King James Version

What Does Genesis 34:18 Mean?

Genesis 34:18 in the King James Version says “And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son.”

Genesis 34:18 · KJV

Context

16

Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.

17

But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.

18

And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son.

19

And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.

20

And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,

Read Genesis 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son.... 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. What theological truths about Dinah's Defilement emerge from this passage?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיִּֽיטְב֥וּ1 of 8

“pleased”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

דִבְרֵיהֶ֖ם2 of 8

“And their words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בְּעֵינֵ֣י3 of 8
H5869

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

חֲמֽוֹר׃4 of 8

“Hamor”

H2544

chamor, a canaanite

וּבְעֵינֵ֖י5 of 8
H5869

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

שְׁכֶ֥ם6 of 8
H7928

shekem, the name of a hivite and two israelites

בֶּן7 of 8

“son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֲמֽוֹר׃8 of 8

“Hamor”

H2544

chamor, a canaanite

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 34:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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