Genesis 49:5

Simeon and Levi are brothers, weapons of violence are their knives! ¹ 

"Simeon and Levi are brothers—their swords are weapons of violence.

"Simeon and Levi are brothers; Their swords are implements of violence.

"Simeon and Levi are two of a kind––men of violence.

Simeon and Levi are two of a kind, ready to fight at the drop of a hat.

Simeon and Levi are brothers; deceit and force are their secret designs.

Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords.

"Simeon and Levi are brothers; Instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place.

Simeon and Levi are brothers, weapons of violence are their knives! ¹ 

¹ tn The meaning of the Hebrew word מְכֵרָה (mÿkherah) is uncertain. It has been rendered (1) “habitations”; (2) “merchandise”; (3) “counsels”; (4) “swords”; (5) “wedding feasts.” If it is from the verb כָּרַת (karat) and formed after noun patterns for instruments and tools (maqtil, miqtil form), then it would refer to “knives.” Since the verb is used in Exod 4:25 for circumcision, the idea would be “their circumcision knives,” an allusion to the events of Gen 34 (see M. J. Dahood, “‘MKRTYHM’ in Genesis 49,5,” CBQ 23 [1961]: 54-56). Another explanation also connects the word to the events of Gen 34 as a reference to the intended “wedding feast” for Dinah which could take place only after the men of Shechem were circumcised (see D. W. Young, “A Ghost Word in the Testament of Jacob (Gen 49:5)?” JBL 100 [1981]: 335-422).