Genesis 34:20 NIV

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 34:1-31

The Dishonour done to Dinah, and the Crafty Revenge of Simeon and Levi1. Went out to see the daughters of the land] According to Josephus there was a festival among the Canaanites at Shechem.7. Folly] The term is frequently applied in the moral sense as equivalent to immorality: see Deuteronomy 22:21; Judges 20:6; 2 Samuel 13:12, and frequently in Proverbs, as Proverbs 7:7. A world of argument lies in the scriptural identification of wickedness and folly. The moral man is the wise man. In... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 34:1-31

THE TÔLDÔTH ISAAC (Genesis 25:19 to Genesis 35:29). THE BIRTH OF ISAAC’S SONS.Abraham begat Isaac—The Tôldôth in its original form gave probably a complete genealogy of Isaac, tracing up his descent to Shem, and showing thereby that the right of primogeniture belonged to him; but the inspired historian uses only so much of this as is necessary for tracing the development of the Divine plan of human redemption.The Syrian.—Really, the Aramean, or descendant of Aram. (See Genesis 10:22-23.) The... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Genesis 34:1-31

CHAPTER 34 Defilement of Dinah 1. The defilement (Genesis 34:1-3 ) 2. Hamor’s proposal (Genesis 34:4-12 ) 3. The deceitful answer of Jacob’s sons (Genesis 34:13-24 ) 4. The males of Shechem slain (Genesis 34:25-29 ) 5. Jacob’s shame and grief (Genesis 34:30-31 ) If Jacob after the Peniel experience had gone to Bethel instead of building a house at Succoth and buying a parcel of a field, perhaps this sad event might never have occurred. God permitted it for the humiliation of His... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Genesis 34:20

34:20 And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the {f} gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,(f) For the people used to assemble there, and justice was administered. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 34:1-31

SHAMEFUL SIN IN JACOB'S HOUSE Jacob had been concerned about his own house: now he must learn through painful experience that when he puts his house first, he will find trouble and sorrow from his house. Understandably, Dinah the daughter of Leah did not want to be confined to her home, and went out to see the daughters of the land. But it was more than daughters she saw. She became sexually involved with a young man, son of the prince of that land. However, having been guilty of such an act... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Genesis 34:1-31

JACOB ’S CHILDREN , ESAU ’S MEMOIRS THE WICKEDNESS OF JACOB’S SONS (Genesis 34:0 ) In the last lesson Jacob’s altar at Shechem proclaims God to be his God, but (as another says) it is evident he has not gotten the power of this name for he is walking in his own ways still, as his house at Succoth and his purchase at Shechem testify. So new sorrow and discipline must come. Dinah represents the young women of today who want to see the world and have their fling. Her conduct was indiscreet,... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Genesis 34:10-23

Sad is the consequence of supposing gain to be godliness! 1 Timothy 6:5 . read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Genesis 34:20

CHAPTER XXXIV. Gate. Here judgment was given, the markets held, &c. They endeavoured to convince the people, that the conditions offered would be for their interest. (Menochius) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 34:20-31

20-31 The Shechemites submitted to the sacred rite, only to serve a turn, to please their prince, and to enrich themselves, and it was just with God to bring punishment upon them. As nothing secures us better than true religion, so nothing exposes us more than religion only pretended to. But Simeon and Levi were most unrighteous. Those who act wickedly, under the pretext of religion, are the worst enemies of the truth, and harden the hearts of many to destruction. The crimes of others form no... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Genesis 34:20-24

The Men of Shechem Agree to the Demand v. 20. And Hamor and Shechem, his son, came unto the gate of their city, the usual place for public meetings, and communed with the men of their city, saying, v. 21. These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters. In suggesting to the men of the city that the Israelites be given the... read more