And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out.

GENESIS 34:26KJV
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Genesis 34:26 (KJV)

What does Genesis 34:26 mean?

Genesis 34:26 describes how Simeon and Levi killed Hamor and his son Shechem with swords and rescued their sister Dinah from Shechem’s house before leaving. The verse reports the violent climax of their retaliation after Shechem had taken Dinah.

In this scene, Simeon and Levi, two of Jacob’s sons, act after their sister Dinah was wronged by Shechem, the son of Hamor. The verse highlights the direct and forceful way they responded, entering the city, killing both men, and taking Dinah back. This action is part of a larger narrative about family honor, vengeance, and the consequences of wrongdoing in ancient times.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 34:26

  • The word “edge” comes from פֶּה (peh), which literally means “mouth.” In Hebrew, “mouth of the sword” is a common phrase meaning the sharp edge or blade, emphasizing the lethal force used.
  • The verb “took” is לָקַח (laqach), which means to take, seize, or carry away. Here, it shows that Dinah was physically removed from Shechem’s house, not just invited or escorted out.
  • The word for “house” is בַּיִת (bayit), which can mean house or household. This clarifies that Dinah was being kept in Shechem’s family home, not just in the city.

Why Genesis 34:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Dinah was still in Shechem’s house at the time of the attack, showing she had not been returned to her family before Simeon and Levi acted.
  • The verse emphasizes the personal involvement of Simeon and Levi, setting them apart from the rest of Jacob’s sons and highlighting their particular responsibility in the event.
  • Genesis 34:26 is a turning point in the story, leading to later consequences for Jacob’s family and shaping the relationships among the tribes of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Dinah” Hebrew H1783 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 30:21 And afterwards she bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah.
  • Genesis 34:3 And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.
  • Genesis 34:13 And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:

“Hamor” Hebrew H2544 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 33:19 And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money.
  • Genesis 34:6 And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him.
  • Genesis 34:20 And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,

“Shechem” Hebrew H7927 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 12:6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
  • Joshua 20:7 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
  • Judges 9:31 And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.