And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done.

GENESIS 34:7KJV
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Genesis 34:7 (KJV)

What does Genesis 34:7 mean?

Genesis 34:7 describes how Jacob’s sons returned from the fields and became deeply upset and extremely angry when they heard that their sister had been violated. The verse emphasizes that what had happened to Jacob’s daughter was considered a disgraceful act in Israel, something that should never have been done.

The setting is after Shechem, a local man, had slept with Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, without marriage. When Jacob’s sons, who had been working in the fields, learned of this, they were not only saddened but also furious, feeling that a serious wrong had been committed against their family and community. The verse highlights the seriousness of the offense and the strong emotional response it provoked.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 34:7

  • "Grieved" (עָצַב, ‘atsav): This word often means to be deeply hurt or distressed, showing that Jacob’s sons felt more than just anger—they were emotionally wounded by what happened to their sister.
  • "Wroth" (חָרָה, charah): This word means to burn with anger, suggesting their reaction was intense and passionate, not just mild annoyance.
  • "Folly" (נְבָלָה, nevalah): This term refers to a disgraceful or outrageous act, especially one that violates community standards or moral boundaries. In this context, it shows that what happened was seen as a serious breach of what was acceptable in Israelite society.

Why Genesis 34:7 matters

  • The verse clarifies the strong sense of family honor and communal values in ancient Israel, showing why the sons’ reaction was so intense.
  • By calling the act "folly in Israel," the verse underlines that this was not just a personal offense but a violation of the community’s moral code.
  • This verse sets the stage for the actions Jacob’s sons will take in the following verses, helping the reader understand their motivations and the seriousness with which they viewed the situation.

Where else these words appear

“folly” Hebrew H5039 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 22:21 Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.
  • Judges 20:6 And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.
  • Job 42:8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

“grieved” Hebrew H6087 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 6:6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
  • 1 Kings 1:6 And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.
  • Psalms 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

“wroth” Hebrew H2734 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  • Deuteronomy 7:4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.