Verse

Genesis 34:23

ESV Will not their livestock, their property and all their beasts be ours? Only let us agree with them, and they will dwell with us.”
NIV Won't their livestock, their property and all their other animals become ours? So let us agree to their terms, and they will settle among us.'
NASB Will their livestock and their property and all their animals not be ours? Let’s just consent to them, and they will live with us.'
CSB Won't their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let's agree with them, and they will live with us."
NLT But if we do this, all their livestock and possessions will eventually be ours. Come, let’s agree to their terms and let them settle here among us.'
KJV Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us.

What does Genesis 34:23 mean?

Once again, Hamor and Shechem appeal to prosperity as a reason for all the city's men to be circumcised (Genesis 34:20–22). Jacob's extraordinary wealth (Genesis 30:43) would be open to the town through trade and marriage, on this condition (Genesis 34:14–16). That, at least, is what Hamor and Shechem have been led to believe (Genesis 34:13). This stipulation is actually a trap. After Shechem raped Dinah (Genesis 34:1–3), her brothers have set up their revenge using trickery (Genesis 34:7–8).

It's noteworthy that the brutal assault on Dinah isn't mentioned in this sales pitch. Scripture is notoriously concise, so it's possible that the subject came up during this discussion. The first point the Bible records, however, is a statement that Jacob's clan is "at peace." In the context of all that's happened, it's likely that news of Shechem's crime has spread. That, in turn, would lead to concerns about retaliation. It's entirely possible this reference to peace is just as much a bit of fear-mongering: they're not at war with us, yet, but…
Expand
Expand
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app: