Genesis 34:4 (KJV)

What does Genesis 34:4 mean?

Genesis 34:4 describes Shechem asking his father Hamor to arrange for him to marry Dinah, whom he calls "this damsel." Shechem speaks directly to his father, expressing his desire to take Dinah as his wife after having already taken her into his house.

Shechem, the son of Hamor, is speaking to his father in the aftermath of his encounter with Dinah, Jacob's daughter. The verse shows Shechem's eagerness and insistence, as he tells Hamor to "get me this damsel to wife," making it clear he wants his father to negotiate the marriage. This moment sets up the negotiations and tensions that follow between Shechem's family and Jacob's family.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 34:4

• "Get" (לָקַח, laqach) is a common Hebrew word for "take" or "acquire," often used in the context of taking a wife, which highlights the transactional nature of marriage arrangements in that time.
• "Damsel" (יַלְדָּה, yalda) means a young girl, emphasizing Dinah's youth and perhaps her vulnerability in this situation.
• "Wife" (אִשָּׁה, ishah) is the standard Hebrew word for "woman" or "wife," showing that Shechem's request is for a formal, recognized marriage.

Why Genesis 34:4 matters

• This verse shows Shechem's strong desire for Dinah and his reliance on his father to secure the marriage, which was typical in ancient Near Eastern culture.
• The language used highlights the imbalance of power and the lack of Dinah's voice in the arrangement, which becomes important as the story unfolds.
• Genesis 34:4 sets the stage for the negotiations and the conflict that arise between the families, helping the reader understand the motivations and cultural expectations at play.