Genesis 34:20 (KJV)

What does Genesis 34:20 mean?

Genesis 34:20 describes how Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and spoke with the men who lived there. They were about to discuss something important with the city’s leaders and residents.

In the story, Hamor and Shechem are trying to persuade the other men of their city to agree to a proposal involving Jacob’s family, after Shechem’s actions toward Dinah. The city gate was the usual place for making public decisions and holding discussions among the elders and townspeople in ancient times, so this meeting signals a formal and communal decision-making process.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 34:20

• "Gate" (שַׁעַר, shaʿar): In ancient cities, the gate was not just an entrance but the main place for legal matters, business, and public meetings. This detail highlights that Hamor and Shechem are bringing their proposal to the whole community in an official way.
• "Communed" (דָּבַר, dabar): This word means to speak or discuss, often with the sense of deliberation or negotiation. It shows that Hamor and Shechem are not just making an announcement but are engaging in a conversation meant to persuade or negotiate with the men of the city.

Why Genesis 34:20 matters

• This verse sets up the next part of the story, where Hamor and Shechem try to convince the city’s men to accept circumcision in exchange for intermarriage and trade with Jacob’s family.
• The mention of the city gate emphasizes the public and communal nature of the decision, showing that what happens next involves the whole community, not just a private family matter.
• Understanding the setting at the city gate helps clarify the seriousness and formality of the discussion, which is key to the unfolding events and the consequences that follow.