Genesis - 34:4



4 Shechem spoke to his father, Hamor, saying, "Get me this young lady as a wife."

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Genesis 34:4.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.
And going to Hemor his father, he said: Get me this damsel to wife.
And Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, Take me this girl as wife.
And Shechem speaketh unto Hamor his father, saying, 'Take for me this damsel for a wife.'
And Shechem said to Hamor, his father, Get me this girl for my wife.
And going on to Hamor, his father, he said, "Obtain this girl for me as a mate."
Et dixit Sechem ad Hamor patrem suum, dicendo, Cape mihi puellam hanc in uxorem.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

And Shechem said to his father Hamor. In this place it is more clearly expressed, that Shechem desired to have Dinah for his wife; for his lust was not so unbridled, that when he had defiled, he despised her. Besides, a laudable modesty is shown, since he pays deference to the will of his father; for he does not attempt to form a contract of marriage of his own mind, but leaves this to his father's authority. For though he had basely fallen through the precipitate ardor of lust; yet now returning to himself, he follows the guidance of nature. So much the more ought young men to take heed to themselves, lest in the slippery period of their age, the lusts of the flesh should impel them to many crimes. For, at this day, greater license everywhere prevails, so that no moderation restrains youths from shameful conduct. Since, however, Shechem, under the rule and direction of nature, desired his father to be the procurer of his marriage, we hence infer that the right which parents have over their children is inviolable; so that they who attempt to overthrow it, confound heaven and earth. Wherefore, since the Pope, in honor of marriage, has dared to break this sacred bond of nature; this fornicator Shechem alone, will prove a judge sufficient, and more than sufficient, to condemn that barbarous conduct.

And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, (b) Get me this damsel to wife.
(b) This proves that the consent of parents is required in marriage, seeing that even the infidels observed it as a necessary thing.

And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor,.... And told him the whole affair, at least what a strong affection he had for Dinah:
saying, get me this damsel to wife; by which he meant not only that he would give his consent that he might marry her, but that he would get her parents' consent unto it, and settle the matter with them; by which it appears how early, and that even among Heathen nations, consent of parents on both sides was judged necessary to marriage. It seems by this as if Dinah was now detained in the house of Hamor or Shechem, and was upon the spot, or near at hand, when Shechem addressed his father about her, see Genesis 34:26.

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