And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein.

GENESIS 34:10KJV
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Genesis 34:10 (KJV)

What does Genesis 34:10 mean?

Genesis 34:10 records an invitation from the people of Shechem to Jacob and his family, offering them the chance to settle, trade, and acquire property in their land. The verse shows the Shechemites encouraging peaceful coexistence and economic opportunity for Jacob’s household after the incident involving Dinah.

In this scene, the leaders of Shechem are speaking to Jacob and his sons, trying to persuade them to stay in their territory. The offer comes as part of negotiations following the violation of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, by Shechem, the son of Hamor. The Shechemites are promising full access to the land, the freedom to live, do business, and gain wealth among them, hoping to resolve tensions and form closer ties.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 34:10

  • "dwell" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word means to settle down or reside. The Shechemites are not just offering temporary hospitality but a permanent place to live.
  • "land" (אֶרֶץ, erets): This refers to the territory or region. The phrase "the land shall be before you" suggests open access and acceptance, not just a small plot but the whole area.
  • "trade" (סָחַר, sachar): This word means to travel about as a merchant or to conduct business. The Shechemites are inviting Jacob’s family to participate fully in the local economy.
  • "possessions" (אָחַז, achaz): This means to acquire or take hold of property. The offer includes the right to own land and goods, not just to reside as outsiders.

Why Genesis 34:10 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the Shechemites are seeking to make amends and build a relationship with Jacob’s family, not just through words but by offering real economic and social integration.
  • Understanding the full meaning of "dwell," "trade," and "possessions" shows that this is a generous, open-handed offer, not a limited or grudging one.
  • This invitation sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, highlighting the contrast between the Shechemites’ proposal and the response of Jacob’s sons, which shapes the rest of the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“trade” Hebrew H5503 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 23:16 And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:14 Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
  • Jeremiah 14:18 If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

“possessions” Hebrew H270 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
  • 2 Samuel 4:10 When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:
  • Psalms 48:6 Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

“be” Hebrew H1961 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.