Verse

Genesis 34:6

ESV And Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to speak with him.
NIV Then Shechem's father Hamor went out to talk with Jacob.
NASB Then Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to speak with him.
CSB Meanwhile, Shechem's father Hamor came to speak with Jacob.
NLT Hamor, Shechem’s father, came to discuss the matter with Jacob.
KJV And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him.

What does Genesis 34:6 mean?

The setup for this meeting is tragic. Shechem has brutally raped Jacob's daughter, Dinah (Genesis 34:1–2). Perversely, he then declares his love for her and demands his father, Hamor, arrange a marriage (Genesis 34:3–4). This is what brings Hamor to see Jacob. Though not stated here, his son has also come along (Genesis 34:11). Jacob, for his part, has already heard of what happened to his daughter, but has declined to act until his sons return from their work (Genesis 34:5). It's not clear if Hamor and Shechem realize that word of the assault has spread.

The following verse indicates Jacob's sons are furious. Even so, they will manage to hold their anger long enough to follow in their father's footsteps: by concocting a deceptive plot (Genesis 34:13). What they have in mind is not diplomacy, but bloody revenge.

Also noteworthy is that Dinah hasn't appeared in the story since being attacked. When her brothers attack the town, they will be said to bring her back from Shechem's house (Genesis 34:26). It's likely Shechem has her at his home when this meeting occurs.
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