Genesis 34:5
Context34:5 When 1 Jacob heard that Shechem 2 had violated his daughter Dinah, his sons were with the livestock in the field. So Jacob remained silent 3 until they came in.
Genesis 34:21
Context34:21 “These men are at peace with us. So let them live in the land and travel freely in it, for the land is wide enough 4 for them. We will take their daughters for wives, and we will give them our daughters to marry. 5
Genesis 34:25
Context34:25 In three days, when they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword 6 and went to the unsuspecting city 7 and slaughtered every male.
1 tn The two disjunctive clauses in this verse (“Now Jacob heard…and his sons were”) are juxtaposed to indicate synchronic action.
2 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Shechem) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
3 sn The expected response would be anger or rage; but Jacob remained silent. He appears too indifferent or confused to act decisively. When the leader does not act decisively, the younger zealots will, and often with disastrous results.
4 tn Heb “wide on both hands,” that is, in both directions.
5 tn The words “to marry” are not in the Hebrew text, but are supplied in the translation for clarity.
6 tn Heb “a man his sword.”
7 tn Heb “and they came upon the city, [which was] secure.” In this case “secure” means the city was caught unprepared and at peace, not expecting an attack.