King James Version

What Does Genesis 34:20 Mean?

Genesis 34:20 in the King James Version says “And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Genesis 34:20 · KJV

Context

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,

21

These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters.

22

Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.

Read Genesis 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their c... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיָּבֹ֥א1 of 12

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

חֲמ֛וֹר2 of 12

“And Hamor”

H2544

chamor, a canaanite

וּשְׁכֶ֥ם3 of 12
H7928

shekem, the name of a hivite and two israelites

בְּנ֖וֹ4 of 12

“his 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

אֶל5 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שַׁ֣עַר6 of 12

“unto the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

עִירָ֖ם7 of 12

“of their city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַֽיְדַבְּר֛וּ8 of 12

“and communed”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל9 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַנְשֵׁ֥י10 of 12

“with the men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

עִירָ֖ם11 of 12

“of their city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

לֵאמֹֽר׃12 of 12

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 34:20 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 34:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ruth 4:1Genesis 22:17Deuteronomy 17:5Zechariah 8:16Job 29:72 Samuel 15:2

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 34 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 34 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes