translations
So Shechem told his father Hamor, “Get me this girl as a wife.”
And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.
And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.
And Shechem said to Hamor, his father, Get me this girl for my wife.
He went and asked his father, “Get this young girl for me so I can marry her.”
Then said Shechem to his father Hamor, saying, Get me this maide to wife.
And Shechem speaketh unto Hamor his father, saying, 'Take for me this damsel for a wife.'
Shechem spoke to his father, Hamor, saying, “Get me this young lady as a wife.”
And Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel for a wife.
And going to Hemor his father, he said: Get me this damsel to wife.
So Shechem said to his father Hamor, “Please get this girl for me. I want her to become my wife!”
Then Shekem talked to his father Hamor and said, “I want to marry that woman. Ask her father to give her to me, so that she can be my wife.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 34:4
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 34:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
שְׁכֶ֔ם
אֶל
חֲמ֥וֹר
אָבִ֖י/ו
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
קַֽח
לִ֛/י
אֶת
הַ/יַּלְדָּ֥ה
הַ/זֹּ֖את
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁכֶ֔ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
חֲמ֥וֹר
Chămôwr
H2544
Hamor
N-proper
אָבִ֖י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
קַֽח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לִ֛/י
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/יַּלְדָּ֥ה
yaldâh
H3207
maiden
Art | N-fs
הַ/זֹּ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 34:4
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
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.
שְׁכֶ֔ם
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.
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.
חֲמ֥וֹר
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.
אָבִ֖י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
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.
קַֽח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
לִ֛/י
""
Prep | Suff
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.
הַ/יַּלְדָּ֥ה
yaldâh
H3207
"maiden"
Art | N-fs
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young, unmarried woman, like a teenage girl, such as the maidens who danced in Psalm 68:25. It can also be translated as damsel or girl.
Definition: girl, damsel, marriageable girl
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: damsel, girl. See also: Genesis 34:4; Joel 4:3; Zechariah 8:5.
הַ/זֹּ֖את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 34:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Defiling of Dinah
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.”
5Jacob heard that Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah, but since his sons were with his livestock in the field, he remained silent about it until they returned. 6Meanwhile, Shechem’s father Hamor came to speak with Jacob.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 14:2 | So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 13:13 | Where could I ever take my shame? And you would be like one of the fools in Israel! Please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” |
| 3 | Genesis 21:21 | And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt. |
Genesis 34:4 Summary
In this verse, Shechem asks his father to arrange a marriage with Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, after he had already taken her by force. This shows that Shechem wanted to make things right, but he went about it in the wrong way. We can learn from this that our actions have consequences, and we should strive to treat others with love and respect, as seen in verses like 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Ephesians 4:32. By prioritizing kindness, empathy, and honesty, we can build stronger, healthier relationships with those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Shechem to ask his father to get Dinah as his wife?
Shechem's motivation was his love for Dinah, as seen in Genesis 34:3, where it says his soul was drawn to her and he loved the young girl and spoke to her tenderly. However, his initial actions were not loving, as he took her by force in Genesis 34:2.
Was Shechem's request to his father a common practice in those times?
In biblical times, it was common for parents to arrange marriages for their children, as seen in Genesis 24:1-4, where Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac. However, Shechem's situation was different, as he had already taken Dinah by force before asking his father to arrange the marriage.
How did Jacob respond to the news of Shechem's actions?
Jacob remained silent about the incident until his sons returned from the field, as seen in Genesis 34:5. This shows that Jacob was waiting for the right moment to address the situation, possibly to avoid escalating the conflict with the Hivites.
What can we learn from Shechem's actions in this verse?
Shechem's actions demonstrate the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, as taught in verses like Ephesians 5:33 and 1 Peter 3:7, which emphasize the value of loving and honoring one another.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I have wronged someone, and what steps can I take to make things right, just like Shechem tried to do, albeit in a flawed way?
- In what ways can I demonstrate love and respect towards those around me, especially in difficult or unexpected situations?
- What are some ways I can prioritize communication and honesty in my relationships, just like Shechem's conversation with his father, but with more integrity and respect?
- How can I balance my desires and actions with a commitment to doing what is right and just, especially when it comes to relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:4
And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor,.... And told him the whole affair, at least what a strong affection he had for Dinah: saying, get me this damsel to wife; by which he meant not only that he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 34:4
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 34:4
He desires both his father’ s consent and assistance herein.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 34:4
Genesis 34:4 And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife. Ver. 4: Get me this damsel to wife.] This is praise worthy in Shechem, as bad as he was, that he correcteth his base-born love, or lust rather, by seeking to make her his wife; not without consent of parents on both sides; which, in the Church of Rome, is ofttimes not regarded. Children are a principal part of their parents’ possessions, as Job’ s children were accounted by Satan; yea, a piece of themselves. "Have mercy upon me," that is, "upon my daughter". Fit it is, therefore, that they should by the parents be disposed of in marriage.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 34:4
4. Get me] The parents were accustomed to obtain a wife for their son: see Genesis 21:21, Genesis 24:3-4; Judges 14:2.