King James Version

What Does Genesis 34:11 Mean?

Genesis 34:11 in the King James Version says “And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give.”

Genesis 34:11 · KJV

Grace

Context

9

And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.

10

And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein.

11

And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give.

12

Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife.

13

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye ... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
תֹּֽאמְר֛וּ1 of 13

“and what ye shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁכֶם֙2 of 13
H7928

shekem, the name of a hivite and two israelites

אֶל3 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָבִ֣יה4 of 13

“unto her father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאֶל5 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַחֶ֔יהָ6 of 13

“and unto her brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֶמְצָא7 of 13

“Let me find”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

חֵ֖ן8 of 13

“grace”

H2580

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

בְּעֵֽינֵיכֶ֑ם9 of 13

“in your eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תֹּֽאמְר֛וּ11 of 13

“and what ye shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֖י12 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶתֵּֽן׃13 of 13

“unto me I will give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 34:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 34:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 33:15Genesis 18:3

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