Genesis 34:27 (KJV)

What does Genesis 34:27 mean?

Genesis 34:27 describes how the sons of Jacob entered the city after its people had been killed and took everything from it, because the people there had violated their sister. The verse highlights their act of plundering the city as a direct response to what had been done to their family.

In this part of the story, Jacob’s sons are reacting to the assault on their sister Dinah by the men of Shechem. After Simeon and Levi killed the men of the city, the rest of Jacob’s sons came in, took goods and valuables, and treated the city as conquered. The verse shows the seriousness of their response and sets up further tension in the family and with the surrounding peoples.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 34:27

• "sons" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word refers specifically to the male children of Jacob, making it clear that the action was taken by the whole group of brothers, not just a few.
• "spoiled" (יָבֹזּוּ, yavoztu): This verb means to plunder or take as loot, emphasizing that the brothers did not just seek revenge but also took material gain from the city.
• "defiled" (טִמֵּא, timmē’): This word means to make unclean or violate, underlining the motive for the brothers' actions—they saw their sister Dinah’s treatment as a deep dishonor to their family.

Why Genesis 34:27 matters

• The verse clarifies that all the sons of Jacob, not just Simeon and Levi, were involved in the aftermath, showing a united family response.
• The use of "spoiled" shows the event was not only about revenge but also about taking possession, which adds a layer of complexity to their actions.
• This verse connects to the larger narrative by showing the consequences of Dinah’s defilement and setting up the strained relationships Jacob’s family would have with neighboring peoples.