King James Version
Genesis 34:23 in the King James Version says “Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they wi...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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.”
Genesis 34:23 · KJV
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.
And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Shall not their cattle”
H4735something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
“and their substance”
H7075creation, i.e., (concretely) creatures; also acquisition, purchase, wealth
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“and every beast”
H929properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“of theirs be ours only let us consent”
H225properly, to come, i.e., (implied) to assent
“unto them and they will 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
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 34:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Genesis 34:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge