King James Version

What Does Genesis 34:2 Mean?

Genesis 34:2 in the King James Version says “And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. defiled: Heb. humbled her”

Genesis 34:2 · KJV

Context

1

And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land.

2

And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. defiled: Heb. humbled her

3

And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel. kindly: Heb. to the heart of the damsel

4

And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.

Read Genesis 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay w... 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 contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיַּ֨רְא1 of 13

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֹתָ֜הּ2 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁכֶ֧ם3 of 13
H7928

shekem, the name of a hivite and two israelites

בֶּן4 of 13

“the 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

חֲמ֛וֹר5 of 13

“of Hamor”

H2544

chamor, a canaanite

הַֽחִוִּ֖י6 of 13

“the Hivite”

H2340

a chivvite, one of the indigenous tribes of palestine

נְשִׂ֣יא7 of 13

“prince”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

הָאָ֑רֶץ8 of 13

“of the country”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיִּקַּ֥ח9 of 13

“her he took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֹתָ֛הּ10 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב11 of 13

“her and lay”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

אֹתָ֖הּ12 of 13
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וַיְעַנֶּֽהָ׃13 of 13

“with her and defiled her”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

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 34:2 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 34:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 5:28Job 31:1Proverbs 13:20Job 31:9Judges 14:1Genesis 10:17

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