King James Version

What Does Genesis 34:31 Mean?

Genesis 34:31 in the King James Version says “And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?”

Genesis 34:31 · KJV

Context

29

And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.

30

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.

31

And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?

Read Genesis 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?... 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. What theological truths about Dinah's Defilement emerge from this passage?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיֹּֽאמְר֑וּ1 of 5

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַכְזוֹנָ֕ה2 of 5

“as with an harlot”

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה3 of 5

“Should he deal”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת4 of 5
H853

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

אֲחוֹתֵֽנוּ׃5 of 5

“with our sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

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 34:31 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 34:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 6:34Genesis 34:13Genesis 49:7

Test Your Knowledge

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

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