Verse

Genesis 34:22

ESV Only on this condition will the men agree to dwell with us to become one people — when every male among us is circumcised as they are circumcised.
NIV But the men will agree to live with us as one people only on the condition that our males be circumcised, as they themselves are.
NASB Only on this condition will the men consent to us to live with us, to become one people: that every male among us be circumcised just as they are circumcised.
CSB But the men will agree to live with us and be one people only on this condition: if all our men are circumcised as they are.
NLT But they will consider staying here and becoming one people with us only if all of our men are circumcised, just as they are.
KJV Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.
NKJV Only on this condition will the men consent to dwell with us, to be one people: if every male among us is circumcised as they are circumcised.

What does Genesis 34:22 mean?

Hamor and Shechem have gathered all the men at the gate of the city. Their purpose is to convince everyone to be circumcised. This was the condition given by the sons of Jacob (Genesis 34:14–16), when Shechem appealed for their sister, Dinah, to become his wife (Genesis 34:8–12). But this condition is a lie (Genesis 34:13). Shechem had brutally raped Dinah, and her brothers are intent on revenge (Genesis 34:1–7).

Part of the appeal is for prosperity. Jacob has come to this land with his massive fortune (Genesis 30:43). The idea of opening up trade and marriage with such a family would have been a strong temptation. It's been noted that Jacob's family are currently "at peace" (Genesis 34:21). Most likely, word of Shechem's crime had spread. The chance to avoid reprisals was probably something used to strengthen the case.

Now Hamor and Shechem describe the hard part: the only way for this to happen is if every man in the city is circumcised as they are. This ritual involves removing the foreskin from the penis. When done soon after birth, it's significantly less traumatic. Needless to say, it's painful and temporarily debilitating for adult males. This is an era before modern pain management and antibiotics. Jacob's sons are counting on that.
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