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◄ Genesis 34:17►

New International Version
But if you will not agree to be circumcised, we’ll take our sister and go.”

New Living Translation
But if you don’t agree to be circumcised, we will take her and be on our way.”

English Standard Version
But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter, and we will be gone.”

Berean Standard Bible
But if you will not agree to be circumcised, then we will take our sister and go.”

King James Bible
But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.

New King James Version
But if you will not heed us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and be gone.”

New American Standard Bible
But if you do not listen to us to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go.”

NASB 1995
“But if you will not listen to us to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go.”

NASB 1977
“But if you will not listen to us to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But if you will not listen to us to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go.”

Amplified Bible
But if you do not listen to usand refuse to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter [Dinah] and go.”

Christian Standard Bible
But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go.”

American Standard Version
But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.

Contemporary English Version
But if you don't agree to be circumcised, we'll take Dinah and leave this place.

English Revised Version
But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If you won't agree to be circumcised, we'll take our daughter and go."

Good News Translation
But if you will not accept our terms and be circumcised, we will take her and leave."

International Standard Version
But if you won't listen to us, then we're going to take our daughter and leave."

NET Bible
But if you do not agree to our terms by being circumcised, then we will take our sister and depart."

New Heart English Bible
But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go away."

Webster's Bible Translation
But if ye will not hearken to us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
But if you will not agree to be circumcised, then we will take our sister and go.”

World English Bible
But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our sister, and we will be gone.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and if you do not listen to us to be circumcised, then we have taken our daughter, and have gone.”

Young's Literal Translation
and if ye hearken not unto us to be circumcised, then we have taken our daughter, and have gone.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And if ye will not listen to us to be circumcised, and we will take out daughter and depart.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But if you will not be circumcised, we will take our daughter and depart:

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if you will not be circumcised, we will take our daughter and withdraw.”

New American Bible
But if you do not listen to us and be circumcised, we will take our daughter and go.”

New Revised Standard Version
But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and be gone.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But if you will not hearken to us, to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and we will be gone.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if you do not listen to us to circumcise, we will take our daughters and we will go.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But if ye will not hearken to us to be circumcised, we will take our daughter and depart.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Revenge of Dinah's Brothers
…16Then we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We will dwell among you and become one people.17But if you will not agree to be circumcised,then we will take our sister and go.”18Their offer seemed good to Hamor and his son Shechem.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Genesis 17:14
But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

Exodus 12:48
If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in the household must be circumcised; then he may come near to celebrate it, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it.

Leviticus 12:3
And on the eighth day the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised.

Joshua 5:2-9
At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again.” / So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. / Now this is why Joshua circumcised them: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of war—had died on the journey in the wilderness after they had left Egypt. ...

1 Samuel 18:25-27
Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines. / When the servants reported these terms to David, he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law. Before the wedding day arrived, / David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage.

2 Samuel 3:14
Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”

1 Kings 11:1-2
King 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.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. / Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah. / I 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! ...

Ezekiel 44:7-9
In addition to all your other abominations, you brought in foreigners uncircumcised in both heart and flesh to occupy My sanctuary; you defiled My temple when you offered My food—the fat and the blood; you broke My covenant. / And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but have appointed others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you.’ / This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.

Acts 15:1
Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

Acts 15:5
But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and declared, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.”

Acts 15:24
It has come to our attention that some went out from us without our authorization and unsettled you, troubling your minds by what they said.

Romans 2:25-29
Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. / If a man who is not circumcised keeps the requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? / The one who is physically uncircumcised yet keeps the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. ...

1 Corinthians 7:18-19
Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised. / Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.

Galatians 2:3-5
Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. / This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. / We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

Treasury of Scripture

But if you will not listen to us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.

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Genesis 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.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

But if you will not agree to be circumcised
This phrase reflects the demand made by Jacob's sons to the men of Shechem. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). It was a physical mark of belonging to God's chosen people, Israel. The demand for circumcision here is not for spiritual reasons but as a pretext for the deceitful plan of Simeon and Levi. This reflects the tension between the Israelites and the surrounding Canaanite cultures, who did not practice circumcision. The demand also highlights the importance of covenantal identity and separation from pagan practices.

then we will take our sister and go.
This phrase indicates the ultimatum given by Jacob's sons. Dinah, their sister, had been defiled by Shechem, and her brothers sought to protect her honor and the family's integrity. The cultural context of the time placed a high value on family honor and purity, especially concerning women. The phrase underscores the seriousness of the situation and the brothers' determination to rectify the wrong done to Dinah. It also foreshadows the violent actions that Simeon and Levi would take, which would later have significant consequences for Jacob's family (Genesis 49:5-7). The mention of "our sister" emphasizes familial loyalty and the protective role of brothers in ancient Near Eastern societies.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Shechem
A city in the land of Canaan, significant in biblical history as a place of covenant and conflict.

2.Dinah
The daughter of Jacob and Leah, whose defilement by Shechem, the son of Hamor, sets off the events in this chapter.

3.Jacob
The patriarch of the Israelite tribes, father of Dinah, and a central figure in the account.

4.Simeon and Levi
Sons of Jacob and Leah, who take a leading role in the response to Dinah's defilement.

5.Circumcision
A covenantal sign given to Abraham and his descendants, here used as a condition for intermarriage with the Hivites.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Covenantal Identity
The demand for circumcision underscores the importance of maintaining a distinct identity as God's people. Believers today are called to uphold their identity in Christ amidst a secular world.

The Consequences of Compromise
The account warns against making compromises with the world that can lead to spiritual and moral downfall. Christians are encouraged to stand firm in their faith and values.

Righteous Anger and Justice
Simeon and Levi's response, though extreme, reflects a desire for justice. Believers must seek justice in a manner that aligns with God's righteousness and love.

Family and Community Responsibility
The brothers' actions highlight the responsibility of family and community in protecting and upholding the dignity of their members. Christians are called to support and protect one another in love.

The Role of Deception
The use of deception by Jacob's sons serves as a cautionary tale about the ethical implications of deceit, even when seeking justice. Believers are reminded to pursue truth and integrity.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Genesis 34:17?

2.How does Genesis 34:17 illustrate the importance of keeping one's promises to God?

3.What consequences arise from not adhering to agreements in Genesis 34:17?

4.How does Genesis 34:17 connect to the theme of covenant faithfulness in Scripture?

5.In what ways can we apply the lesson of Genesis 34:17 today?

6.How does Genesis 34:17 demonstrate the importance of integrity in our commitments?

7.Why did the sons of Jacob demand circumcision in Genesis 34:17?

8.How does Genesis 34:17 reflect on the morality of Jacob's sons?

9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Genesis 34?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 34?

11.Colossians 2:11-12 teaches a spiritual circumcision; does this contradict the everlasting covenant of physical circumcision in Genesis 17?

12.Why would an all-powerful God require the physical sign of circumcision, and does this practice have non-biblical parallels (Genesis 17:10)?

13.Is circumcision necessary? (Genesis 17:10 vs. Galatians 5:6)

14.What is the Dispensation of Promise?

What Does Genesis 34:17 Mean

But

In the flow ofGenesis 34, Jacob’s sons are negotiating with Shechem and Hamor after Dinah has been violated. The conjunction “But” signals a clear pivot in the discussion—moving from invitation to ultimatum. Earlier, they offered peaceful coexistence (“We will dwell with you and become one people,”Genesis 34:16). Now a contrasting clause sets boundaries, showing that God’s people are not willing to compromise core convictions. CompareGenesis 24:3–4, where Abraham likewise drew a line to protect covenant integrity.

if you will not agree

Agreement is required; nothing is forced. This echoes the larger biblical theme that God sets terms yet allows choice (Deuteronomy 30:19;Joshua 24:15). Jacob’s sons give the men of Shechem opportunity to align with the covenant sign. Refusal would reveal hearts unchanged, just as Pharaoh’s repeated “no” exposed his defiance (Exodus 8:15).

Helpful reminders:

• God’s people may engage culture, but never at the cost of covenant truth (2 Corinthians 6:14–17).

• Genuine unity must rest on shared submission to God’s standards (Amos 3:3).

to be circumcised

Circumcision, instituted inGenesis 17:10–14, marked belonging to the covenant family. By insisting on it, Simeon and Levi couch their offer in spiritual, not merely social, terms. They do not demand mere surgery; they require visible identification with the God of Abraham. Comparable moments appear when Joshua circumcises Israel before entering Canaan (Joshua 5:2–9), underscoring fresh commitment before deeper fellowship.

Key ideas:

• The sign is physical, yet its purpose is spiritual allegiance (Romans 2:28–29).

• God’s covenant markers are non-negotiable for His people (Exodus 12:48–49).

then we will take our sister and go

The promise of withdrawal underlines protective responsibility. Dinah’s brothers will not leave her in a morally compromised setting. Similar resolve surfaces in Abraham rescuing Lot (Genesis 14:14–16) and in Ezra leading families away from mixed marriages (Ezra 10:11). Scripture affirms safeguarding the vulnerable (Psalm 82:3–4;James 1:27).

Consequences outlined:

• Rejection of God’s terms breaks fellowship.

• God’s people must sometimes separate for holiness’ sake (2 Corinthians 6:17;Revelation 18:4).

• Family honor and covenant purity outweigh political or economic advantage.

summary

Genesis 34:17 reveals a firm covenant stance: Jacob’s sons offer peace only on God’s terms. Refusal to embrace the covenant sign of circumcision would sever negotiation, prompting Dinah’s removal for her protection. The verse underscores voluntary choice, the non-negotiable nature of God’s markers, and the duty to safeguard family and faith when unbelief persists.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But if
וְאִם־(wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

you will not
לֹ֧א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

agree
תִשְׁמְע֛וּ(ṯiš·mə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligently

to be circumcised,
לְהִמּ֑וֹל(lə·him·mō·wl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4135:To cut short, curtail, to blunt, to destroy

then we will take
וְלָקַ֥חְנוּ(wə·lā·qaḥ·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3947:To take

our sister
בִּתֵּ֖נוּ(bit·tê·nū)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 1323:A daughter

and go.”
וְהָלָֽכְנוּ׃(wə·hā·lā·ḵə·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walk

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OT Law: Genesis 34:17 But if you will not listen (Gen. Ge Gn)