Genesis 34:3-4 - Exposition

And his soul clave ( vide infra on Genesis 34:8 ) unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob ,—it was in some degree an extenuation of the wickedness of Shechem that he did not cast off the victim of his violence and lust, but continued to regard her with affection— and he loved the damsel ,—on the use of na'ar for a youth of either sex vide Genesis 24:14 — and spake kindly unto the damsel —literally, spoke to the heart of the damsel, ἐλάλησε κατὰ τὴν διάνοιαν τῆς παρθίνου αὐτῇ ( LXX .), i.e. addressed to her such words as were agreeable to her inclinations (cf. on the import of the phrase Genesis 1:21 ; 19:3 ; Isaiah 40:2 ; Hosea 2:14 ), probably expressing his affection, and offering the reparation of honorable marriage, as may be legitimately inferred from what is next recorded of his behavior. And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife —cf. the ease of Samson ( 14:2 ).