Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Genesis, Chapter 34בְּרֵאשִׁית ל״ד

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Return to the land after reconciliation with Esau does not yield settled peace. Instead, the narrative turns from brotherly reunion to sexual violation, civic negotiation, retaliatory deceit, and household fracture. Dinah's going out among the daughters of the land leads to her seizure and humiliation by Shechem, and the offense immediately becomes more than a private injury. Jacob's house, the Hivite civic order at Shechem, the prospect of intermarriage, and the meaning of covenant distinctiveness are all drawn into the crisis. Hamor and Shechem attempt to absorb the wrong into marriage alliance, economic openness, and social merger, but the sons of Jacob answer with deceit, requiring circumcision as the condition of acceptance while planning vengeance. The result is brutal and morally charged: Simeon and Levi kill the men of the city in their pain, the city is plundered, Dinah is taken out, and Jacob rebukes the brothers not because the wrong was trivial, but because their response has imperiled the whole house. Violation, failed incorporation, covenant sign misused, bloody retaliation, and unresolved family judgment are therefore bound together in one of Genesis' most severe episodes.

Translation & textual notes

The Hebrew base text here follows the Masoretic Text in the Leningrad tradition as represented by the Westminster Leningrad Codex / MorphHB diplomatic stream imported from OSHB; distinctively copyrighted apparatus from BHS or BHQ is not reproduced. Return to the land does not yield settled peace here; Dinah's violation and the retaliatory deceit at Shechem force sexuality, honor, covenant identity, and household violence into one of Genesis' hardest scenes. Verse 1's וַתֵּצֵא frames Dinah's movement outward into the land, and verse 2's sequence וַיִּקַּח ... וַיִּשְׁכַּב ... וַיְעַנֶּהָ must retain its force: Shechem takes, lies with, and humiliates or violates her. The clause in v.3 that his soul clung to Dinah and that he loved the girl should not be allowed to erase the violence of v.2; the narrative intentionally places desire and violation in disturbing juxtaposition. Verse 7 is one of the narrative's key moral statements: Shechem has done נְבָלָה in Israel, a disgraceful outrage, and the closing formula וְכֵן לֹא יֵעָשֶׂה gives the offense normative force beyond the single household. Verses 8-12 present Hamor and Shechem's proposal in terms of marriage, exchange of daughters, residence, trade, and landholding, so that the issue becomes not merely compensation but social incorporation. Verses 13-17 then turn on the misuse of circumcision: the sons of Jacob answer בְּמִרְמָה, with deceit, and condition alliance on the city's males being circumcised. The sign of covenant identity is thus weaponized within the narrative, a detail that should not be morally neutralized. Verse 19 stresses that Shechem does not delay because he delights in Jacob's daughter and is honored in his father's house, while vv.20-24 show Hamor and Shechem persuading the city not only with peace-language but with the prospect of economic gain from Jacob's wealth. Verse 25's בִּהְיוֹתָם כֹּאֲבִים explains the timing of Simeon and Levi's strike on the third day after circumcision, and vv.25-29 distinguish between the initial killing by the two brothers and the broader plundering by the sons of Jacob. Jacob's rebuke in v.30 centers on the danger now posed by the surrounding Canaanite and Perizzite populations, while the brothers' closing question in v.31 refuses to let Dinah's treatment be absorbed into pragmatic survival concerns alone. The narrative therefore closes without simple resolution: outrage, deceit, retaliation, covenantal identity, and household risk all remain in tension. Versification follows the MT.

1

וַתֵּצֵ֤א דִינָה֙ בַּת לֵאָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָלְדָ֖ה לְיַעֲקֹ֑ב לִרְא֖וֹת בִּבְנ֥וֹת הָאָֽרֶץ

And Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land.

Dinah moves outward into the landוַתֵּצֵא
Dinah's movement outward begins the crisis before Jacob or his sons enter the frame. By placing Jacob's daughter in the social space of the daughters of the land, the narrative quietly opens the breach that the rest of the narrative will violently widen.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַתֵּצֵ֤אand she went outconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol narrative opening→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'go out, depart'; Dinah's outward movement initiates the crisis before any other character enters the scene.
דִינָה֙Dinahproper noun · דִּינָה (H1783)Subject of וַתֵּצֵאדִּינָה (H1783), Jacob's daughter by Leah; name related to דִּין 'vindication'; she is object of violation before any speech.
בַּתdaughter ofN f sg constr · בַּת (H1323)Appositive construct (identifies Dinah)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; feminine of בֵּן; construct anchors Dinah to Leah's household.
לֵאָ֔הLeahproper noun · לֵאָה (H3812)Genitive of בַּת (construct chain)לֵאָה (H3812), Jacob's first wife, Laban's elder daughter; her name may derive from לָאָה 'weary'.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhomrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, head of rel. clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), standard Hebrew relative pronoun; here modifying Dinah and introducing Leah as subject.
יָלְדָ֖הshe had borneQal perf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate of relative clause→ Perfective: completed birth eventיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; Qal 3fs; Leah bore Dinah to Jacob — establishes maternal lineage.
לְיַעֲקֹ֑בto Jacobprep לְ + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Indirect object of יָלְדָה (beneficiary)יַעֲקֹב (H3290), the patriarch; prep לְ marks recipient of the birth.
לִרְא֖וֹתto seeprep לְ + Qal inf constr · רָאָה (H7200)Purpose infinitive of וַתֵּצֵא→ Infinitive of purposeרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, look'; Qal inf constr with לְ of purpose; Dinah's social curiosity is her stated aim.
בִּבְנ֥וֹתdaughters ofprep בְּ + N f pl constr · בָּנוֹת (H1323)Object of לִרְאוֹת (with prep בְּ)בָּנוֹת (H1323) 'daughters'; prep בְּ marks the group Dinah moves among — indigenous women of Canaan.
הָאָֽרֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive of בִּבְנוֹת (construct)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land, earth'; with article: the territory of Canaan; 'daughters of the land' = indigenous Canaanite women.
2

וַיַּ֨רְא אֹתָ֜הּ שְׁכֶ֧ם בֶּן חֲמ֛וֹר הַֽחִוִּ֖י נְשִׂ֣יא הָאָ֑רֶץ וַיִּקַּ֥ח אֹתָ֛הּ וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב אֹתָ֖הּ וַיְעַנֶּֽהָ

And Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the land, saw her, and he took her and lay with her and humiliated her.

Shechem sees, takes, and violates Dinahוַיַּרְא
The narrative moves rapidly and harshly through sight, seizure, intercourse, and humiliation. The compressed verbal chain leaves no room to soften the violence of the act.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיַּ֨רְאand he sawconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Shechem's gaze opens a rapid chain of violations without pause.
אֹתָ֜הּherobj marker אֵת + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (her)אֵת (H853) nota accusativi with pronoun suffix; Dinah is the definite object of Shechem's sight.
שְׁכֶ֧םShechemproper noun · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Subject of וַיַּרְאשְׁכֶם (H7927), Hivite prince, Hamor's son; name also denotes the region; agent of all three verbs in this verse.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive (paternal lineage)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; masculine construct; identifies Shechem as Hamor's heir and civic representative.
חֲמ֛וֹרHamorproper noun · חֲמוֹר (H2544)Genitive of בֶּן (construct chain)חֲמוֹר (H2544), the Hivite leader; name means 'donkey'; he will appear as negotiator in vv.6–24.
הַֽחִוִּ֖יthe Hiviteart + gentilic m sg abs · חִוִּי (H2340)Appositive (ethnic identification)חִוִּי (H2340) 'Hivite'; one of the pre-Israelite peoples of Canaan listed in Gen 10; ethnic label for Hamor's clan.
נְשִׂ֣יאprince ofN m sg constr · נָשִׂיא (H5387)Appositive construct (civic title)נָשִׂיא (H5387) 'prince, chief'; from נָשָׂא 'to lift up'; formal title marking Hamor's political authority in the land.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive of נְשִׂיא (construct)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; 'prince of the land' = paramount chief of the Hivite territory around Shechem.
וַיִּקַּ֥חand he tookconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — seizureלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, seize'; forcible appropriation; no consent implied; first act of the triple offense.
אֹתָ֛הּherobj marker אֵת + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of וַיִּקַּח)אֵת (H853) with suffix; marks Dinah as definite object of each successive violent act.
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥בand lay with herconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁכַב (H7901)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — sexual violationשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie with'; sexual intercourse; the context of prior seizure makes this assault.
אֹתָ֖הּherobj marker אֵת + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (object of וַיִּשְׁכַּב)
וַיְעַנֶּֽהָand humiliated herconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms + 3fs suffix · עָנָה II (H6031)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: culminating humiliation/violationעָנָה II (H6031) 'to humble, violate, afflict'; Piel of violation; cf. Deut 22:24,29; 2 Sam 13:12.
3

וַתִּדְבַּ֣ק נַפְשׁ֔וֹ בְּדִינָ֖ה בַּֽת יַעֲקֹ֑ב וַיֶּֽאֱהַב֙ אֶת הַֽנַּעֲרָ֔ וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר עַל לֵ֥ב הַֽנַּעֲרָֽ

And his soul clung to Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young woman and spoke to the heart of the young woman.

violence is followed by disordered attachmentוַתִּדְבַּק
The verse deliberately juxtaposes Shechem's attachment, love, and soothing speech with the preceding violation. Desire and tenderness are narrated, but not as an erasure of what has been done.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַתִּדְבַּ֣קand clungconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · דָּבַק (H1692)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַק (H1692) 'to cling, cleave'; used of covenantal attachment (Gen 2:24); here dissonant after v.2's violence.
נַפְשׁ֔וֹhis soulN (c) sg constr + 3ms suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of וַתִּדְבַּקנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, inner self, desire'; the seat of longing; 'his soul clung' = obsessive attachment after violation.
בְּדִינָ֖הto Dinahprep בְּ + proper noun · דִּינָה (H1783)Prepositional phrase (object of דָּבַק)דִּינָה (H1783); prep בְּ with דָּבַק is standard — 'cling to'; Dinah is again the object of Shechem's focus.
בַּֽתdaughter ofN f sg constr · בַּת (H1323)Appositive (identifies Dinah)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; the construct re-anchors Dinah within Jacob's household even amid Shechem's desire.
יַעֲקֹ֑בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive of בַּת (construct chain)יַעֲקֹב (H3290), the patriarch; naming Jacob here marks the household violated by Shechem's act.
וַיֶּֽאֱהַב֙and he lovedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָהַב (H157)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: disordered desire narrated after violationאָהַב (H157) 'to love'; the narrative juxtaposition with v.2 is the moral tension — desire does not undo outrage.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַֽנַּעֲרָ֔the young womanart + N f sg abs · נַעֲרָה (H5291)Direct object of וַיֶּאֱהַבנַעֲרָה (H5291) 'young woman, girl'; non-kin term; h dropped in pause; Dinah's youth is kept before the reader.
וַיְדַבֵּ֖רand spokeconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: tender speech after seizureדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel; with עַל לֵב = speak tenderly; cf. Gen 50:21; Is 40:2.
עַלto the heart ofprep · עַל (H5921)Preposition in idiom דִּבֶּר עַל לֵבעַל (H5921) 'upon, concerning'; in idiom עַל לֵב = 'to the heart' = tender reassurance or persuasion.
לֵ֥בheart ofN m sg constr · לֵב (H3820)Object of prep עַל (idiom)לֵב (H3820) 'heart, mind'; the idiom 'speaking to the heart' conveys tender persuasion; cf. Hos 2:16.
הַֽנַּעֲרָֽthe young womanart + N f sg abs · נַעֲרָה (H5291)Genitive of לֵב (construct chain)נַעֲרָה (H5291) repeated; the double use of this term frames Shechem's speech as directed to someone young and vulnerable.
4

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁכֶ֔ם אֶל חֲמ֥וֹר אָבִ֖יו לֵאמֹ֑ר קַֽח לִ֛י אֶת הַיַּלְדָּ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לְאִשָּֽׁה

And Shechem said to Hamor his father, saying, "Take this girl for me as a wife."

marriage is sought after the outrageוַיֹּאמֶר
Shechem now attempts to regularize the situation through paternal negotiation. The move toward marriage does not undo the offense but shifts the crisis into formal family and civic channels.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the most common speech-introduction verb; Shechem now seeks to regularize the offense.
שְׁכֶ֔םShechemproper noun · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶרשְׁכֶם (H7927); he speaks to his father Hamor — shifting from personal violation to paternal negotiation.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee of Shechem's speech — his father Hamor.
חֲמ֥וֹרHamorproper noun · חֲמוֹר (H2544)Object of prep אֶל (addressee)חֲמוֹר (H2544), the father; his name 'donkey' is ironic given his civic gravitas; addressed as paternal intermediary.
אָבִ֖יוhis fatherN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָב (H1)Appositive (identifies Hamor's relation)אָב (H1) 'father'; with suffix 3ms = 'his father'; paternal authority is the channel through which Shechem seeks legitimation.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Speech-introduction formula (לֵאמֹר)→ Infinitive: introducing direct speechאָמַר (H559); לֵאמֹר is the standard biblical formula for introducing direct discourse.
קַֽחtakeQal impv 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Imperative (command to Hamor)→ Volitional: direct commandלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; imperative; Shechem commands his father to acquire Dinah — treating the marriage as obtainable by negotiation after violation.
לִ֛יfor meprep לְ + 1cs suffixDative of interest (beneficiary)Prep לְ with 1cs suffix; marks Shechem as the beneficiary of the commanded acquisition.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַיַּלְדָּ֥הthis girlart + N f sg abs · יַלְדָּה (H3207)Direct object of קַחיַלְדָּה (H3207) 'girl, female child'; from יָלַד; a more childlike designation than נַעֲרָה; Shechem still calls her 'girl'.
הַזֹּ֖אתthisart + dem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Demonstrative attributive modifierזֹאת (H2063) fem. demonstrative 'this'; attributive with the article; identifies the specific girl, perhaps with a gesture.
לְאִשָּֽׁהas a wifeprep לְ + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Predicate complement (purpose)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; prep לְ marks the intended role; Shechem seeks to legitimize by marriage what was done by force.
5

וְיַעֲקֹ֣ב שָׁמַ֗ע כִּ֤י טִמֵּא֙ אֶת דִּינָ֣ה בִתּ֔וֹ וּבָנָ֛יו הָי֥וּ אֶת מִקְנֵ֖הוּ בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה וְהֶחֱרִ֥שׁ יַעֲקֹ֖ב עַד בֹּאָֽם

And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter. Now his sons were with his livestock in the field, and Jacob kept silent until they came.

Jacob hears and waits in silenceוְיַעֲקֹב שָׁמַע
Jacob receives the report immediately, yet the narrative stresses his silence until the sons return from the field. The pause loads the coming response onto the wider household rather than leaving it with Jacob alone.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְיַעֲקֹ֣בand Jacobconj וְ + proper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject (casus pendens / fronted)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); fronted before the verb to foreground Jacob's reception of news while sons are absent.
שָׁמַ֗עheardQal perf 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed reception of reportשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, learn'; Jacob hears of the defilement; his immediate response is silence, not action.
כִּ֤יthatconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Content conjunction (introduces object clause)כִּי (H3588) 'that, because'; here introducing the content of what Jacob heard.
טִמֵּא֙he had defiledPiel perf 3ms · טָמֵא (H2930)Predicate of embedded content clause→ Perfective: completed act of defilementטָמֵא (H2930) 'to defile, make impure'; Piel factitive; the term carries ritual-moral weight; Dinah is described as made unclean.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
דִּינָ֣הDinahproper noun · דִּינָה (H1783)Direct object of טִמֵּאדִּינָה (H1783); named here as the one defiled — linking Jacob's knowledge directly to the violation of his daughter.
בִתּ֔וֹhis daughterN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּת (H1323)Appositive (identifies Dinah)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; with 3ms suffix = 'his daughter'; the possessive stresses the breach within Jacob's own household.
וּבָנָ֛יוand his sonsconj וְ + N m pl constr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of הָיוּ (circumstantial clause)בֵּן (H1121) 'sons'; with suffix 3ms = 'his sons'; the plural marks the group whose return Jacob awaits before acting.
הָי֥וּwereQal perf 3cp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate (circumstantial clause)→ Perfective: circumstantial background stateהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; here circumstantial — while Jacob hears, the sons are still in the field with the livestock.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositionאֵת (H854) 'with, together with' (preposition, not object marker); marks the sons' accompaniment of the livestock.
מִקְנֵ֖הוּhis livestockN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Object of prep אֵת (with)מִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, cattle, property'; from קָנָה 'to acquire'; Jacob's pastoral wealth; sons are tending it in the field.
בַּשָּׂדֶ֑הin the fieldprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Locative prepositional phraseשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; the open countryside where pastoralists tend flocks; the brothers' absence delays Jacob's response.
וְהֶחֱרִ֥שׁkept silentconj וְ + Hiphil perf 3ms · חָרַשׁ (H2790)Sequential perfect (main line)→ Perfective: Jacob held silence — deliberate restraintחָרַשׁ (H2790) 'to be silent, keep still'; Hiphil = 'keep oneself silent'; Jacob's silence is deliberate, not ignorance.
יַעֲקֹ֖בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of וְהֶחֱרִשׁ (postposed)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); placed after the verb to emphasize that it is Jacob specifically who restrains himself.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prep (limit of silence)עַד (H5704) 'until, as far as'; marks the temporal limit of Jacob's silence — he waits for his sons to return.
בֹּאָֽםtheir comingQal inf constr + 3mp suffix · בּוֹא (H935)Temporal clause (object of עַד)→ Infinitive: temporal boundaryבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; inf constr with suffix = 'their coming'; the sons' return ends Jacob's imposed silence.
6

וַיֵּצֵ֛א חֲמ֥וֹר אֲבִֽי שְׁכֶ֖ם אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֑ב לְדַבֵּ֖ר אִתּֽוֹ

And Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to speak with him.

Hamor opens negotiationוַיֵּצֵא
The offender's father goes out to Jacob to speak, shifting the narrative from private injury to public negotiation between households.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיֵּצֵ֛אand went outconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Hamor takes initiative to open negotiation — the offense now enters the public sphere.
חֲמ֥וֹרHamorproper noun · חֲמוֹר (H2544)Subject of וַיֵּצֵאחֲמוֹר (H2544), the Hivite chief; moves from son's request (v.4) to direct diplomatic engagement with Jacob.
אֲבִֽיfather ofN m sg constr · אָב (H1)Appositive (construct, identifies Hamor)אָב (H1) 'father'; construct identifies Hamor in relation to Shechem; his paternal role defines his negotiating position.
שְׁכֶ֖םShechemproper noun · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Genitive of אֲבִי (construct chain)שְׁכֶם (H7927); naming him here grounds Hamor's coming purely as representative of his son's desire.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; Hamor's movement is directed specifically to Jacob — head-to-head household negotiation.
יַעֲקֹ֑בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Object of prep אֶל (destination)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); the patriarch as the aggrieved householder; Hamor approaches him while the sons are still returning.
לְדַבֵּ֖רto speakprep לְ + Piel inf constr · דָּבַר (H1696)Purpose infinitive→ Infinitive of purposeדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel inf constr with לְ of purpose; the diplomatic register of Piel marks formal negotiation.
אִתּֽוֹwith himprep אֵת + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prepositional phraseאֵת (H854) 'with'; prep with 3ms suffix; Hamor's coming is face-to-face dialogue with Jacob.
7

וּבְנֵ֨י יַעֲקֹ֜ב בָּ֤אוּ מִן הַשָּׂדֶה֙ כְּשָׁמְעָ֔ם וַיִּֽתְעַצְּבוּ֙ הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים וַיִּ֥חַר לָהֶ֖ם מְאֹ֑ד כִּֽי נְבָלָ֞ה עָשָׂ֣ה בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל לִשְׁכַּב֙ אֶת בַּֽת יַעֲקֹ֔ב וְכֵ֖ן לֹ֥א יֵעָשֶֽׂה

And the sons of Jacob came in from the field when they heard, and the men were grieved and they were very angry, because he had done an outrageous thing in Israel by lying with the daughter of Jacob; and so it ought not to be done.

the brothers return and morally judge the actוּבְנֵי יַעֲקֹב בָּאוּ
The sons of Jacob respond with grief and burning anger, and the narrator gives the narrative's key verdict: Shechem has committed an outrage in Israel, something that ought not to be done.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וּבְנֵ֨יand sons ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject (casus pendens, fronted)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; plural construct; the brothers are fronted before the main verb for emphasis.
יַעֲקֹ֜בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive of בְּנֵי (construct chain)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); the sons act as a collective household unit whose moral response is the verse's focus.
בָּ֤אוּcameQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed return from fieldבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, arrive'; the sons' return from the field marks the transition from Jacob's silence to household response.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Ablative prep (origin)מִן (H4480) 'from'; marks departure point — the open field where they had been tending the flocks.
הַשָּׂדֶה֙the fieldart + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Object of prep מִן (source)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; the same field mentioned in v.5; closure of the bracket of Jacob's waiting.
כְּשָׁמְעָ֔םwhen they heardprep כְּ + Qal inf constr + 3mp suffix · שָׁמַע (H8085)Temporal clause (simultaneous with arrival)→ Infinitive of contemporaneous timingשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; inf constr with temporal כְּ = 'when they heard'; the news reached them as they arrived.
וַיִּֽתְעַצְּבוּ֙and were grievedconj וְ + Hitpael wayyiqtol 3mp · עָצַב (H6087)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: grief is the brothers' first responseעָצַב (H6087) 'to grieve, be pained'; Hitpael reflexive = deep personal grief; moral anguish at the outrage to their sister.
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of וַיִּתְעַצְּבוּ (postposed)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; plural הָאֲנָשִׁים designates the brothers as mature men — their moral capacity and status are asserted.
וַיִּ֥חַרand burnedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: anger follows griefחָרָה (H2734) 'to burn, be kindled (anger)'; impersonal construction with לָהֶם = 'anger burned to them'; cf. Gen 44:18.
לָהֶ֖םto themprep לְ + 3mp suffixDative of reference (anger burns to them)Prep לְ with 3mp suffix; dative of reference in the impersonal anger idiom חָרָה לְ; the brothers as those in whom wrath burns.
מְאֹ֑דvery muchadverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifierמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; intensifies the burning anger; the brothers' outrage is extreme, not moderate.
כִּֽיbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'because'; introduces the narrator's moral verdict on Shechem's act; not merely the brothers' opinion.
נְבָלָ֞הan outrageN f sg abs · נְבָלָה (H5039)Direct object of עָשָׂה (fronted)נְבָלָה (H5039) 'outrage, disgraceful act, folly'; a quasi-technical term for sexual and social violations in Israel; cf. 2 Sam 13:12.
עָשָׂ֣הhe had doneQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate of causal clause→ Perfective: completed act of outrageעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; Shechem is the implicit subject; the act is framed as מַעֲשֶׂה — a moral deed demanding verdict.
בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗לin Israelprep בְּ + proper noun · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Locative / community of referenceיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); the name first applied to Jacob (Gen 32:29); here 'in Israel' means within the covenant community — a normative frame.
לִשְׁכַּב֙by lying withprep לְ + Qal inf constr · שָׁכַב (H7901)Explanatory infinitive (specifies the נְבָלָה)→ Infinitive: specifying the content of the outrageשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie with'; inf constr with לְ = 'by lying with'; the sexual act identified as the concrete outrage.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Comitative prep (after שָׁכַב)אֵת (H854) 'with'; preposition (not obj marker); שָׁכַב אֵת = lie with — the standard construction for sexual intercourse.
בַּֽתdaughter ofN f sg constr · בַּת (H1323)Object of prep אֵת (construct)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; construct with יַעֲקֹב — 'daughter of Jacob' reiterates the familial and covenantal identity violated.
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive of בַּת (construct chain)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); repeated paternal identification underlines the covenant household dimension of the outrage.
וְכֵ֖ןand soconj וְ + particle כֵּן (H3651)Coordinating clause (normative conclusion)כֵּן (H3651) 'so, thus'; with conjunction = 'and so'; introduces the normative formula — the outrage has ongoing legal force.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of יֵעָשֶׂהלֹא (H3808) 'not'; negates the Niphal imperfect; the formula says this kind of act must never happen.
יֵעָשֶֽׂהought to be doneNiphal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate (normative deontic clause)→ Yiqtol: deontic modal — what must not be doneעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; Niphal passive = 'be done'; the deontic negation וְכֵן לֹא יֵעָשֶׂה gives the outrage normative and legal force beyond this single episode.
8

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר חֲמ֖וֹר אִתָּ֣ם לֵאמֹ֑ר שְׁכֶ֣ם בְּנִ֗י חָֽשְׁקָ֤ה נַפְשׁוֹ֙ בְּבִתְּכֶ֔ם תְּנ֨וּ נָ֥א אֹתָ֛הּ ל֖וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה

And Hamor spoke with them, saying, "The soul of Shechem my son longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife.

Hamor proposes marriage from desireוַיְדַבֵּר
Hamor frames the matter in terms of Shechem's desire and asks for Dinah as a wife. The rhetoric seeks accommodation rather than confession.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥רand spokeconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel marks formal or sustained address; Hamor opens the diplomatic speech to Jacob's family.
חֲמ֖וֹרHamorproper noun · חֲמוֹר (H2544)Subject of וַיְדַבֵּרחֲמוֹר (H2544); he speaks on his son's behalf; the offense is handled through paternal diplomacy rather than confession.
אִתָּ֣םwith themprep אֵת + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prep (Hamor speaks with them)אֵת (H854) 'with'; prep + 3mp suffix; Hamor speaks to Jacob and his sons collectively.
לֵאמֹ֑רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Speech-introduction formula→ Infinitive: introducing direct discourseאָמַר (H559); לֵאמֹר standard formula for direct speech; Hamor's words follow directly.
שְׁכֶ֣םShechemproper noun · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Subject of חָשְׁקָה (fronted)שְׁכֶם (H7927); fronted as topic; Hamor leads with his son's name and desire rather than with the offense.
בְּנִ֗יmy sonN m sg constr + 1cs suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive (Hamor identifies his son)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; with 1cs suffix = 'my son'; Hamor's paternal identification with Shechem frames his advocacy.
חָֽשְׁקָ֤הlongs forQal perf 3fs · חָשַׁק (H2836)Predicate (subject = נַפְשׁוֹ)→ Perfective: stative — persistent desireחָשַׁק (H2836) 'to desire, long for, be attached to'; stative-resultative perf; the soul is in a state of longing; cf. Deut 7:7.
נַפְשׁוֹ֙his soulN (c) sg constr + 3ms suffix · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of חָשְׁקָהנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, desire, inner self'; the seat of longing; 'his soul yearns' = the whole self is gripped by desire.
בְּבִתְּכֶ֔םfor your daughterprep בְּ + N f sg constr + 2mp suffix · בַּת (H1323)Prepositional phrase (object of חָשַׁק)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; with 2mp suffix = 'your daughter'; Hamor addresses Jacob and sons; Dinah is 'their daughter' in the negotiation.
תְּנ֨וּgiveQal impv 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Imperative (request-command)→ Volitional: formal requestנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; imperative 2mp; Hamor requests — with the force of a social demand — that Dinah be given to Shechem as wife.
נָ֥אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Politeness particle (softens imperative)נָא (H4994) particle of entreaty or urgency attached to imperatives; makes the command into a request; cf. Gen 12:13.
אֹתָ֛הּherobj marker אֵת + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (her)אֵת (H853) with suffix; marks Dinah as the object of the giving — she is to be transferred in marriage.
ל֖וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffixDative (recipient of gift)Prep לְ + 3ms suffix = 'to him'; Shechem is the intended recipient; Dinah is the object given.
לְאִשָּֽׁהas a wifeprep לְ + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Predicate complement (purpose/role)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; prep לְ of role; the requested status is full wife — not concubinage — but the violation already occurred.
9

וְהִֽתְחַתְּנ֖וּ אֹתָ֑נוּ בְּנֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ תִּתְּנוּ לָ֔נוּ וְאֶת בְּנֹתֵ֖ינוּ תִּקְח֥וּ לָכֶֽם

And intermarry with us: give your daughters to us, and take our daughters for yourselves.

the proposal widens to intermarriageוְהִתְחַתְּנוּ
The issue is broadened from one match to a whole pattern of intermarriage. What is at stake now is not only Dinah but the social future of Jacob's house in the land.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְהִֽתְחַתְּנ֖וּintermarry withconj וְ + Hitpael impv 2mp · חָתַן (H2859)Imperative (expanded proposal)→ Volitional: command-request to intermarryחָתַן (H2859) 'to become son/daughter-in-law, intermarry'; Hitpael reciprocal = mutual intermarriage; Hamor broadens Shechem's individual request to a general social policy.
אֹתָ֑נוּwith usobj marker אֵת + 1cp suffix · אֵת (H853)Object of הִתְחַתְּנוּ (reflexive-comitative)אֵת (H853) with suffix; marks the Hivite community as the partner in mutual intermarriage.
בְּנֹֽתֵיכֶם֙your daughtersN f pl constr + 2mp suffix · בַּת (H1323)Subject of תִּתְּנוּ (fronted)בַּת (H1323) 'daughters'; pl with 2mp suffix = 'your daughters'; fronted before verb for emphasis — the exchange is bi-directional.
תִּתְּנוּyou shall giveQal impf 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicative imperfect (directive)→ Yiqtol: imperfective directive — expected actionנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; impf 2mp as directive; Jacob's household is expected to supply daughters to the Hivites.
לָ֔נוּto usprep לְ + 1cp suffixDative of recipientPrep לְ + 1cp suffix = 'to us'; the Hivite community as recipients of Jacob's daughters in marriage.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object markerוְ joins the parallel second member; אֵת marks בְּנֹתֵינוּ as definite direct object.
בְּנֹתֵ֖ינוּour daughtersN f pl constr + 1cp suffix · בַּת (H1323)Direct object of תִּקְחוּבַּת (H1323) 'daughters'; 1cp suffix = 'our daughters'; the Hivite daughters are offered in return — a symmetrical exchange.
תִּקְח֥וּyou shall takeQal impf 2mp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicative imperfect (directive)→ Yiqtol: imperfective directiveלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Jacob's household is invited to take Hivite daughters in return — presenting full reciprocal alliance.
לָכֶֽםfor yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suffixDative of interest (beneficiary)Prep לְ + 2mp suffix = 'for yourselves'; reflexive dative; Jacob's sons as the beneficiaries of the reciprocal intermarriage.
10

וְאִתָּ֖נוּ תֵּשֵׁ֑בוּ וְהָאָ֨רֶץ֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם שְׁבוּ֙ וּסְחָר֔וּהָ וְהֵֽאָחֲז֖וּ בָּֽהּ

And dwell with us, and the land shall be before you. Dwell and trade in it and get holdings in it."

residence, trade, and landholding are offeredוְאִתָּנוּ תֵּשֵׁבוּ
Hamor adds a civic-economic proposal: dwell, trade, and acquire holdings in the land. The attempted remedy is therefore also an invitation to incorporation.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְאִתָּ֖נוּand with usconj וְ + prep אֵת + 1cp suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prep (fronted invitation)אֵת (H854) 'with'; prep + 1cp suffix = 'with us'; fronted to emphasize co-residence as the first condition of alliance.
תֵּשֵׁ֑בוּyou shall dwellQal impf 2mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicative imperfect (directive)→ Yiqtol: imperfective directive — invitation to settleיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, settle'; impf as directive; the first of three civic offers — residence with the Hivites.
וְהָאָ֨רֶץ֙and the landconj וְ + art + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of תִּהְיֶה (topicalized)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; with article and conjunction; the land itself is offered — its availability becomes a selling point.
תִּהְיֶ֣הshall beQal impf 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb→ Yiqtol: imperfective — the land will be availableהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; impf 3fs with אֶרֶץ as subject; the land is before them — open for settlement and movement.
לִפְנֵיכֶ֔םbefore youprep לְ + N (c) pl constr + 2mp suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Predicate complement (available to you)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence, front'; לִפְנֵי = 'before, in front of'; idiom for complete access and freedom of movement.
שְׁבוּ֙dwellQal impv 2mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Imperative (first invitation)→ Volitional: invitation to settleיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, settle'; impv 2mp; repetition of the root reinforces the residential invitation.
וּסְחָר֔וּהָtrade in itconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp + 3fs suffix · סָחַר (H5503)Imperative (second invitation)→ Volitional: invitation to tradeסָחַר (H5503) 'to go about, trade, do business'; impv + suffix = 'trade in it'; economic integration is the second offer.
וְהֵֽאָחֲז֖וּget holdingsconj וְ + Niphal impv 2mp · אָחַז (H270)Imperative (third invitation)→ Volitional: invitation to acquire propertyאָחַז (H270) 'to grasp, hold'; Niphal = 'take possession, get holdings'; the third offer — legal land ownership in Hivite territory.
בָּֽהּin itprep בְּ + 3fs suffixLocative prepositional phrasePrep בְּ + 3fs suffix = 'in it' (the land); specifies the territory in which Jacob's household would acquire holdings.
11

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר שְׁכֶם֙ אֶל אָבִ֣יה וְאֶל אַחֶ֔יהָ אֶמְצָא חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֑ם וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר תֹּאמְר֛וּ אֵלַ֖י אֶתֵּֽן

And Shechem said to her father and to her brothers, "Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you say to me I will give.

Shechem offers open concessionוַיֹּאמֶר
Shechem addresses father and brothers directly and offers to give whatever is demanded. The language of favor and compensation tries to overcome the offense through payment and compliance.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Shechem now speaks directly — breaking from his father to address Jacob's family himself.
שְׁכֶם֙Shechemproper noun · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶרשְׁכֶם (H7927); he steps forward personally to offer whatever is demanded — unlimited compliance as the cost of consent.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (addressee)אֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the dual addressees — father and brothers — as the negotiating parties.
אָבִ֣יהher fatherN m sg constr + 3fs suffix · אָב (H1)Object of prep אֶל (first addressee)אָב (H1) 'father'; with 3fs suffix = 'her father'; Shechem addresses Jacob as Dinah's father — acknowledging the household authority.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Conjunction + directional prepוְ + אֶל (H413); joins the second addressee; Shechem speaks both to Jacob and to the brothers simultaneously.
אַחֶ֔יהָher brothersN m pl constr + 3fs suffix · אָח (H251)Object of prep אֶל (second addressee)אָח (H251) 'brother'; with 3fs suffix = 'her brothers'; the brothers are co-negotiators with the father; their consent is also required.
אֶמְצָאlet me findQal impf 1cs · מָצָא (H4672)Cohortative wish (appeal for favor)→ Yiqtol: cohortative — volitional self-expressionמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; impf 1cs with volitional nuance = 'may I find'; conventional idiom for seeking approval.
חֵ֖ןfavorN m sg abs · חֵן (H2580)Direct object of אֶמְצָאחֵן (H2580) 'grace, favor'; the gift of positive regard; the idiom מָצָא חֵן = 'find favor in the eyes of' = be pleasing to.
בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֑םin your eyesprep בְּ + N (c) du constr + 2mp suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Prepositional phrase (idiom for approval)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; בְּעֵינֵי = 'in the eyes of'; the standard idiom for approval or estimation by another party.
וַאֲשֶׁ֥רand whateverconj וְ + relative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Fronted relative (object of condition)אֲשֶׁר (H834) relative pronoun; with conjunction and fronting = 'and whatever'; opens the unlimited concession.
תֹּאמְר֛וּyou sayQal impf 2mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate of relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — open-ended conditionאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; impf 2mp in open-ended relative clause = 'whatever you say'; Shechem gives Jacob and the brothers the power to set terms.
אֵלַ֖יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffix · אֶל (H413)Dative (recipient of their terms)אֶל (H413) 'to'; + 1cs suffix = 'to me'; Shechem is the recipient of whatever conditions they name — open-ended compliance.
אֶתֵּֽןI will giveQal impf 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Apodosis (I will fulfill the condition)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — commitment to give anything demandedנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, grant'; impf 1cs as future commitment; Shechem binds himself to meet any price they name.
12

הַרְבּ֨וּ עָלַ֤י מְאֹד֙ מֹ֣הַר וּמַתָּ֔ן וְאֶ֨תְּנָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר תֹּאמְר֖וּ אֵלָ֑י וּתְנוּ לִ֥י אֶת הַֽנַּעֲרָ֖ לְאִשָּֽׁה

Make the bride-price and gift very great upon me, and I will give whatever you say to me; only give me the young woman as a wife."

bride-price and gift are left open-endedהַרְבּוּ
Shechem invites an unlimited mohar and gift, pressing the negotiation toward settlement at any cost short of refusal.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
הַרְבּ֨וּmake greatHiphil impv 2mp · רָבָה (H7235)Imperative (invitation to set price)→ Volitional: invitation to name any sumרָבָה (H7235) 'to be many/great'; Hiphil = 'make great, multiply'; impv 2mp — Shechem invites an unlimited bride-price.
עָלַ֤יupon meprep עַל + 1cs suffix · עַל (H5921)Dative of obligation (price falls on him)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; + 1cs suffix = 'upon me'; the obligation of the bride-price is placed on Shechem himself.
מְאֹד֙greatlyadverb · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifierמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; intensifies הַרְבּוּ — the bride-price is to be maximally large.
מֹ֣הַרbride-priceN m sg abs · מֹהַר (H4119)Direct object of הַרְבּוּ (first)מֹהַר (H4119) 'bride-price, mohar'; the formal payment from groom to bride's family; cf. Exod 22:16.
וּמַתָּ֔ןand giftconj וְ + N m sg abs · מַתָּן (H4976)Direct object of הַרְבּוּ (second, coordinated)מַתָּן (H4976) 'gift, present'; from נָתַן; an additional gift beyond the formal mohar — Shechem offers double compensation.
וְאֶ֨תְּנָ֔הand I will giveconj וְ + Qal cohort 1cs · נָתַן (H5414)Cohortative (self-commitment to pay)→ Yiqtol cohortative: self-commitment to fulfillנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; cohortative 1cs = 'I myself will give'; reinforces the unconditional offer.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥רasprep כְּ + relative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative/conditional conjunctionכַּאֲשֶׁר (H834 + כְּ) 'as, just as'; introduces the coreferential condition — whatever they say, he will give exactly that.
תֹּאמְר֖וּyou sayQal impf 2mp · אָמַר (H559)Predicate of relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — open-ended offerאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; repeated from v.11 — Shechem doubles down: name the price.
אֵלָ֑יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffix · אֶל (H413)Dative of recipientאֶל (H413) 'to'; + 1cs suffix; repeated from v.11; Shechem re-receives the condition.
וּתְנוּonly giveconj וְ + Qal impv 2mp · נָתַן (H5414)Imperative (single demand)→ Volitional: urgent single requestנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; impv 2mp; after all the open offers, this is the one thing Shechem actually wants.
לִ֥יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffixDative (recipient)Prep לְ + 1cs suffix = 'to me'; Shechem as the intended recipient of Dinah.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הַֽנַּעֲרָ֖the young womanart + N f sg abs · נַעֲרָה (H5291)Direct object of תְּנוּנַעֲרָה (H5291) 'young woman'; the term recurs; Shechem names Dinah only by age and gender — not by name — in this negotiation.
לְאִשָּֽׁהas a wifeprep לְ + N f sg abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Predicate complement (role sought)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; prep לְ of role; the closing request is the same as in v.8 — legitimize the act through marriage.
13

וַיַּעֲנ֨וּ בְנֵֽי יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶת שְׁכֶ֨ם וְאֶת חֲמ֥וֹר אָבִ֛יו בְּמִרְמָ֖ה וַיְדַבֵּ֑רוּ אֲשֶׁ֣ר טִמֵּ֔א אֵ֖ת דִּינָ֥ה אֲחֹתָֽם

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father with deceit, and they spoke because he had defiled Dinah their sister.

the sons answer with deceitוַיַּעֲנוּ
The narrative now discloses the brothers' posture explicitly: they answer in deceit because Dinah their sister has been defiled. Negotiation continues, but the speaker's intent is no longer transparent.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיַּעֲנ֨וּand answeredconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · עָנָה I (H6030)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה I (H6030) 'to answer, respond'; the brothers now speak as a collective — the narrator will immediately expose their hidden motive.
בְנֵֽיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of וַיַּעֲנוּ (fronted)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; plural construct; the brothers act as a united front — no individual is named yet.
יַעֲקֹ֜בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive of בְנֵי (construct chain)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); their identity as Jacob's sons locates the moral response within the covenant household.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׁכֶ֨םShechemproper noun · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Direct object of וַיַּעֲנוּ (first)שְׁכֶם (H7927); the answer is addressed to both Shechem and Hamor — both parties to the deceptive negotiation.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
חֲמ֥וֹרHamorproper noun · חֲמוֹר (H2544)Direct object of וַיַּעֲנוּ (second)חֲמוֹר (H2544); answered along with his son; the deception is directed at the family's head and the offender together.
אָבִ֛יוhis fatherN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָב (H1)Appositive (identifies Hamor)אָב (H1) 'father'; with suffix 3ms = 'his father'; the repeated identification keeps the family relationship front.
בְּמִרְמָ֖הwith deceitprep בְּ + N f sg abs · מִרְמָה (H4820)Adverbial manner (modal of deception)מִרְמָה (H4820) 'deceit, treachery, guile'; from רָמָה; the narrator's disclosure — the brothers' words are not straightforward.
וַיְדַבֵּ֑רוּand they spokeconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3mp · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: continuation of deceptive speechדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel marks sustained formal address; the speech follows but is already framed by מִרְמָה.
אֲשֶׁ֣רbecauserelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Causal relative clause (motive)אֲשֶׁר (H834) here introduces a causal clause = 'because'; explains the brothers' posture in the deceptive answer.
טִמֵּ֔אhe had defiledPiel perf 3ms · טָמֵא (H2930)Predicate of causal clause→ Perfective: completed defilement as motiveטָמֵא (H2930) 'to defile'; Piel; repeated from v.5; the brothers' deception is rooted in this prior violation — it justifies (in their logic) the stratagem.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
דִּינָ֥הDinahproper noun · דִּינָה (H1783)Direct object of טִמֵּאדִּינָה (H1783); named explicitly as the object of defilement; her violation drives the brothers' entire response.
אֲחֹתָֽםtheir sisterN f sg constr + 3mp suffix · אָחוֹת (H269)Appositive (identifies Dinah)אָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; with 3mp suffix = 'their sister'; the kin bond — not just household honor — is the basis of the brothers' outrage.
14

וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם לֹ֤א נוּכַל֙ לַעֲשׂוֹת֙ הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֔ה לָתֵת֙ אֶת אֲחֹתֵ֔נוּ לְאִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁר ל֣וֹ עָרְלָ֑ה כִּֽי חֶרְפָּ֥ה הִ֖וא לָֽנוּ

And they said to them, "We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to a man who has a foreskin, because that would be a reproach to us.

uncircumcision is named as shameוַיֹּאמְרוּ
The brothers present covenantal incompatibility as the obstacle. Their stated refusal appeals to disgrace, making circumcision the surface issue through which revenge will be pursued.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּand they saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the brothers now give their deceitful condition, couched in the language of covenantal identity.
אֲלֵיהֶ֗םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffix · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (addressees)אֶל (H413) 'to'; + 3mp suffix = 'to them'; Shechem and Hamor are the target of the brothers' deceptive speech.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of נוּכַללֹא (H3808) 'not'; the brothers frame their condition as an inability, not a refusal — rhetorical softening.
נוּכַל֙we are ableQal impf 1cp · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate (modal verb of ability)→ Yiqtol: modal — impossibility claimedיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able, can'; impf 1cp; the claim of inability is the brothers' rhetorical cover for the demand that will enable vengeance.
לַעֲשׂוֹת֙to doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Complementary infinitive of נוּכַל→ Infinitive: object of abilityעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; inf constr with לְ as complement of יָכֹל; 'we cannot do this thing'.
הַדָּבָ֣רthis thingart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of לַעֲשׂוֹתדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing, matter'; the article makes it specific — 'this thing' = giving their sister to an uncircumcised man.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative attributive modifierזֶה (H2088) 'this'; masculine demonstrative with article; agrees with הַדָּבָר.
לָתֵת֙to giveprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Explanatory infinitive (specifies the thing)→ Infinitive: specifying the impossible actנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; inf constr with לְ; explains what 'this thing' consists of — giving their sister.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אֲחֹתֵ֔נוּour sisterN f sg constr + 1cp suffix · אָחוֹת (H269)Direct object of לָתֵתאָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; with 1cp suffix = 'our sister'; possessive frames the argument — Dinah belongs to them and cannot be given to the uncircumcised.
לְאִ֖ישׁto a manprep לְ + N m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Dative of recipientאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; prep לְ marks the recipient; 'a man' is specified by the relative clause that follows.
אֲשֶׁרwhorelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun, modifying אִישׁאֲשֶׁר (H834); introduces the disqualifying characteristic — possession of a foreskin.
ל֣וֹhasprep לְ + 3ms suffixPossessive dative (idiom: has)Prep לְ + 3ms suffix = 'to him, for him'; the idiom לוֹ עָרְלָה = 'he has a foreskin' — possession via dative.
עָרְלָ֑הa foreskinN f sg abs · עָרְלָה (H6190)Subject of possessive idiomעָרְלָה (H6190) 'foreskin, uncircumcision'; from עָרַל; the physical marker of non-inclusion in the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 17:14).
כִּֽיforconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (gives the reason)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the stated ground of the refusal — it would be disgrace.
חֶרְפָּ֥הa reproachN f sg abs · חֶרְפָּה (H2781)Predicate (nominal clause)חֶרְפָּה (H2781) 'reproach, disgrace, shame'; a strong honor-shame term; giving a sister to the uncircumcised would bring communal disgrace.
הִ֖ואit ispersonal pronoun 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Copular pronoun (nominal clause)הִיא (H1931) 3fs personal pronoun as copula; the nominal sentence 'it is a reproach to us' makes the claim emphatic.
לָֽנוּto usprep לְ + 1cp suffixDative of referencePrep לְ + 1cp suffix = 'to us'; the reproach falls on the brothers collectively as Dinah's family.
15

אַךְ בְּזֹ֖את נֵא֣וֹת לָכֶ֑ם אִ֚ם תִּהְי֣וּ כָמֹ֔נוּ לְהִמֹּ֥ל לָכֶ֖ם כָּל זָכָֽר

Only on this condition will we consent to you: if you become like us, by every male among you being circumcised.

circumcision is imposed as the conditionאַךְ בְּזֹאת
The brothers define one path to acceptance: every male in the city must become like them through circumcision. The covenant sign is being recruited into a deceptive plan.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
אַךְonlyrestrictive adverb · אַךְ (H389)Restrictive adverb (limiting condition)אַךְ (H389) 'only, but'; restrictive; introduces the one condition under which consent will be given.
בְּזֹ֖אתin thisprep בְּ + dem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Conditional prepositional phrase (fronted)זֹאת (H2063) 'this'; prep בְּ + demonstrative = 'on this condition'; the demonstrative points forward to the circumcision requirement.
נֵא֣וֹתwe will consentNiphal impf 1cp · אוּת (H225)Predicate verb (apodosis of condition)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — conditional commitmentאוּת (H225) 'to consent, agree'; Niphal 1cp = 'we will consent'; this is the only occurrence cluster of this rare verb; used in vv.15,22,23.
לָכֶ֑םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffixDative (those consented to)Prep לְ + 2mp suffix = 'to you'; the Hivites are the beneficiaries of the brothers' conditional consent.
אִ֚םifconditional conjunction · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction (protasis)אִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the single condition of consent — universal circumcision.
תִּהְי֣וּyou becomeQal impf 2mp · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate of conditional protasis→ Yiqtol: imperfective — condition to be fulfilledהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; impf 2mp; the condition is transformation into likeness to Jacob's household — by circumcision.
כָמֹ֔נוּlike usprep כְּ + 1cp suffix · כְּמוֹ (H3644)Predicate complement (comparative)כְּמוֹ (H3644) 'like, as'; + 1cp suffix = 'like us'; the condition is conformity to the brothers' covenantal identity through circumcision.
לְהִמֹּ֥לto be circumcisedprep לְ + Niphal inf constr · מוּל (H4135)Explanatory infinitive (specifies becoming like them)→ Infinitive: specifying the means of conformityמוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal inf constr = 'to be circumcised'; the covenant sign is weaponized in this demand.
לָכֶ֖םfor yourselvesprep לְ + 2mp suffixReflexive dative (circumcision applies to them)Prep לְ + 2mp suffix = 'for yourselves'; the Hivites as the recipients of their own circumcision.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (subject of circumcision)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; construct before זָכָר = 'every male'; no exception is permitted by the condition.
זָכָֽרmaleadj m sg abs · זָכָר (H2145)Genitive of כָּל (construct)זָכָר (H2145) 'male'; the gendered term for biological maleness; universal male circumcision is the required condition.
16

וְנָתַ֤נּוּ אֶת בְּנֹתֵ֨ינוּ֙ לָכֶ֔ם וְאֶת בְּנֹתֵיכֶ֖ם נִֽקַּֽח לָ֑נוּ וְיָשַׁ֣בְנוּ אִתְּכֶ֔ם וְהָיִ֖ינוּ לְעַ֥ם אֶחָֽד

Then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters for ourselves, and we will dwell with you and become one people.

the promise of one people is offeredוְנָתַנּוּ
If the condition is met, daughters will be exchanged, co-residence established, and the two groups become one people. The language of unity intensifies the stakes of the deception.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְנָתַ֤נּוּthen we will giveconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cp · נָתַן (H5414)Weqatal (consequential apodosis)→ Weqatal: consequential perfective — if you comply, we will giveנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; weqatal 1cp = sequential perfective; the promise that follows the met condition.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בְּנֹתֵ֨ינוּ֙our daughtersN f pl constr + 1cp suffix · בַּת (H1323)Direct object of וְנָתַנּוּבַּת (H1323) 'daughters'; with 1cp suffix = 'our daughters'; the reciprocal offer that mirrors Hamor's request — Jacob's daughters for Hivite sons.
לָכֶ֔םto youprep לְ + 2mp suffixDative of recipientPrep לְ + 2mp suffix = 'to you'; the Hivites receive Jacob's daughters — the exchange is now made explicit.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
בְּנֹתֵיכֶ֖םyour daughtersN f pl constr + 2mp suffix · בַּת (H1323)Direct object of נִקַּח (fronted)בַּת (H1323) 'daughters'; with 2mp suffix = 'your daughters'; the second half of the reciprocal intermarriage offer.
נִֽקַּֽחwe will takeQal impf 1cp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (consequential apodosis)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — conditional futureלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; impf 1cp = 'we will take'; Jacob's household reciprocates — accepting Hivite daughters in return.
לָ֑נוּfor ourselvesprep לְ + 1cp suffixReflexive dative (benefit to us)Prep לְ + 1cp suffix = 'for ourselves'; the brothers as beneficiaries of the acquired Hivite daughters.
וְיָשַׁ֣בְנוּand we will dwellconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Weqatal (consequence: co-residence)→ Weqatal: consequential — co-habitation followsיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, settle'; weqatal 1cp; the third consequential promise — shared residence in the land.
אִתְּכֶ֔םwith youprep אֵת + 2mp suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prep (with you)אֵת (H854) 'with'; + 2mp suffix = 'with you'; co-residence is the social aim behind intermarriage.
וְהָיִ֖ינוּand we will becomeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cp · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal (consequence: social merger)→ Weqatal: consequential — becoming one peopleהָיָה (H1961) 'to become, be'; the climactic promise — the two households merge into one people. The deception here reaches its deepest irony.
לְעַ֥םas one peopleprep לְ + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Predicate complement (what we become)עַם (H5971) 'people, nation, kin group'; prep לְ of result; 'become one people' — the ultimate offer of social merger masks the planned destruction.
אֶחָֽדoneadj m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral (modifies עַם)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; the promise of singularity — one unified people; the highest rhetorical level of the deceptive offer.
17

וְאִם לֹ֧א תִשְׁמְע֛וּ אֵלֵ֖ינוּ לְהִמּ֑וֹל וְלָקַ֥חְנוּ אֶת בִּתֵּ֖נוּ וְהָלָֽכְנוּ

But if you do not listen to us to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and go."

refusal means withdrawalוְאִם לֹא
The counterfactual is simple: if the men of the city do not accept circumcision, Jacob's sons will take Dinah and leave. Outwardly the brothers still speak the language of negotiation.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וְאִםbut ifconj וְ + conditional conj · אִם (H518)Adversative conditional (counter-case)אִם (H518) 'if'; with וְ = 'but if'; the counterfactual — what happens if the city refuses circumcision.
לֹ֧אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of תִּשְׁמְעוּלֹא (H3808) 'not'; negates the conditional — if they do not listen, the outcome is withdrawal.
תִשְׁמְע֛וּyou listenQal impf 2mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate of negative conditional→ Yiqtol: imperfective — withheld complianceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; impf 2mp in conditional; listening to (שָׁמַע אֶל) = heeding the brothers' terms.
אֵלֵ֖ינוּto usprep אֶל + 1cp suffix · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (heed us)אֶל (H413) 'to'; + 1cp suffix = 'to us'; שָׁמַע אֵלֵינוּ = 'listen to us, heed us' — the brothers as the authority whose terms must be met.
לְהִמּ֑וֹלto be circumcisedprep לְ + Niphal inf constr · מוּל (H4135)Purpose/object infinitive of תִּשְׁמְעוּ→ Infinitive: specifying content of complianceמוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal inf constr = 'to be circumcised'; repeated from v.15; circumcision is the sole condition.
וְלָקַ֥חְנוּthen we will takeconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cp · לָקַח (H3947)Weqatal (apodosis of refusal)→ Weqatal: consequential perfective — take back Dinahלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; weqatal = consequential; if refused, the brothers will take Dinah back — the threat is withdrawal.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בִּתֵּ֖נוּour daughterN f sg constr + 1cp suffix · בַּת (H1323)Direct object of וְלָקַחְנוּבַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; with 1cp suffix = 'our daughter'; singular here — Dinah specifically; the brothers speak for the household.
וְהָלָֽכְנוּand we will goconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cp · הָלַךְ (H1980)Weqatal (second apodosis: departure)→ Weqatal: consequential — departure from the landהָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk, depart'; weqatal 1cp; the brothers would leave the Hivite territory — the threat of social rupture.
18

וַיִּֽיטְב֥וּ דִבְרֵיהֶ֖ם בְּעֵינֵ֣י חֲמ֑וֹר וּבְעֵינֵ֖י שְׁכֶ֥ם בֶּן חֲמֽוֹר

And their words were good in the eyes of Hamor and in the eyes of Shechem the son of Hamor.

the proposal pleases Hamor and Shechemוַיִּיטְבוּ
The strategy succeeds at once with the two principal negotiators. They do not perceive the trap embedded in the condition.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיִּֽיטְב֥וּand were pleasingconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָטַב (H3190)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָטַב (H3190) 'to be good, pleasing'; Qal wayyiqtol 3mp; the words of the brothers are good in the negotiators' eyes — the trap closes.
דִבְרֵיהֶ֖םtheir wordsN m pl constr + 3mp suffix · דָּבָר (H1697)Subject of וַיִּיטְבוּדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter'; with suffix 3mp = 'their words'; the brothers' deceptive terms are evaluated positively by Hamor and Shechem.
בְּעֵינֵ֣יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N (c) du constr · עַיִן (H5869)Evaluative prepositional phraseעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; בְּעֵינֵי = 'in the eyes of'; idiom for evaluation or approval by another; cf. Gen 6:8.
חֲמ֑וֹרHamorproper noun · חֲמוֹר (H2544)Genitive of בְּעֵינֵיחֲמוֹר (H2544); Hamor finds the brothers' terms good — he does not perceive the deceit embedded in the condition.
וּבְעֵינֵ֖יand in the eyes ofconj וְ + prep בְּ + N (c) du constr · עַיִן (H5869)Coordinated evaluative phraseעַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; repeated idiom; both Hamor and Shechem receive the offer favorably.
שְׁכֶ֥םShechemproper noun · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Genitive of וּבְעֵינֵישְׁכֶם (H7927); he too is pleased — the desire that led to the violation now leads him willingly into the trap.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive (identifies Shechem)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; reintroduces Shechem's lineage; cf. v.2.
חֲמֽוֹרHamorproper noun · חֲמוֹר (H2544)Genitive of בֶּן (construct chain)חֲמוֹר (H2544); both father and son accept the terms — the entire negotiating pair is satisfied and deceived.
19

וְלֹֽא אֵחַ֤ר הַנַּ֨עַר֙ לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת הַדָּבָ֔ר כִּ֥י חָפֵ֖ץ בְּבַֽת יַעֲקֹ֑ב וְה֣וּא נִכְבָּ֔ד מִכֹּ֖ל בֵּ֥ית אָבִֽיו

And the young man did not delay to do the thing, because he delighted in the daughter of Jacob. And he was more honored than all the house of his father.

Shechem hastens because of desire and statusוְלֹא אֵחַר
The young man delays nothing because he delights in Dinah and carries weight in his father's house. Personal desire and civic influence combine to propel the plan forward.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְלֹֽאand did notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of אֵחַר (coordinated)לֹא (H3808) 'not'; negates the delay — Shechem acts with immediate urgency.
אֵחַ֤רdelayPiel perf 3ms · אָחַר (H309)Predicate verb (negated)→ Perfective: Shechem did not delay — immediate complianceאָחַר (H309) 'to delay, be behind'; Piel = to linger, defer; his non-delay is caused by desire — he hastens the circumcision.
הַנַּ֨עַר֙the young manart + N m sg abs · נַעַר (H5288)Subject of וְלֹא אֵחַרנַעַר (H5288) 'young man, lad'; masculine term for Shechem; his youth underscores that desire and social standing combine to move him.
לַעֲשׂ֣וֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Complementary infinitive of אֵחַר→ Infinitive: the act not delayedעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; inf constr; the act = submitting to circumcision; he does not delay לַעֲשׂוֹת הַדָּבָר.
הַדָּבָ֔רthe thingart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of לַעֲשׂוֹתדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing'; with article = 'the thing' = the circumcision demanded; the same word used by the brothers in v.14.
כִּ֥יbecauseconjunction · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'because'; introduces the explicit motive for Shechem's alacrity — desire for Dinah.
חָפֵ֖ץhe delightedQal perf 3ms · חָפֵץ (H2654)Predicate of causal clause→ Perfective: stative delight — ongoing desireחָפֵץ (H2654) 'to delight in, desire'; stative-resultative perf; cf. Ps 1:2; Shechem's delight in Dinah is the engine of his compliance.
בְּבַֽתin the daughter ofprep בְּ + N f sg constr · בַּת (H1323)Prepositional phrase (object of חָפֵץ)בַּת (H1323) 'daughter'; prep בְּ after חָפֵץ marks the object of delight; the construct binds her to Jacob's household again.
יַעֲקֹ֑בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive of בְּבַת (construct chain)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); Shechem's desire is for Jacob's daughter — the precise relational identity that makes his compliance and its consequences ironic.
וְה֣וּאand heconj וְ + personal pronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of nominal clause (casus pendens)הוּא (H1931) 3ms personal pronoun; fronted to introduce a circumstantial note about Shechem's civic standing.
נִכְבָּ֔דwas honoredNiphal ptc m sg abs · כָּבַד (H3513)Predicate (nominal clause: stative)→ Participle: ongoing stative — he was honoredכָּבַד (H3513) 'to be heavy, honored'; Niphal ptc = 'one who is honored'; his social weight within his father's house intensifies his civic influence.
מִכֹּ֖לabove allprep מִן + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Comparative prepositional phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; comparative מִן = 'more than all'; Shechem is the most honored in his father's house — the most influential persuader.
בֵּ֥יתhouse ofN m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive of מִכֹּל (construct)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; construct 'house of his father' = the entire paternal clan and establishment.
אָבִֽיוhis fatherN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָב (H1)Genitive of בֵּית (construct chain)אָב (H1) 'father'; with suffix 3ms = 'his father'; Shechem's honor within Hamor's household explains why the city will follow his lead.
20

וַיָּבֹ֥א חֲמ֛וֹר וּשְׁכֶ֥ם בְּנ֖וֹ אֶל שַׁ֣עַר עִירָ֑ם וַֽיְדַבְּר֛וּ אֶל אַנְשֵׁ֥י עִירָ֖ם לֵאמֹֽר

And Hamor and Shechem his son came to the gate of their city, and they spoke to the men of their city, saying,

the proposal is carried to the city gateוַיָּבֹא
Hamor and Shechem now move from family negotiation to civic persuasion. The gate setting marks a public, communal decision point.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיָּבֹ֥אand cameconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the subject is compound (Hamor + Shechem); singular verb agrees with the nearer subject.
חֲמ֛וֹרHamorproper noun · חֲמוֹר (H2544)Subject (first member of compound)חֲמוֹר (H2544); he leads — the father's authority is the civic entry point to persuade the city.
וּשְׁכֶ֥םand Shechemconj וְ + proper noun · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Subject (second member of compound)שְׁכֶם (H7927); joins his father in going to the gate — personal stake plus paternal authority combined.
בְּנ֖וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive (identifies Shechem's relation)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; with suffix 3ms = 'his son'; the paternal-filial pair underscores the civic representation.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (destination)אֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the destination — the city gate where civic decisions are made in ancient Near Eastern practice.
שַׁ֣עַרgate ofN m sg constr · שַׁעַר (H8179)Object of prep אֶלשַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; the city gate was the public assembly point and judicial forum; going to the gate = civic forum.
עִירָ֑םtheir cityN f sg constr + 3mp suffix · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of שַׁעַר (construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city, town'; with 3mp suffix = 'their city'; the Hivite urban community where the public decision will be made.
וַֽיְדַבְּר֛וּand spokeconj וְ + Piel wayyiqtol 3mp · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: civic speech beginsדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'; Piel marks sustained public address; the two men address the men of the city at the gate.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (addressees)אֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the assembled men of the city as addressees.
אַנְשֵׁ֥יmen ofN m pl constr · אִישׁ (H376)Object of prep אֶלאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; plural construct = 'men of'; the adult male citizens who gather at the gate for public deliberation.
עִירָ֖םtheir cityN f sg constr + 3mp suffix · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of אַנְשֵׁי (construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; repeated from above; the whole community is now being addressed — not just family.
לֵאמֹֽרsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Speech-introduction formula→ Infinitive: introducing direct discourseאָמַר (H559); לֵאמֹר standard formula; Hamor and Shechem's public speech follows in vv.21-23.
21

הָאֲנָשִׁ֨ים הָאֵ֜לֶּה שְֽׁלֵמִ֧ים הֵ֣ם אִתָּ֗נוּ וְיֵשְׁב֤וּ בָאָ֨רֶץ֙ וְיִסְחֲר֣וּ אֹתָ֔הּ וְהָאָ֛רֶץ הִנֵּ֥ה רַֽחֲבַת יָדַ֖יִם לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם אֶת בְּנֹתָם֙ נִקַּֽח לָ֣נוּ לְנָשִׁ֔ים וְאֶת בְּנֹתֵ֖ינוּ נִתֵּ֥ן לָהֶֽם

"These men are at peace with us. Let them dwell in the land and trade in it, and behold, the land is broad on both sides before them. Let us take their daughters for ourselves as wives, and let us give them our daughters.

peaceful coexistence is publicly advertisedהָאֲנָשִׁים הָאֵלֶּה
The men are presented as peaceable partners for settlement, trade, and intermarriage. The civic speech suppresses the original wrong and foregrounds mutual benefit.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
הָאֲנָשִׁ֨יםthese menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject (topicalized, NP-fronted)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; plural with article; Jacob's household is identified to the city assembly as the party to be welcomed.
הָאֵ֜לֶּהtheseart + dem pron cp · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative modifier (identifies the men)אֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; common plural demonstrative; points to Jacob's household as the specific group under discussion.
שְֽׁלֵמִ֧יםare at peaceadj m pl abs · שָׁלֵם (H8003)Predicate adjective (nominal clause)שָׁלֵם (H8003) 'complete, whole, at peace'; from שָׁלוֹם; Hamor presents Jacob's household as peaceable — suppressing the actual offense.
הֵ֣םtheypersonal pronoun 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Copular pronoun (nominal clause)הֵם (H1992) 3mp personal pronoun; as copula; emphatic — 'they are at peace with us'.
אִתָּ֗נוּwith usprep אֵת + 1cp suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prep (peaceful co-existence)אֵת (H854) 'with'; + 1cp suffix = 'with us'; Hamor frames the situation as mutual peace — no mention of Dinah's violation.
וְיֵשְׁב֤וּlet them dwellconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Jussive/directive imperfect→ Yiqtol: jussive — let them settleיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, settle'; impf 3mp as jussive = 'let them dwell'; the civic invitation echoes v.10.
בָאָ֨רֶץ֙in the landprep בְּ + art + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative prepositional phraseאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; with prep and article = 'in the land'; residence in the Hivite territory is the first offer to the assembly.
וְיִסְחֲר֣וּand tradeconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp · סָחַר (H5503)Coordinated jussive→ Yiqtol: jussive — let them tradeסָחַר (H5503) 'to trade, go about as merchant'; impf 3mp as jussive; economic integration is the second civic benefit.
אֹתָ֔הּin itobj marker אֵת + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (with suffix = 'it')אֵת (H853) with suffix; 'trade it' = trade throughout the land; the suffix refers to אֶרֶץ.
וְהָאָ֛רֶץand the landconj וְ + art + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Subject of noun clause (topicalized)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; fronted to assert its spaciousness — the land is a resource available to all.
הִנֵּ֥הbeholdparticle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (draws attention)הִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; presentative deictic; draws attention to the size of the land as a selling point.
רַֽחֲבַתbroad ofadj f sg constr · רָחָב (H7342)Predicate (construct, nominal clause)רָחָב (H7342) 'wide, broad'; adjective in construct with יָדַיִם = 'wide of hands' = spacious; idiom for ample territory.
יָדַ֖יִםhandsN (c) du abs · יָד (H3027)Genitive of רַחֲבַת (construct idiom)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; dual; the idiom רַחֲבַת יָדַיִם = 'broad of hands' = spacious in both directions; cf. Judg 18:10.
לִפְנֵיהֶ֑םbefore themprep לְ + N (c) pl constr + 3mp suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Predicate locative (the land lies before them)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, front'; לִפְנֵי = 'before, in front of'; the land lies open before Jacob's household — unobstructed access.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
בְּנֹתָם֙their daughtersN f pl constr + 3mp suffix · בַּת (H1323)Direct object of נִקַּח (fronted)בַּת (H1323) 'daughters'; with 3mp suffix = 'their daughters' (Jacob's family's daughters); fronted before the verb.
נִקַּֽחwe will takeQal impf 1cp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicative imperfect (first person)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future intentionלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; impf 1cp = 'let us take'; Hamor now speaks for the city — the Hivites will take Jacob's daughters.
לָ֣נוּfor ourselvesprep לְ + 1cp suffixReflexive dative (benefit to us)Prep לְ + 1cp suffix = 'for ourselves'; the Hivite assembly as beneficiaries of the intermarriage proposal.
לְנָשִׁ֔יםas wivesprep לְ + N f pl abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Predicate complement (role)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; prep לְ of role; the daughters are sought as legitimate wives.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
בְּנֹתֵ֖ינוּour daughtersN f pl constr + 1cp suffix · בַּת (H1323)Direct object of נִתֵּן (fronted)בַּת (H1323) 'daughters'; with 1cp suffix = 'our daughters'; the Hivite daughters to be given in return.
נִתֵּ֥ןwe will giveQal impf 1cp · נָתַן (H5414)Predicative imperfect (reciprocal offer)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future offerנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; impf 1cp; the Hivites will give their own daughters to Jacob's sons — full reciprocal exchange.
לָהֶֽםto themprep לְ + 3mp suffixDative of recipientPrep לְ + 3mp suffix = 'to them'; Jacob's household receives the Hivite daughters.
22

אַךְ בְּ֠זֹאת יֵאֹ֨תוּ לָ֤נוּ הָאֲנָשִׁים֙ לָשֶׁ֣בֶת אִתָּ֔נוּ לִהְי֖וֹת לְעַ֣ם אֶחָ֑ד בְּהִמּ֥וֹל לָ֨נוּ֙ כָּל זָכָ֔ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר הֵ֥ם נִמֹּלִֽים

Only on this condition will the men consent to us, to dwell with us, to become one people: that every male among us be circumcised just as they are circumcised.

the public condition is repeatedאַךְ בְּזֹאת
The same شرط is restated to the city: every male must be circumcised for the union to take effect. The city is now drawn into the deceptive covenantal demand.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
אַךְonlyrestrictive adverb · אַךְ (H389)Restrictive adverb (single condition)אַךְ (H389) 'only, but'; repeated from v.15; the same condition is restated to the city — the single non-negotiable requirement.
בְּ֠זֹאתin thisprep בְּ + dem pron f sg · זֹאת (H2063)Conditional phrase (the single condition)זֹאת (H2063) 'this'; prep בְּ + dem = 'on this condition'; points forward to the circumcision requirement for the city's males.
יֵאֹ֨תוּwill consentNiphal impf 3mp · אוּת (H225)Predicate of conditional main clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — conditional consentאוּת (H225) 'to consent, agree'; Niphal 3mp; here Hamor speaks for Jacob's men — they will consent if the city is circumcised.
לָ֤נוּto usprep לְ + 1cp suffixDative (consent is given to the Hivites)Prep לְ + 1cp suffix = 'to us'; the Hivites as the recipients of consent.
הָאֲנָשִׁים֙the menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of יֵאֹתוּאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; plural with article; 'the men' = Jacob's household; Hamor represents what they will agree to.
לָשֶׁ֣בֶתto dwellprep לְ + Qal inf constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Purpose infinitive (specifies consent)→ Infinitive: purpose of consentיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, settle'; inf constr with לְ; the purpose of consent is shared residence in the land.
אִתָּ֔נוּwith usprep אֵת + 1cp suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prep (co-residence)אֵת (H854) 'with'; + 1cp suffix = 'with us'; the goal is co-habitation in the Hivite territory.
לִהְי֖וֹתto becomeprep לְ + Qal inf constr · הָיָה (H1961)Coordinated purpose infinitive→ Infinitive: goal of co-residenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to become'; inf constr; the goal beyond residence — becoming one people.
לְעַ֣םone peopleprep לְ + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Predicate complement (what they become)עַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; prep לְ of result = 'become a people'; the social merger echoes the brothers' offer in v.16.
אֶחָ֑דoneadj m sg abs · אֶחָד (H259)Attributive numeral (modifies עַם)אֶחָד (H259) 'one'; the singular unity promised — the highest civic promise to the Hivite assembly.
בְּהִמּ֥וֹלwhen being circumcisedprep בְּ + Niphal inf constr · מוּל (H4135)Temporal conditional infinitive→ Infinitive: condition of consent (circumcision)מוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal inf constr with בְּ = 'when/by being circumcised'; the condition to be met for consent.
לָ֨נוּ֙among usprep לְ + 1cp suffixDative of application (circumcision applies to us)Prep לְ + 1cp suffix = 'for/among us'; specifies that every male among the Hivites is to be circumcised.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct before זָכָר; no male exempted.
זָכָ֔רmaleadj m sg abs · זָכָר (H2145)Genitive of כָּל (construct)זָכָר (H2145) 'male'; repeated requirement — every male in the Hivite city must be circumcised.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רjust asprep כְּ + relative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative clause (manner)כַּאֲשֶׁר (H834 + כְּ) 'just as'; introduces the comparison — the Hivites must be circumcised exactly as Jacob's men are.
הֵ֥םtheypersonal pronoun 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Subject of comparative clauseהֵם (H1992) 3mp pronoun; refers to Jacob's household — already circumcised; the Hivites must match their state.
נִמֹּלִֽיםare circumcisedNiphal ptc m pl abs · מוּל (H4135)Predicate (stative Niphal ptc)→ Participle: stative — they are circumcisedמוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal ptc = 'circumcised ones'; the covenantal mark of Jacob's household is the benchmark.
23

מִקְנֵהֶ֤ם וְקִנְיָנָם֙ וְכָל בְּהֶמְתָּ֔ם הֲל֥וֹא לָ֖נוּ הֵ֑ם אַ֚ךְ נֵא֣וֹתָה לָהֶ֔ם וְיֵשְׁב֖וּ אִתָּֽנוּ

Will not their livestock and their property and all their beasts be ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell with us."

economic incentive persuades the cityמִקְנֵהֶם
The persuasive center is exposed here: Jacob's livestock, property, and beasts will eventually become theirs. Profit reinforces peace-language.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
מִקְנֵהֶ֤םtheir livestockN m sg constr + 3mp suffix · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Subject of הֲלוֹא לָנוּ הֵם (fronted)מִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, property'; from קָנָה; fronted emphatically — the economic motive is laid bare here.
וְקִנְיָנָם֙and their propertyconj וְ + N m sg constr + 3mp suffix · קִנְיָן (H7075)Coordinated subject (second)קִנְיָן (H7075) 'property, wealth, acquisition'; from קָנָה 'to acquire'; a comprehensive term for all their possessions.
וְכָלand allconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Coordinated universal quantifierכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct before בְּהֶמְתָּם = 'all their livestock'; the third item in the wealth list.
בְּהֶמְתָּ֔םtheir beastsN f sg constr + 3mp suffix · בְּהֵמָה (H929)Genitive of כָּל (construct)בְּהֵמָה (H929) 'beast, animal, domestic animal'; collective term; the total animal wealth of Jacob's household is the inducement.
הֲל֥וֹאwill they notinterrogative + negative · לֹא (H3808)Rhetorical question (expects yes)הֲלוֹא (H3808) interrogative + negative = 'is it not?'; a rhetorical question expecting affirmation: of course it will be ours.
לָ֖נוּoursprep לְ + 1cp suffixPossessive dative (idiom: belong to us)Prep לְ + 1cp suffix = 'ours, belonging to us'; the economic incentive — Jacob's wealth will eventually pass to the Hivites.
הֵ֑םtheypersonal pronoun 3mp · הֵם (H1992)Copular pronoun (will be ours)הֵם (H1992) 3mp pronoun; copula in the nominal clause — the livestock and property will be theirs.
אַ֚ךְonlyrestrictive adverb · אַךְ (H389)Restrictive adverb (single required act)אַךְ (H389) 'only'; third instance in vv.15,22,23; closes the speech with the condition now made minimal — 'only let us consent'.
נֵא֣וֹתָהlet us consentNiphal cohort 1cp · אוּת (H225)Cohortative (urging the community to act)→ Cohortative: self-hortatory — urging collective consentאוּת (H225) 'to consent'; Niphal cohortative 1cp = 'let us consent to them'; Hamor urges the assembly to agree.
לָהֶ֔םto themprep לְ + 3mp suffixDative (consent directed to Jacob's men)Prep לְ + 3mp suffix = 'to them'; the consent is directed to Jacob's household — acceptance of the terms.
וְיֵשְׁב֖וּand they will dwellconj וְ + Qal impf 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Consequential jussive (result of consent)→ Yiqtol: jussive — desired resultיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, settle'; impf 3mp as jussive = 'let them dwell'; the consequence of civic consent — Jacob's household settles among them.
אִתָּֽנוּwith usprep אֵת + 1cp suffix · אֵת (H854)Comitative prep (co-residence)אֵת (H854) 'with'; + 1cp suffix = 'with us'; the civic speech closes with the same co-residence promise — and the city agrees.
24

וַיִּשְׁמְע֤וּ אֶל חֲמוֹר֙ וְאֶל שְׁכֶ֣ם בְּנ֔וֹ כָּל יֹצְאֵ֖י שַׁ֣עַר עִיר֑וֹ וַיִּמֹּ֨לוּ֙ כָּל זָכָ֔ר כָּל יֹצְאֵ֖י שַׁ֥עַר עִירֽוֹ

And all who went out of the gate of his city listened to Hamor and to Shechem his son, and every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city.

the city submits to circumcisionוַיִּשְׁמְעוּ
The public agrees, and every male is circumcised. The trap is now fully set at the communal level.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיִּשְׁמְע֤וּand listenedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen, obey'; the city heeds Hamor and Shechem — the trap is fully set.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (those heeded)אֶל (H413) 'to'; שָׁמַע אֶל = 'heed, listen to'; the city heeds both Hamor and Shechem.
חֲמוֹר֙Hamorproper noun · חֲמוֹר (H2544)Object of prep אֶל (first)חֲמוֹר (H2544); the father is heeded first — his civic authority carries the primary weight of persuasion.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Coordinated prep (second person heeded)
שְׁכֶ֣םShechemproper noun · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Object of וְאֶל (second)שְׁכֶם (H7927); the son also is heeded — his honor and desire (v.19) carried civic weight.
בְּנ֔וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive (identifies Shechem)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; with suffix 3ms = 'his son'; closing the identification of the two speakers.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (subject)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct before יֹצְאֵי; every male citizen who goes out of the gate.
יֹצְאֵ֖יthose going out ofQal ptc m pl constr · יָצָא (H3318)Participial construct (substantival)→ Participle: characterizing the civic assemblyיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Qal ptc m pl constr = 'those going out of'; idiomatic for the adult male citizens who go in and out of the gate.
שַׁ֣עַרgate ofN m sg constr · שַׁעַר (H8179)Genitive of יֹצְאֵי (construct)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; construct; the gate as the social marker of full civic membership.
עִיר֑וֹhis cityN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of שַׁעַר (construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; with 3ms suffix = 'his city' (Hamor/Shechem's city); the entire male citizenry submits to circumcision.
וַיִּמֹּ֨לוּ֙and were circumcisedconj וְ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3mp · מוּל (H4135)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: the decisive communal actמוּל (H4135) 'to circumcise'; Niphal wayyiqtol = 'and they were circumcised'; the covenant sign is now applied to the entire Hivite city.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (subject)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct before זָכָר; repetition underscores totality.
זָכָ֔רmaleadj m sg abs · זָכָר (H2145)Genitive of כָּל (construct)זָכָר (H2145) 'male'; every male in the city is circumcised — the condition is met, and the trap is sprung.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (repeated appositive)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; repeated for emphasis, as a second identification of who was circumcised — the whole male civic body.
יֹצְאֵ֖יthose going out ofQal ptc m pl constr · יָצָא (H3318)Substantival participle (repeated)→ Participle: civic assembly membersיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; repeated from above; the repeated phrase clinches the totality of compliance.
שַׁ֥עַרgate ofN m sg constr · שַׁעַר (H8179)Genitive of יֹצְאֵי (construct)שַׁעַר (H8179) 'gate'; repeated; the gate formula seals the description — all who belong to the civic body.
עִירֽוֹhis cityN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · עִיר (H5892)Genitive of שַׁעַר (construct chain)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; with 3ms suffix; the circumcision of the whole city is complete — the stage is set for vv.25-26.
25

וַיְהִי֩ בַיּ֨וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֜י בִּֽהְיוֹתָ֣ם כֹּֽאֲבִ֗ים וַיִּקְח֣וּ שְׁנֵֽי בְנֵי יַ֠עֲקֹב שִׁמְע֨וֹן וְלֵוִ֜י אֲחֵ֤י דִינָה֙ אִ֣ישׁ חַרְבּ֔וֹ וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ עַל הָעִ֖יר בֶּ֑טַח וַיַּֽהַרְג֖וּ כָּל זָכָֽר

And it happened on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took each man his sword and came upon the city in security and killed every male.

Simeon and Levi strike on the third dayוַיְהִי
On the third day, when the men are in pain, Simeon and Levi act with lethal precision. The covenantal sign has become the condition of bodily vulnerability.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיְהִי֩and it came to passconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol narrative formula→ Wayyiqtol: temporal frame for violenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; the וַיְהִי formula introduces a new scene with a time stamp; cf. Gen 4:8.
בַיּ֨וֹםon the dayprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal prepositional phraseיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; with prep and article; 'on the day = on the third day'; the temporal setting of the slaughter.
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֜יthe thirdart + ordinal adj m sg abs · שְׁלִישִׁי (H7992)Ordinal attribute of הַיּוֹםשְׁלִישִׁי (H7992) 'third'; ordinal from שָׁלוֹשׁ 'three'; the third day post-circumcision is when pain is most acute (cf. Gen 17:23-27 context).
בִּֽהְיוֹתָ֣םwhen they wereprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3mp suffix · הָיָה (H1961)Temporal clause (explains timing of attack)→ Infinitive: temporal — while they were in painהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; inf constr with בְּ + suffix = 'when they were'; the brothers exploit the moment of maximum vulnerability.
כֹּֽאֲבִ֗יםin painQal ptc m pl abs · כָּאַב (H3510)Predicate of temporal clause→ Participle: ongoing pain stateכָּאַב (H3510) 'to be in pain, ache'; Qal ptc = 'those who are in pain'; the physical vulnerability caused by circumcision is the strategic window.
וַיִּקְח֣וּand tookconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: the brothers act with weaponsלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the brothers take their swords — the same verb used for Shechem's seizure of Dinah in v.2.
שְׁנֵֽיtwo ofadj m du constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Quantifier in construct (limits the actors)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; masculine dual construct; specifies that only Simeon and Levi carry out the initial killing — not all the brothers.
בְנֵיsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive of שְׁנֵי (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; plural construct; 'two of the sons of Jacob' — identifies the actors within the sibling group.
יַ֠עֲקֹבJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive of בְנֵי (construct chain)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); the patriarch; his sons act without his prior consent — the rebuke in v.30 follows.
שִׁמְע֨וֹןSimeonproper noun · שִׁמְעוֹן (H8095)Appositive (names the first brother)שִׁמְעוֹן (H8095), Jacob's second son by Leah; later rebuked alongside Levi by Jacob (Gen 49:5-7).
וְלֵוִ֜יand Leviconj וְ + proper noun · לֵוִי (H3878)Appositive (names the second brother)לֵוִי (H3878), Jacob's third son by Leah; his violent role here is recalled in Gen 49:5-7; his descendants will receive no land allotment.
אֲחֵ֤יbrothers ofN m pl constr · אָח (H251)Appositive construct (kin motive stated)אָח (H251) 'brother'; plural construct; 'brothers of Dinah' — the fraternal bond is the motivation for the killing; cf. 2 Sam 13:22.
דִינָה֙Dinahproper noun · דִּינָה (H1783)Genitive of אֲחֵי (construct chain)דִּינָה (H1783); named again — her violation is the explicit motive for Simeon and Levi's action.
אִ֣ישׁeach manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Distributive subject (each took his sword)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; distributive use — 'each man his sword'; cf. Judg 7:22; simultaneous individual action.
חַרְבּ֔וֹhis swordN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · חֶרֶב (H2719)Direct object of וַיִּקְחוּ (distributed)חֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword'; with 3ms suffix = 'his sword'; the weapon of the slaughter is now introduced.
וַיָּבֹ֥אוּand came uponconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: the attack on the cityבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; they enter בֶּטַח = 'in security/unsuspectingly'; the city has no defense on the third day.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Directional prep (hostile approach)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; with בּוֹא = 'come upon' with hostile intent; the same construction used for military attack.
הָעִ֖ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Object of prep עַל (target)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; with article = the city of Shechem; the entire settlement is the object of the attack.
בֶּ֑טַחin securityN m sg abs · בֶּטַח (H983)Adverbial accusative (manner of entry)בֶּטַח (H983) 'security, safety'; used adverbially = 'securely, unsuspectingly'; the city's sense of security is the ironic condition of the slaughter.
וַיַּֽהַרְג֖וּand killedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָרַג (H2026)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: the killing is narrated directlyהָרַג (H2026) 'to kill, slay'; Qal wayyiqtol; the slaughter is stated bluntly without mitigating language.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (scope of killing)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct before זָכָר; every single male is killed.
זָכָֽרmaleadj m sg abs · זָכָר (H2145)Genitive of כָּל (construct)זָכָר (H2145) 'male'; every male in the city, including Hamor and Shechem (v.26); total destruction of the male population.
26

וְאֶת חֲמוֹר֙ וְאֶת שְׁכֶ֣ם בְּנ֔וֹ הָרְג֖וּ לְפִי חָ֑רֶב וַיִּקְח֧וּ אֶת דִּינָ֛ה מִבֵּ֥ית שְׁכֶ֖ם וַיֵּצֵֽאוּ

And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and they took Dinah out of the house of Shechem and went out.

the offenders are killed and Dinah is removedוְאֶת חֲמוֹר
The vengeance is focused first on Hamor and Shechem, and Dinah is taken out of Shechem's house. Rescue and retribution are joined in the same movement.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
חֲמוֹר֙Hamorproper noun · חֲמוֹר (H2544)Direct object of הָרְגוּ (first)חֲמוֹר (H2544); named first — the father who negotiated is killed; the death of the principal negotiators signals total repudiation of the alliance.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
שְׁכֶ֣םShechemproper noun · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Direct object of הָרְגוּ (second)שְׁכֶם (H7927); the violator is killed directly — the primary agent of the offense receives the same sword.
בְּנ֔וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בֵּן (H1121)Appositive (identifies Shechem)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; with suffix 3ms = 'his son'; the paternal-filial pair that drove the offense are both slain.
הָרְג֖וּthey killedQal perf 3cp · הָרַג (H2026)Predicate verb (subject = Simeon and Levi)→ Perfective: completed killing of Hamor and Shechemהָרַג (H2026) 'to kill'; Qal perf 3cp; the two brothers specifically kill the two principals before the general killing of v.25.
לְפִיby the edge ofprep לְ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Instrument of killing (idiom)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth, edge'; לְפִי חֶרֶב = 'by the mouth/edge of the sword' — the standard idiom for sword slaughter.
חָ֑רֶבthe swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Genitive of לְפִי (construct idiom)חֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword'; the same weapon taken in v.25; cf. Gen 34:25-26 — the sword of vengeance.
וַיִּקְח֧וּand tookconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: retrieval of Dinah follows the killingלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; wayyiqtol; lāqaḥ here = rescue/retrieval — the same verb for Shechem's seizure (v.2) is reversed.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
דִּינָ֛הDinahproper noun · דִּינָה (H1783)Direct object of וַיִּקְחוּדִּינָה (H1783); named explicitly here for the first time since v.13 — her removal from Shechem's house is the narrative's vindication.
מִבֵּ֥יתfrom the house ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · בַּיִת (H1004)Ablative prep phrase (source of Dinah's removal)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; מִבֵּית = 'from the house of'; Dinah had been held in Shechem's house (cf. v.17 implied).
שְׁכֶ֖םShechemproper noun · שְׁכֶם (H7927)Genitive of מִבֵּית (construct chain)שְׁכֶם (H7927); the dead man's house; Dinah is removed from the place of her captivity after the offender is slain.
וַיֵּצֵֽאוּand went outconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: departure after rescueיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the same verb as Dinah's going out in v.1 — her departure from the scene is now in the brothers' hands.
27

בְּנֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֗ב בָּ֚אוּ עַל הַ֣חֲלָלִ֔ים וַיָּבֹ֖זּוּ הָעִ֑יר אֲשֶׁ֥ר טִמְּא֖וּ אֲחוֹתָֽם

The sons of Jacob came upon the slain and plundered the city, because they had defiled their sister.

the retaliation widens into plunderבְּנֵי יַעֲקֹב בָּאוּ
The action broadens from the two brothers' strike to the sons of Jacob generally, who come upon the slain and plunder the city because their sister had been defiled.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
בְּנֵ֣יsons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of בָּאוּ (fronted)בֵּן (H1121) 'son'; plural construct; broadens from Simeon and Levi (vv.25-26) to the wider group of brothers.
יַעֲקֹ֗בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive of בְּנֵי (construct chain)יַעֲקֹב (H3290); the wider household now participates in the plunder; v.30's rebuke from Jacob addresses the collective.
בָּ֚אוּcameQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed arrival at the slainבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; the sons of Jacob come upon the slain (עַל הַחֲלָלִים) — the broader group follows the two brothers.
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Directional prep (upon the slain)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; with בּוֹא = 'came upon'; the brothers arrive where the dead men lie to begin plundering.
הַ֣חֲלָלִ֔יםthe slainart + adj m pl abs · חָלָל (H2491)Object of prep עַלחָלָל (H2491) 'slain, pierced'; from חָלַל; those killed in battle; the dead men of the city become the occasion for plunder.
וַיָּבֹ֖זּוּand plunderedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בָּזַז (H962)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: plunder follows slaughterבָּזַז (H962) 'to plunder, loot, despoil'; cf. Num 31:9; the city is systematically stripped after the killing.
הָעִ֑ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct object of וַיָּבֹזּוּעִיר (H5892) 'city'; with article = the Hivite city; the object of the plunder — the same city Hamor called to the gate in v.20.
אֲשֶׁ֥רbecauserelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Causal relative clause (motive for plunder)אֲשֶׁר (H834) used causally = 'because'; the causal clause links the plunder to the original defilement of Dinah.
טִמְּא֖וּthey defiledPiel perf 3cp · טָמֵא (H2930)Predicate of causal clause→ Perfective: completed act of defilement as causeטָמֵא (H2930) 'to defile'; Piel 3cp; plural subject now — the city collectively bears the guilt, not Shechem alone.
אֲחוֹתָֽםtheir sisterN f sg constr + 3mp suffix · אָחוֹת (H269)Direct object of טִמְּאוּאָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; with 3mp suffix = 'their sister'; the final word of the verse — Dinah's status as the violated sister remains the narrative's moral anchor.
28

אֶת צֹאנָ֥ם וְאֶת בְּקָרָ֖ם וְאֶת חֲמֹרֵיהֶּ֑ם וְאֵ֧ת אֲשֶׁר בָּעִ֛יר וְאֶת אֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֖ה לָקָֽחוּ

Their flocks and their herds and their donkeys, and what was in the city and what was in the field, they took.

livestock and field-goods are takenאֶת צֹאנָם
The plunder extends to flocks, herds, donkeys, and all goods in city and field. Vengeance has moved into full economic despoiling.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (list begins)
צֹאנָ֥םtheir flocksN (c) sg constr + 3mp suffix · צֹאן (H6629)Direct object of לָקָחוּ (fronted)צֹאן (H6629) 'flock, sheep and goats'; collective; first item in the plunder list — small livestock taken from the Hivites.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
בְּקָרָ֖םtheir herdsN (c) sg constr + 3mp suffix · בָּקָר (H1241)Direct object of לָקָחוּ (second)בָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle, herd'; large livestock; with צֹאן forms the standard livestock pair; comprehensive animal wealth.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
חֲמֹרֵיהֶּ֑םtheir donkeysN (c) pl constr + 3mp suffix · חֲמוֹר (H2543)Direct object of לָקָחוּ (third)חֲמוֹר (H2543) 'donkey, ass'; distinct from the proper noun Hamor (H2544); pack animals added to the list of spoil.
וְאֵ֧תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
אֲשֶׁרwhatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (object = everything in city)אֲשֶׁר (H834); functions as a substantival pronoun = 'what, that which'; opens a catch-all clause for city goods.
בָּעִ֛ירin the cityprep בְּ + art + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Predicate of relative clause (locative)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; the city is stripped of all its contents; 'what was in the city' = all urban property.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhatrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (object = everything in field)אֲשֶׁר (H834); second catch-all clause — what was in the open country.
בַּשָּׂדֶ֖הin the fieldprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Predicate of relative clause (locative)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; cf. v.5; field goods — crops, equipment — added to city goods.
לָקָֽחוּthey tookQal perf 3cp · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (end-focused)→ Perfective: total completed plunderלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Qal perf 3cp; post-posed predicate after the list of objects — end-stress on the comprehensive taking.
29

וְאֶת כָּל חֵילָ֤ם וְאֶת כָּל טַפָּם֙ וְאֶת נְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם שָׁב֖וּ וַיָּבֹ֑זּוּ וְאֵ֖ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּבָּֽיִת

And all their wealth and all their little ones and their wives they captured and plundered, and all that was in the house.

households are carried off and despoiledוְאֶת כָּל חֵילָם
Wealth, little ones, wives, and everything in the houses are taken. The scope of the retaliation is now totalizing.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (scope of plunder)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct before חֵילָם; the totalization of wealth is emphasized by three repetitions of כָּל in this verse.
חֵילָ֤םtheir wealthN m sg constr + 3mp suffix · חַיִל (H2428)Genitive of כָּל (construct)חַיִל (H2428) 'strength, wealth, property'; collective term for all military and economic resources; the complete material wealth of the city.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (second member)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct before טַפָּם; the little ones — children — are now included in the scope.
טַפָּם֙their little onesN m sg constr + 3mp suffix · טַף (H2945)Genitive of כָּל (construct)טַף (H2945) 'little children, dependents'; collective term for non-combatant children; their capture widens the scope of the retaliation beyond the combatants.
וְאֶתand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
נְשֵׁיהֶ֔םtheir wivesN f pl constr + 3mp suffix · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object of שָׁבוּאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; with suffix 3mp = 'their wives'; the women of the city are taken captive — the human toll of the retaliation.
שָׁב֖וּthey capturedQal perf 3cp · שָׁבָה (H7617)Predicate verb (of captivity)→ Perfective: completed act of taking captiveשָׁבָה (H7617) 'to take captive, lead away'; the women and children are taken as war captives; the scale of the aftermath is now totalizing.
וַיָּבֹ֑זּוּand plunderedconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בָּזַז (H962)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: general plunder continuesבָּזַז (H962) 'to plunder, loot'; repeated from v.27; the plundering continues — now household goods in addition to livestock.
וְאֵ֖תand [obj]conj וְ + obj marker · אֵת (H853)Conjunction + direct-object marker
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Universal quantifier (third member)כֹּל (H3605) 'all'; third instance; 'all that was in the house' = complete household despoiling.
אֲשֶׁ֥רthat wasrelative pronoun · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun (what was in the house)אֲשֶׁר (H834); substantival relative = 'what, everything that'; all household contents.
בַּבָּֽיִתin the houseprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בַּיִת (H1004)Predicate of relative clause (locative)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; with article; the domestic sphere stripped entirely — nothing is left.
30

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶל שִׁמְע֣וֹן וְאֶל לֵוִי֮ עֲכַרְתֶּ֣ם אֹתִי֒ לְהַבְאִישֵׁ֨נִי֙ בְּיֹשֵׁ֣ב הָאָ֔רֶץ בַּֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖י וּבַפְּרִזִּ֑י וַאֲנִי֙ מְתֵ֣י מִסְפָּ֔ר וְנֶאֶסְפ֤וּ עָלַי֙ וְהִכּ֔וּנִי וְנִשְׁמַדְתִּ֖י אֲנִ֥י וּבֵיתִֽי

And Jacob said to Simeon and to Levi, "You have troubled me, to make me stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and among the Perizzites. And I am few in number, and they will gather themselves against me and strike me, and I shall be destroyed, I and my house."

Jacob rebukes Simeon and Levi on political groundsוַיֹּאמֶר
Jacob condemns the brothers for making him odious among the inhabitants of the land and for exposing the whole house to destruction. His emphasis falls on survivability in Canaan, not on denying the original wrong.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: Jacob's rebuke follows the plunderאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Jacob finally speaks directly to Simeon and Levi — his first speech in the chapter.
יַעֲקֹ֜בJacobproper noun · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶריַעֲקֹב (H3290); speaking for the first time in this chapter; his rebuke centers on household survival, not on the injustice to Dinah.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional prep (addressees)אֶל (H413) 'to'; Jacob addresses Simeon and Levi specifically.
שִׁמְע֣וֹןSimeonproper noun · שִׁמְעוֹן (H8095)Object of prep אֶל (first addressee)שִׁמְעוֹן (H8095); called out by name along with Levi — paternal rebuke is direct and personal.
וְאֶלand toconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Conjunction + directional prep
לֵוִי֮Leviproper noun · לֵוִי (H3878)Object of וְאֶל (second addressee)לֵוִי (H3878); the two brothers who carried out the killing are addressed; the other brothers who plundered are not named here.
עֲכַרְתֶּ֣םyou have troubled meQal perf 2mp · עָכַר (H5916)Predicate verb (accusation)→ Perfective: completed act — you have troubled meעָכַר (H5916) 'to trouble, disturb, bring calamity upon'; Qal perf 2mp; cf. Josh 7:25 (Achan); Jacob's charge is that they have brought danger upon the household.
אֹתִי֒meobj marker אֵת + 1cs suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (Jacob = victim of their action)אֵת (H853) with 1cs suffix; Jacob himself is the object of the trouble brought by his sons.
לְהַבְאִישֵׁ֨נִי֙to make me stinkprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr + 1cs suffix · בָּאַשׁ (H887)Purpose infinitive (result of their action)→ Infinitive: purpose — making Jacob odiousבָּאַשׁ (H887) 'to stink, become abhorrent'; Hiphil = 'to cause to stink'; the social-reputational consequence of the brothers' violence.
בְּיֹשֵׁ֣בamong inhabitants ofprep בְּ + Qal ptc m sg constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Prepositional phrase (among whom)→ Participle: the inhabitants as an ongoing social realityיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to dwell, inhabit'; Qal ptc m sg constr = 'inhabitant of'; Jacob fears the reaction of the surrounding peoples.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive of יֹשֵׁב (construct)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; 'inhabitants of the land' = the Canaanite peoples generally; their reaction is what Jacob fears.
בַּֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖יamong the Canaaniteprep בְּ + art + gentilic m sg abs · כְּנַעֲנִי (H3669)Specifying prepositional phraseכְּנַעֲנִי (H3669) 'Canaanite'; the primary ethnic group in the land; mentioned first among those who may now turn against Jacob.
וּבַפְּרִזִּ֑יand the Perizziteconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + gentilic m sg abs · פְּרִזִּי (H6522)Coordinated specifying phraseפְּרִזִּי (H6522) 'Perizzite'; a people of Canaan often mentioned alongside Canaanites; cf. Gen 13:7; both groups could now retaliate against Jacob.
וַאֲנִי֙and Iconj וְ + personal pronoun 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Contrastive subject (casus pendens)אֲנִי (H589) 1cs personal pronoun; fronted contrastively = 'while I'; Jacob contrasts his vulnerability with the brothers' rash action.
מְתֵ֣יmen ofN m pl constr · מְתִים (H4962)Predicate construct (I am men of)מְתִים (H4962) 'men, people' (pl only); construct before מִסְפָּר; the idiom מְתֵי מִסְפָּר = 'men of number' = few in number.
מִסְפָּ֔רnumberN m sg abs · מִסְפָּר (H4557)Genitive of מְתֵי (construct idiom)מִסְפָּר (H4557) 'number, count'; from סָפַר; the idiom מְתֵי מִסְפָּר = 'countable men' = few; Jacob's household is numerically vulnerable.
וְנֶאֶסְפ֤וּand they will gatherconj וְ + Niphal perf 3cp · אָסַף (H622)Weqatal (feared consequence)→ Weqatal: feared consequential — they will gather against meאָסַף (H622) 'to gather, assemble'; Niphal 3cp = 'they will be gathered'; Jacob fears a military coalition of the surrounding Canaanites.
עָלַי֙against meprep עַל + 1cs suffix · עַל (H5921)Directional prep (hostile gathering)עַל (H5921) 'upon, against'; + 1cs suffix = 'against me'; the coalition attacks Jacob's household.
וְהִכּ֔וּנִיand strike meconj וְ + Hiphil perf 3cp + 1cs suffix · נָכָה (H5221)Weqatal (second feared consequence)→ Weqatal: consequential — I will be struck downנָכָה (H5221) 'to strike, smite'; Hiphil = causative smite; 3cp + 1cs suffix = 'they will strike me'; physical destruction of Jacob.
וְנִשְׁמַדְתִּ֖יand I will be destroyedconj וְ + Niphal perf 1cs · שָׁמַד (H8045)Weqatal (third feared consequence: extinction)→ Weqatal: consequential — I will be annihilatedשָׁמַד (H8045) 'to be annihilated, destroyed'; Niphal = passive destruction; Jacob fears the total extinction of his household.
אֲנִ֥יIpersonal pronoun 1cs · אֲנִי (H589)Emphatic subject (co-referential with suffix)אֲנִי (H589) 1cs; emphatic repetition of the subject after the suffixed verb — 'I, even I'.
וּבֵיתִֽיand my houseconj וְ + N m sg constr + 1cs suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Coordinated subject (I and my household)בַּיִת (H1004) 'house, household'; with suffix = 'my house'; the entire household faces annihilation — Jacob's concern is survival of the covenantal line, not only personal safety.
31

וַיֹּאמְר֑וּ הַכְזוֹנָ֕ה יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה אֶת אֲחוֹתֵֽנוּ

And they said, "Should he treat our sister like a prostitute?"

the brothers defend their action by appeal to Dinah's honorוַיֹּאמְרוּ
The final word belongs to the brothers, and it is framed as a question: should their sister be treated like a prostitute? The scene closes on unresolved moral tension rather than reconciled judgment.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
וַיֹּאמְר֑וּand they saidconj וְ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: the brothers answer Jacobאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the brothers have the final word — the chapter closes without resolution, with their counter-question unanswered.
הַכְזוֹנָ֕הlike a prostituteinterrogative הֲ + prep כְּ + Qal ptc f sg abs · זָנָה (H2181)Comparative complement of יַעֲשֶׂה (fronted)→ Participle: characterizing treatment as prostitutionזָנָה (H2181) 'to be a prostitute, play the harlot'; Qal ptc f sg = 'a prostitute'; the brothers refuse to allow the violation to be treated as socially acceptable.
יַעֲשֶׂ֖הshould he treatQal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate of rhetorical question→ Yiqtol: deontic modal — should it be permissible?עָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, treat'; Qal impf 3ms; the implicit subject is Shechem; the question is whether the violation can be absorbed into normalcy without consequence.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אֲחוֹתֵֽנוּour sisterN f sg constr + 1cp suffix · אָחוֹת (H269)Direct object of יַעֲשֶׂהאָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; with 1cp suffix = 'our sister'; the chapter's last word returns to Dinah's identity as sister — the term אָחוֹת frames the moral claim that the brothers will not abandon.