King James Version

What Does Genesis 34:26 Mean?

Genesis 34:26 in the King James Version says “And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out....” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out. edge: Heb. mouth”

Genesis 34:26 · KJV

Context

24

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.

25

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.

26

And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out. edge: Heb. mouth

27

The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.

28

They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field,

Read Genesis 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's ... 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 does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְאֶת1 of 14
H853

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

חֲמוֹר֙2 of 14

“Hamor”

H2544

chamor, a canaanite

וְאֶת3 of 14
H853

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

שְׁכֶ֣ם4 of 14
H7928

shekem, the name of a hivite and two israelites

בְּנ֔וֹ5 of 14

“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

הָֽרְג֖וּ6 of 14

“And they slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

לְפִי7 of 14

“with the edge”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

חָ֑רֶב8 of 14

“of the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וַיִּקְח֧וּ9 of 14

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת10 of 14
H853

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

דִּינָ֛ה11 of 14

“Dinah”

H1783

dinah, the daughter of jacob

מִבֵּ֥ית12 of 14

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

שְׁכֶ֖ם13 of 14
H7928

shekem, the name of a hivite and two israelites

וַיֵּצֵֽאוּ׃14 of 14

“and went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

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 34:26 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 34:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 31:8Deuteronomy 32:422 Samuel 2:26

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