King James Version

What Does Genesis 34:9 Mean?

Genesis 34:9 in the King James Version says “And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.”

Genesis 34:9 · KJV

Context

7

And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done.

8

And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife.

9

And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.

10

And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein.

11

And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give.

Read Genesis 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.... 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 deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְהִֽתְחַתְּנ֖וּ1 of 9

“And make ye marriages”

H2859

to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage

אֹתָ֑נוּ2 of 9
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בְּנֹתֵ֖ינוּ3 of 9

“our daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

תִּתְּנוּ4 of 9

“with us and give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָ֔נוּ5 of 9
H0
וְאֶת6 of 9
H853

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

בְּנֹתֵ֖ינוּ7 of 9

“our daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

תִּקְח֥וּ8 of 9

“unto us and take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לָכֶֽם׃9 of 9
H0

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 34:9 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 34:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 7:3Genesis 27:46Genesis 24:3Genesis 6:2Genesis 26:34-35Genesis 19:14

Test Your Knowledge

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

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