And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife.

GENESIS 34:8KJV
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Genesis 34:8 (KJV)

What does Genesis 34:8 mean?

Genesis 34:8 records Hamor, the father of Shechem, speaking to Jacob and his sons. Hamor tells them that his son Shechem deeply desires their daughter (Dinah) and asks them to give her to Shechem as a wife.

In this scene, Hamor is negotiating with Dinah’s family after Shechem has taken Dinah. The verse shows Hamor’s attempt to make peace and arrange a marriage, emphasizing Shechem’s strong longing (“the soul of my son Shechem longeth”) for Dinah. This sets the stage for the ongoing conversation between the two families about what will happen next.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 34:8

  • The word translated “soul” is נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh), which often means a person’s inner being or deep desire. Here, it highlights how strongly Shechem wants to marry Dinah, not just a passing wish.
  • The word “longeth” is חָשַׁק (chashaq), which means to cling to, desire, or become attached. This word suggests a deep emotional attachment, not just physical attraction.
  • The word “give” is נָתַן (natan), which is a formal word for granting or bestowing. In ancient contexts, marriage arrangements were seen as something given or granted by the family, not just a private agreement.

Why Genesis 34:8 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Hamor is trying to resolve a tense situation by proposing marriage, rather than ignoring what happened to Dinah.
  • The use of strong words for desire and attachment shows that Shechem’s feelings are being presented as sincere, which is part of Hamor’s argument to persuade Dinah’s family.
  • This verse is key to understanding the negotiations and cultural expectations around marriage and family honor in the story, which will influence the dramatic events that follow.

Where else these words appear

“longeth” Hebrew H2836 · used in 11 verses

  • Exodus 27:17 All the pillars round about the court shall be filleted with silver; their hooks shall be of silver, and their sockets of brass.
  • Deuteronomy 7:7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
  • 1 Kings 9:19 And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

“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 34:24 And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.

“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.