Question 1

What does Genesis 34:18 mean?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 34:18 says that the words spoken by Jacob’s sons were agreeable to Hamor and his son Shechem. The verse simply reports that Hamor and Shechem were satisfied with what was proposed to them. In the story, Jacob’s sons are negotiating with Hamor and Shechem after Shechem has asked to marry their sister Dinah. This verse marks the moment when Hamor and Shechem accept the terms set by Jacob’s sons, showing that they are willing to go along with the conditions for the marriage.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Genesis 34:18

Accepted Answer

The word “pleased” comes from יָטַב (yatav, H3190), which often means “to be good” or “to be pleasing.” Here, it suggests that Hamor and Shechem found the proposal favorable or acceptable. The phrase “pleased… in the eyes” uses עַיִן (ayin, H5869), meaning “eye.” In Hebrew, something being good “in the eyes” of someone is a common way to say it seemed right or agreeable to them. The word for “words” is דָּבָר (davar, H1697), which means “words” or “matters.” It refers to the proposal or terms Jacob’s sons had just set out.

Question 3

Why Genesis 34:18 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse shows that Hamor and Shechem are not just passively listening; they are actively pleased and ready to agree, which moves the story forward toward the agreement. The use of “in the eyes” highlights a Hebrew way of expressing approval, which helps readers understand how decisions and judgments were described in the Old Testament. Genesis 34:18 sets up the next events, where Hamor and Shechem will try to convince their own people to accept the same terms, making this a turning point in the negotiation.

Genesis 34:18 (KJV)