New International VersionThen we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We’ll settle among you and become one people with you.
New Living Translationthen we will give you our daughters, and we’ll take your daughters for ourselves. We will live among you and become one people.
English Standard VersionThen we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to ourselves, and we will dwell with you and become one people.
Berean Standard BibleThen we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We will dwell among you and become one people.
King James BibleThen will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.
New King James Versionthen we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to us; and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.
New American Standard Biblethen we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters for ourselves, and we will live with you and become one people.
NASB 1995then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters for ourselves, and we will live with you and become one people.
NASB 1977then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters for ourselves, and we will live with you and become one people.
Legacy Standard Biblethen we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters for ourselves, and we will live with you and become one people.
Amplified Biblethen we will give our daughters to you [in marriage], and we will take your daughters for ourselves, and we will live with you and become one people.
Christian Standard BibleThen we will give you our daughters, take your daughters for ourselves, live with you, and become one people.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen we will give you our daughters, take your daughters for ourselves, live with you, and become one people.
American Standard Versionthen will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.
Contemporary English VersionThen your families can marry into ours, and ours can marry into yours, and we can live together like one nation.
English Revised Versionthen will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen we'll give our daughters to you and take yours for ourselves, and we'll live with you and become one people.
Good News TranslationThen we will agree to intermarriage. We will settle among you and become one people with you.
International Standard VersionThen we'll give our daughters to you and take your daughters for ourselves, live among you, and be as a united people.
NET BibleThen we will give you our daughters to marry, and we will take your daughters as wives for ourselves, and we will live among you and become one people.
New Heart English Biblethen will we give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to ourselves, and we will live among you and become one people.
Webster's Bible TranslationThen will we give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We will dwell among you and become one people.
World English Biblethen will we give our daughters to you; and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthen we have given our daughters to you, and we take your daughters for ourselves, and we have dwelt with you, and have become one people;
Young's Literal Translation then we have given our daughters to you, and your daughters we take to ourselves, and we have dwelt with you, and have become one people;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you and be one people. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen will we mutually give and take your daughters, and ours: and we will dwell with you, and will be one people:
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen we will mutually give and receive your daughters as well as ours; and we will live with you, and we will become one people.
New American BibleThen we will give you our daughters and take your daughters in marriage; we will settle among you and become one people.
New Revised Standard VersionThen we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters for ourselves, and we will live among you and become one people. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen we will give our daughters to you in marriage, and take your daughters to us in marriage, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedWe will give to you our daughters and your daughters we will take to us, and we will dwell with you and we will be one people. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd we will give our daughters to you, and we will take of your daughters for wives to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will be as one race.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Revenge of Dinah's Brothers… 15We will consent to this on one condition, that you become circumcised like us—every one of your males. 16Then we will giveyouour daughtersandtakeyour daughtersfor ourselves.We will dwellamong youand becomeonepeople.17But if you will not agree to be circumcised, then we will take our sister and go.”…
Cross References Exodus 34:15-16Do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you, and you will eat their sacrifices. / And when you take some of their daughters as brides for your sons, their daughters will prostitute themselves to their gods and cause your sons to do the same.
Deuteronomy 7:3-4Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, / because they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” ...
Joshua 23:12-13For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, / know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you.
Nehemiah 13:25-27I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves! / Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel—yet foreign women drew him into sin. / Must we now hear that you too are doing all this terrible evil and acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?”
1 Kings 11:1-2King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love.
Judges 3:5-6Thus the Israelites continued to live among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. / And they took the daughters of these people in marriage, gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
Ezra 9:1-2After these things had been accomplished, the leaders approached me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the surrounding peoples whose abominations are like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. / Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the people of the land. And the leaders and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!”
1 Corinthians 7:39A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. / I was not including the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. / But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
1 Peter 2:9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Leviticus 20:26You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own.
2 Corinthians 11:2I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
Romans 12:2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Ephesians 5:11Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
Treasury of Scripture Then will we give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. Jump to Previous DaughtersDwellDweltLiveOurselvesSettleWe'llJump to Next DaughtersDwellDweltLiveOurselvesSettleWe'llGenesis 34 1.Dinah is ravished by Shechem.4.He requests to marry her.13.The sons of Jacob offer the condition of circumcision to the Shechemites.20.Hamor and Shechem persuade them to accept it.25.The sons of Jacob upon that advantage slay them, and spoil their city.30.Jacob reproves Simeon and Levi.Then we will give you our daughtersThis phrase reflects the negotiation between Jacob's sons and the Shechemites following the defilement of Dinah. In ancient Near Eastern culture, marriages were often arranged to form alliances and secure peace between tribes or families. The offer to give daughters in marriage signifies a willingness to establish a covenant relationship, which was a common practice to ensure mutual benefit and protection. This proposal, however, is deceptive, as Jacob's sons have ulterior motives. and take your daughters for ourselves.
The reciprocal nature of this agreement suggests a merging of families and cultures, which was significant in ancient times for expanding influence and resources. However, this also posed a threat to the distinct identity and covenantal purity of Jacob's family, as intermarriage with pagan nations was discouraged (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). This reflects the ongoing tension in the biblical narrative between maintaining faithfulness to God's covenant and the temptation to assimilate with surrounding cultures. We will dwell among you
The promise to dwell among the Shechemites indicates a proposed integration into their society. In biblical terms, dwelling often implies a deeper relationship or presence, as seen in God's promise to dwell among His people (Exodus 29:45). This phrase foreshadows the potential loss of distinctiveness for Jacob's family, highlighting the importance of remaining separate from pagan influences to fulfill God's promises. and become one people.
Becoming "one people" suggests a complete unification, which would have significant implications for the identity and future of Jacob's descendants. This concept of unity contrasts with God's call for Israel to be a distinct nation set apart for His purposes (Leviticus 20:26). The proposal challenges the covenantal boundaries established by God, emphasizing the need for discernment and faithfulness in maintaining the integrity of God's chosen people. Persons / Places / Events 1. ShechemA city in the land of Canaan where the events of Genesis 34 take place. It is significant as a place of both promise and conflict in the biblical account. 2. DinahThe daughter of Jacob and Leah, whose defilement by Shechem, the son of Hamor, sets off the events of this chapter. 3. JacobThe patriarch of the Israelite tribes, father of Dinah, and a central figure in the unfolding events. 4. HamorThe father of Shechem, who seeks to arrange a marriage between his son and Dinah to resolve the conflict. 5. Simeon and LeviSons of Jacob and Leah, who take a leading role in the response to Dinah's defilement. Teaching Points The Danger of CompromiseThe proposal to intermarry and become "one people" highlights the risk of compromising faith and values for the sake of peace or advantage. Believers are called to maintain distinctiveness in their walk with God. The Consequences of DeceptionSimeon and Levi's deceitful plan, which involves using a sacred sign (circumcision) for personal vengeance, serves as a warning against using God's commands for manipulative purposes. The Importance of Justice and MercyWhile the desire for justice in response to Dinah's defilement is understandable, the violent actions of Simeon and Levi remind us of the need to balance justice with mercy and righteousness. Family and Community DynamicsThe events in Genesis 34 illustrate the complexities of family and community relationships, especially when dealing with conflict and wrongdoing. It calls for wisdom and discernment in leadership and decision-making. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 34:16?
2.How does Genesis 34:16 illustrate the importance of covenant in relationships?
3.What lessons on purity can be drawn from Genesis 34:16's context?
4.How does Genesis 34:16 connect to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17?
5.How can Genesis 34:16 guide us in making godly commitments today?
6.What does Genesis 34:16 teach about the consequences of compromising faith principles?
7.How does Genesis 34:16 align with God's covenant promises to Israel?
8.What cultural practices are reflected in Genesis 34:16?
9.How does Genesis 34:16 address intermarriage with non-Israelites?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 34?
11.What is the Bible's teaching on the Trinity?
12.What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons?
13.What are the answers to common Bible questions?
14.How historically plausible is it that the entire household of Jacob (Genesis 46:6-7) could migrate to Egypt with no mention of the logistical or political challenges involved?What Does Genesis 34:16 Mean Then we will give you our daughters• The sons of Jacob offer what sounds like a generous exchange—“our daughters” in marriage. Yet verse 13 clarifies they spoke “deceitfully” to Shechem and Hamor. • Scripture consistently cautions against giving covenant daughters to pagan households (seeGenesis 28:1–2;Exodus 34:15–16). The proposal therefore runs counter to the family’s previous resolve and signals how far the brothers are willing to go in their ruse. • The phrase hints at the sacred trust placed on parents to guard their offspring’s spiritual future (compare1 Corinthians 7:14). Handing daughters to Canaanites would jeopardize that heritage.
and take your daughters for ourselves• The reciprocal clause makes the bargain appear fair: Jacob’s household would marry into Shechem’s and vice-versa. •Deuteronomy 7:3–4 later forbids exactly this kind of intermarriage because it “will turn your sons away from following Me.” By placing this temptation in the brothers’ mouths, Moses underscores the moral tension of the whole chapter. • The line also exposes the Canaanite mindset—women are commodities for political alliances, not covenant partners (contrastEphesians 5:25).
We will dwell among you• “Dwell” implies settling down permanently, sharing land, markets, festivals, and gods. Yet God had promised Abraham his own land (Genesis 17:8); merging would dilute that promise. •Psalm 106:35 warns that Israel later “mingled with the nations and learned their works.” The proposed co-habitation foreshadows that danger. • For Shechem, the offer meant economic gain (Genesis 34:23). For the brothers, it was bait setting up their planned response in verse 25.
and become one people• Unity can be a blessing when centered on the Lord (Ezekiel 37:22), but here it would erase the distinct calling of Abraham’s line (Exodus 19:5–6;1 Peter 2:9). • The phrase exposes the ultimate aim of Hamor and Shechem: full assimilation of Israel into Canaanite society. The brothers appear to agree, but their true intention is judgment, not unity. • The statement therefore highlights a clash between two identities—covenant holiness versus cultural convenience.
summaryGenesis 34:16 records a deceptive offer by Jacob’s sons: intermarriage, shared residence, and complete social fusion with Shechem’s clan. On the surface it promises harmony, but within the flow of the chapter it serves as bait, contradicts earlier divine warnings, and spotlights the perennial tension between God’s call to be set apart and the world’s pressure to blend in.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then we will giveוְנָתַ֤נּוּ(wə·nā·ṯan·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setyouלָכֶ֔ם(lā·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrewour daughtersבְּנֹתֵ֙ינוּ֙(bə·nō·ṯê·nū)Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 1323:A daughterandוְאֶת־(wə·’eṯ-)Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative casetakeנִֽקַּֽח־(niq·qaḥ-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3947:To takeyour daughtersבְּנֹתֵיכֶ֖ם(bə·nō·ṯê·ḵem)Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1323:A daughterfor ourselves.לָ֑נוּ(lā·nū)Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's HebrewWe will dwellוְיָשַׁ֣בְנוּ(wə·yā·šaḇ·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryamong youאִתְּכֶ֔ם(’it·tə·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 854:Nearness, near, with, by, at, amongand becomeוְהָיִ֖ינוּ(wə·hā·yî·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beoneאֶחָֽד׃(’e·ḥāḏ)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstpeople.לְעַ֥ם(lə·‘am)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock
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OT Law: Genesis 34:16 Then will we give our daughters (Gen. Ge Gn) |
