Shechem
Shechem in the Bible — son of Hamor, the Hivite (GEN 33:19, GEN 34:2) who raped Dinah (GEN 34:2). Shechem belonged to the tribe of Hivite. Referenced in 5 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “part; portion; back early in the morning”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Hivite
- Scripture References
- 5 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 4 connections
Biography
Shechem was a male member of the Hivite tribe, known primarily as the son of Hamor, the Hivite. He is notably identified in Scripture for committing the grievous act of raping Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. This event marks a significant and troubling moment in the Genesis narrative.
Names & Titles
The name Shechem means "shoulder" and is a proper name mentioned in Genesis 34:2. It was not given by God but is simply the personal name of this individual.
Family
Shechem was the son of Hamor, the Hivite, establishing his family background within the Hivite tribe. He is recorded as the assailant of Dinah, and later became the victim of Simeon and Levi’s retribution, highlighting the familial and tribal tensions involved.
Significance
Shechem's actions against Dinah precipitated a severe response from her brothers, Simeon and Levi, which had lasting implications for the relations between Jacob's family and the Hivites. His role in the narrative underscores the consequences of sin and the defense of family honor within the biblical context. This incident illustrates the moral challenges faced by God’s people and sets the stage for divine justice and protection of the covenant community.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- שְׁכֶם
- Transliteration
- shəkhem
- Meaning
- shoulder
- Greek
- Συχεμ
- Reference
- GEN 34:2
- Strong's
- H7927
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shechem in the Bible?
Shechem was a male member of the Hivite tribe, known primarily as the son of Hamor, the Hivite. He is notably identified in Scripture for committing the grievous act of raping Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. This event marks a significant and troubling moment in the Genesis narrative.
What does the name Shechem mean?
The name Shechem means “part; portion; back early in the morning” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.