Genesis 34:25

Translations

Modern

Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons (Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi) took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and slaughtered every male.

Traditional

And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.

Literal

And it came to pass on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword, and they came upon the city boldly and they killed every male.

Latin

Et ecce, die tertio, quando gravissimus vulnerum dolor est: arreptis duo filii Jacob, Simeon et Levi fratres Dinæ, gladiis, ingressi sunt urbem confidenter: interfectisque omnibus masculis,

Original

Hebrew

English

Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons (Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi) took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and slaughtered every male.

Notes

Genesis 34:25–29

When Simeon and Levi used circumcision (the sign of God’s covenant) to deceive and kill the Canaanite men, they showed disrespect for that sacred sign. Their killing of all the males and their looting of the city was not justice. It was harsh and excessive revenge.

They were angry and wanted to correct a wrong. But they should have asked for payment for the harm done (see Exodus 22:16–17; Deuteronomy 22:28–29). Instead, their violent anger led to the loss of their birthright blessing (the special family blessing given to the firstborn; Genesis 49:5–7).

Genesis 34:1–31

After Jacob and his family settled in the land, the Canaanites became a threat. This story warns the Israelites about the risk of being influenced by the Canaanites. Later, God commanded Israel not to marry or make deals with them because they were corrupt and would corrupt others. This chapter gives an implicit warning against adopting their lifestyle (34:1–2).

It also teaches Israel to maintain integrity and not misuse holy things for deceit or violence (34:13). Israel's reputation was at risk in the land (34:30). Because of their violent actions, Simeon and Levi did not receive the birthright blessing (49:5–7).

Theme notes and profiles

Jacob Circumcision Shechem Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Genesis 49:5–7
Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence.
Genesis 29:33–34
Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.” So she named him Simeon.
Joshua 5:8
And after all the nation had been circumcised, they stayed there in the camp until they were healed.
Numbers 31:17
So now, kill all the boys, as well as every woman who has had relations with a man,
Numbers 31:7
Then they waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male.
2 Chronicles 32:25
But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem.
Proverbs 4:16
For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall.
Joshua 5:6
For the Israelites had wandered in the wilderness forty years, until all the nation’s men of war who had come out of Egypt had died, since they did not obey the LORD. So the LORD vowed never to let them see the land He had sworn to their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey.
Proverbs 6:34–35
For jealousy enrages a husband, and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance.

People

Dinah: Daughter of Jacob and Leah Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Levi: Son of Jacob; progenitor of the Levites Simeon: Son of Jacob and Leah, one of the twelve tribes

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Circumcision Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Patriarchs, Period of the Shechem (Person) Simeon (Person) Tribe of Levi

Topics

Deception: Jacob's Sons, in Entrapping the Shechemites Dishonesty: Simeon and Levi Deceive the Shechemites Homicide: Felonious: Simeon and Levi Revenge by Simeon and Levi Revenge: Simon and Levi The Sword was Used by the Patriarchs Vengeance: Sons of Jacob on Hamor and Shechem

Genesis 34:25

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