King James Version
Genesis 34:22 in the King James Version says “Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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.”
Genesis 34:22 · KJV
And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,
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.
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.
Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us.
And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.
KJV Study — Public Domain
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“unto us for to dwell”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
“among us be circumcised”
H4135to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“if every male”
H2145properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“among us be circumcised”
H4135to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy
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.
Genesis 34:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.