Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” New Living Translation Afterward Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have ruined me! You’ve made me stink among all the people of this land—among all the Canaanites and Perizzites. We are so few that they will join forces and crush us. I will be ruined, and my entire household will be wiped out!” English Standard Version Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me stink to the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites. My numbers are few, and if they gather themselves against me and attack me, I shall be destroyed, both I and my household.” Berean Standard Bible Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” Berean Literal Bible And Jacob said to Simeon and to Levi, “You⁺ have troubled me, to make me stink among those dwelling in the land, among the Canaanite and among the Perizzite; and I am few in number, and they will gather themselves against me and strike me, then I shall be destroyed, I and my house.” King James Bible And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. New King James Version Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have troubled me by making me obnoxious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and since I am few in number, they will gather themselves together against me and kill me. I shall be destroyed, my household and I.” New American Standard Bible Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me repulsive among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and since my men are few in number, they will band together against me and attack me, and I will be destroyed, I and my household!” NASB 1995 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me odious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and my men being few in number, they will gather together against me and attack me and I will be destroyed, I and my household.” NASB 1977 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me, by making me odious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and my men being few in number, they will gather together against me and attack me and I shall be destroyed, I and my household.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me odious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and my men being few in number, they will gather together against me and strike me, and I will be destroyed, I and my household.” Amplified Bible Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have ruined me, making me a stench to the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites! My men are few in number, and the men of the land will band together against me and attack me; I shall be destroyed, I and my household.” Berean Annotated Bible Then Jacob (he grasps the heel) said to Simeon (heard) and Levi (joined to), “You⁺ have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites (merchants) and Perizzites (villagers), the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed. Christian Standard Bible Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me, making me odious to the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me, making me odious to the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” American Standard Version And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me, to make me odious to the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and, I being few in number, they will gather themselves together against me and smite me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. Contemporary English Version Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, "Look what you've done! Now I'm in real trouble with the Canaanites and Perizzites who live around here. There aren't many of us, and if they attack, they'll kill everyone in my household." English Revised Version And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me, to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and, I being few in number, they will gather themselves together against me and smite me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, "You have caused me a lot of trouble! You've made the people living in the area, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, hate me. There are only a few of us. If they join forces against me and attack me, my family and I will be wiped out." Good News Translation Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, "You have gotten me into trouble; now the Canaanites, the Perizzites, and everybody else in the land will hate me. I do not have many men; if they all band together against me and attack me, our whole family will be destroyed." International Standard Version Then Jacob told Simeon and Levi, "You have certainly stirred up trouble for me! You've made me despised by the Canaanites and the Perizzites who live in this territory. Because I have only a few men with me, they're going to gather themselves together and attack me until I am totally destroyed, along with my entire household!" NET Bible Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, "You have brought ruin on me by making me a foul odor among the inhabitants of the land--among the Canaanites and the Perizzites. I am few in number; they will join forces against me and attack me, and both I and my family will be destroyed!" New Heart English Bible Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, "You have brought trouble on me, to make me odious to the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites. I am few in number. They will gather themselves together against me and attack me, and I and my household will be destroyed." Webster's Bible Translation And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me odious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites, and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they will assemble themselves against me, and slay me, and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” World English Bible Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have troubled me, to make me odious to the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites. I am few in number. They will gather themselves together against me and strike me, and I will be destroyed, I and my house.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jacob says to Simeon and to Levi, “You have troubled me, by causing me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanite, and among the Perizzite: and I [am] few in number, and they have been gathered against me, and have struck me, and I have been destroyed, I and my house.” Berean Literal Bible And Jacob said to Simeon and to Levi, “You⁺ have troubled me, to make me stink among those dwelling in the land, among the Canaanite and among the Perizzite; and I am few in number, and they will gather themselves against me and strike me, then I shall be destroyed, I and my house.” Young's Literal Translation And Jacob saith unto Simeon and unto Levi, 'Ye have troubled me, by causing me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanite, and among the Perizzite: and I am few in number, and they have been gathered against me, and have smitten me, and I have been destroyed, I and my house.' Smith's Literal Translation And Jacob will say to Simeon and to Levi, Ye troubled me to make me evil to him dwelling in the land to the Canaanites, and to the Perizzites and I men of number, and they will gather together and smite me, and I all be destroyed, and my house. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when they had boldly perpetrated these things, Jacob said to Simeon and Levi: You have troubled me, and made me hateful to the Chanaanites and Pherezites, the inhabitants of this land: we are few: they will gather themselves together and kill me; and both I, and my house, shall be destroyed. Catholic Public Domain Version When they had boldly completed these acts, Jacob said to Simeon and Levi: “You have troubled me, and you have made me hateful to the Canaanites and the Perizzites, the inhabitants of this land. We are few. They, gathering themselves together, may strike me down, and then both I and my house will be wiped away.” New American Bible Jacob said to Simeon and Levi: “You have brought trouble upon me by making me repugnant to the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites. I have so few men that, if these people unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be wiped out.” New Revised Standard Version Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me odious to the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites; my numbers are few, and if they gather themselves against me and attack me, I shall be destroyed, both I and my household.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, You have done me a great harm, for you have hurt my reputation among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and I being few in numbers, they may gather themselves together against me, and attack me; I shall be destroyed, both I and my household. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yaquuv said to Shemon and to Levi, “You have done me damage for you have done evil to me among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and among the Perizites, and I am small in number, and they will assemble against me and strike me, and I shall be destroyed and my house.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi: 'Ye have troubled me, to make me odious unto the inhabitants of the land, even unto the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and, I being few in number, they will gather themselves together against me and smite me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Jacob said to Symeon and Levi, Ye have made me hateful so that I should be evil to all the inhabitants of the land, both among the Chananites and the Pherezites, and I am few in number; they will gather themselves against me and cut me in pieces, and I shall be utterly destroyed, and my house. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Revenge of Dinah's Brothers…29They carried off all their possessions and women and children, and they plundered everything in their houses. 30Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” 31But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?”… Cross References Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Genesis 49:5-7 Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. / May I never enter their council; may I never join their assembly. For they kill men in their anger, and hamstring oxen on a whim. / Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel. Deuteronomy 33:8-11 Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. / He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. / He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. … “You have brought trouble upon me Joshua 7:24-25 Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the cloak, the bar of gold, his sons and daughters, his oxen and donkeys and sheep, his tent, and everything else he owned, and brought them to the Valley of Achor. / “Why have you brought this trouble upon us?” said Joshua. “Today the LORD will bring trouble upon you!” And all Israel stoned him to death. Then they stoned the others and burned their bodies. 1 Samuel 14:29 “My father has brought trouble to the land,” Jonathan replied. “Just look at how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, 1 Samuel 13:4 And all Israel heard the news: “Saul has attacked an outpost of the Philistines, and now Israel has become a stench to the Philistines!” Then the people were summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. Exodus 5:21 “May the LORD look upon you and judge you,” the foremen said, “for you have made us a stench before Pharaoh and his officials; you have placed in their hand a sword to kill us!” the people of this land. Genesis 23:7 Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites. Genesis 23:12-13 Again Abraham bowed down before the people of the land / and said to Ephron in their presence, “If you will please listen to me, I will pay you the price of the field. Accept it from me, so that I may bury my dead there.” We are few in number; Psalm 105:12 When they were few in number, few indeed, and strangers in the land, Leviticus 26:22 I will send wild animals against you to rob you of your children, destroy your livestock, and reduce your numbers, until your roads lie desolate. Deuteronomy 7:7 The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. if they unite against me and attack me, Exodus 1:10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” Joshua 10:5 So the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—joined forces and advanced with all their armies. They camped before Gibeon and made war against it. Psalm 83:3-5 With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, / saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” / For with one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You— I and my household will be destroyed.” Genesis 19:15-17 At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.” / But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them. / As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” 1 Samuel 27:1 David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” Treasury of Scripture And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, You have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. Ye have. Genesis 49:5-7 Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations… Joshua 7:25 And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. 1 Kings 18:18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim. to stink. Exodus 5:21 And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. 1 Samuel 13:4 And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. 1 Samuel 27:12 And Achish believed David, saying, He hath made his people Israel utterly to abhor him; therefore he shall be my servant for ever. and I being. Deuteronomy 4:17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, Deuteronomy 7:7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 1 Chronicles 16:12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; and I shall. Genesis 12:2,12 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: … Genesis 28:13,14 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; … 1 Samuel 16:2 And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD. Jump to Previous Assemble Canaanites Destroyed Few Gather House Inhabitants Jacob Levi Odious Perizzites Simeon Slay Smite Stink Strike Themselves Together TroubledJump to Next Assemble Canaanites Destroyed Few Gather House Inhabitants Jacob Levi Odious Perizzites Simeon Slay Smite Stink Strike Themselves Together TroubledGenesis 34 1. Dinah is ravished by Shechem.4. He requests to marry her. 13. The sons of Jacob offer the condition of circumcision to the Shechemites. 20. Hamor and Shechem persuade them to accept it. 25. The sons of Jacob upon that advantage slay them, and spoil their city. 30. Jacob reproves Simeon and Levi. Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Jacob addresses his sons Simeon and Levi after their violent actions in Shechem. This highlights the patriarchal structure of the family, where the father holds authority and responsibility. Simeon and Levi's actions reflect a breach of family unity and obedience, which is a recurring theme in the narratives of the patriarchs. “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch of the Israelite tribes, father of Simeon and Levi, who expresses concern over the actions of his sons. 2. Simeon and Levi Sons of Jacob who took violent revenge on the city of Shechem for the defilement of their sister, Dinah. 3. Canaanites and Perizzites Inhabitants of the land surrounding Jacob's family, representing potential threats due to the actions of Simeon and Levi. 4. Shechem The city where Dinah was defiled, leading to the subsequent violent actions by Simeon and Levi. 5. Dinah Daughter of Jacob and Leah, whose defilement by Shechem led to the conflict. Teaching Points Consequences of Impulsive ActionsSimeon and Levi's actions brought unintended consequences upon their family. Believers are reminded to consider the broader impact of their decisions. The Importance of Reputation Jacob's concern about becoming a "stench" to the surrounding peoples highlights the importance of maintaining a godly reputation in the world. Trusting God's Justice Instead of taking matters into their own hands, believers are encouraged to trust in God's justice and timing. Family Dynamics and Leadership Jacob's response shows the challenges of family leadership and the need for wisdom in addressing internal conflicts. The Call to Peace As followers of Christ, believers are called to be peacemakers, seeking reconciliation rather than revenge. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 34:30?2. How does Genesis 34:30 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands? 3. What leadership qualities should Jacob have shown in Genesis 34:30? 4. How can we apply Jacob's fear of "trouble" to our daily decisions? 5. What other biblical examples show the impact of actions on community reputation? 6. How can we seek God's guidance to prevent fear-driven decisions like Jacob's? 7. Why did Jacob fear the Canaanites and Perizzites in Genesis 34:30? 8. How does Genesis 34:30 reflect on Jacob's leadership and faith? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Genesis 34:30? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 34? 11. Genesis 34:27–29 – How does the looting and enslavement of the city align with later biblical laws condemning such acts? 12. What is the historical background of the Perizzites? 13. Genesis 34:13–29 – Why would Simeon and Levi punish an entire city for one man’s crime, and is there historical or archaeological evidence of such collective retribution? 14. Genesis 13:7 mentions Canaanites and Perizzites dwelling in the land; is there archaeological evidence correlating these tribes with Abram's time period? What Does Genesis 34:30 Mean Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi– Jacob, the covenant bearer (Genesis 28:13-15), immediately addresses only the two sons who led the massacre at Shechem (Genesis 34:25-26). – This direct confrontation shows parental accountability, paralleling how Eli was rebuked for not restraining his sons (1 Samuel 3:13). – Jacob’s words reveal a father’s grief and a patriarch’s concern for the family’s witness, echoing Abraham’s earlier appeal to avoid offense among the Canaanites (Genesis 24:3). You have brought trouble upon me – The Hebrew sense is that their revenge has “disturbed” or “unsettled” him, reminding us of Achan who “brought trouble on Israel” (Joshua 7:25). – Jacob perceives their act as self-serving anger rather than covenant faithfulness; contrast Romans 12:19, where believers are urged to leave room for God’s wrath. by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land – “A stench” portrays ruined reputation (cf. Exodus 5:21; 2 Samuel 10:6). Israel’s witness among pagans matters; see Deuteronomy 4:6-8 where obedience is to display God’s wisdom to the nations. – The Canaanites and Perizzites were key inhabitants of the promised land (Genesis 13:7), highlighting how sin complicates occupying God’s inheritance. We are few in number – Jacob honestly assesses his vulnerability, similar to Gideon’s small clan admission (Judges 6:15). – Scripture often shows God working through small numbers (Judges 7:2-7), yet here the smallness magnifies the danger caused by rash violence. if they unite against me and attack me – Jacob envisions a coalition, as cities often allied for war (Joshua 10:1-5). – His fear underscores how sin invites retaliation; Proverbs 26:27 warns that those who dig a pit may fall into it. – The plea implicitly seeks God’s protection, foreshadowing Jacob’s later altar of thanks at Bethel (Genesis 35:3). I and my household will be destroyed – Household salvation and preservation are covenant themes (Genesis 7:1; Acts 16:31). Jacob dreads total annihilation, a real threat absent divine intervention. – His concern anticipates God’s promise in Genesis 35:5, where “the terror of God fell upon the towns around them so that no one pursued them.” – This closing line exposes the costly consequences of unchecked anger (Proverbs 29:22) and highlights the need for godly leadership safeguarding the family line through whom Messiah will come (Genesis 49:10). summary Jacob rebukes Simeon and Levi for their violent retaliation at Shechem, grieving the disgrace they have brought upon the covenant family, endangering its survival among hostile peoples, and tarnishing its witness. His words stress personal accountability, the destructive ripple effects of sin, and dependence on God’s protection to preserve the line of promise. (30) Ye have troubled me.--Jacob's timidity led him to think first of the danger that would result from the conduct of his sons, and only afterwards of the cruelty and treacherousness of their deed. He commented upon this on his dying bed in words of fitting reprobation, but his reproof now is singularly weak, and the retort of his sons just. If the danger were all, this could have no weight when a shameful wrong had been done; but in avenging this wrong they had committed a crime of a deeper dyeVerse 30. - And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me (i.e. brought trouble upon me) to make me to stink - or, to cause me to become hateful; μισητόν με πεποιήκατε (LXX.) - among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites (vide Genesis 13:7): and I (sc. with my attendants) being few in number, - literally, men of number, i.e. that can be easily numbered, a small band (cf. Deuteronomy 4:27; Psalm 105.. 12; Jeremiah 44:28) - they (literally, and they) shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. That Jacob should have spoken to his sons only of his own danger, and not of their guilt, has been ascribed to his belief that this was the only motive which their carnal minds could understand (Keil, Gerlach); to a remembrance of his own deceitfulness, which disqualified him in a measure from being the censor of his sons (Kalisch, Wordsworth); to the lowered moral and spiritual tone of his own mind (Candlish, 'Speaker's Commentary'); to the circumstance that, having indulged his children in their youth, be was now afraid to reprove them (Inglis). That Jacob afterwards attained to a proper estimate of their bloody deed his last prophetic utterance reveals (Genesis 49:5-7). By some it is supposed that he even now felt the crime in all its heinousness (Kalisch), though his reproach was somewhat leniently expressed in the word "trouble" (Lange); while others, believing Jacob's abhorrence of his sons' fanatical cruelty to have been deep and real, account for its omission by the historian on the ground that he aimed merely at showing "the protection of God (Genesis 35:5), through which Jacob escaped the evil consequences of their conduct" (Hengstenberg, Kurtz). |
    |