Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?” New Living Translation “But why should we let him treat our sister like a prostitute?” they retorted angrily. English Standard Version But they said, “Should he treat our sister like a prostitute?” Berean Standard Bible But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?” Berean Literal Bible And they said, “Shall he make our sister like a prostitute?” King James Bible And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot? New King James Version But they said, “Should he treat our sister like a harlot?” New American Standard Bible But they said, “Should he treat our sister like a prostitute?” NASB 1995 But they said, “Should he treat our sister as a harlot?” NASB 1977 But they said, “Should he treat our sister as a harlot?” Legacy Standard Bible But they said, “Should he treat our sister as a harlot?” Amplified Bible But they said, “Should he [be permitted to] treat our sister as a prostitute?” Berean Annotated Bible But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute? Christian Standard Bible But they answered, “Should he treat our sister like a prostitute? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible But they answered, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?” American Standard Version And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with a harlot? Contemporary English Version They answered, "Was it right to let our own sister be treated that way?" English Revised Version And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot? GOD'S WORD® Translation Simeon and Levi asked, "Should Shechem have been allowed to treat our sister like a prostitute?" Good News Translation But they answered, "We cannot let our sister be treated like a common whore." International Standard Version "Should he have treated our sister like a whore?" they asked in response. NET Bible But Simeon and Levi replied, "Should he treat our sister like a common prostitute?" New Heart English Bible But they said, "Should he treat our sister like a prostitute?" Webster's Bible Translation And they said, Should he deal with our sister, as with a harlot? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?” World English Bible They said, “Should he deal with our sister as with a prostitute?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they say, “Does he make our sister as a harlot?” Berean Literal Bible And they said, “Shall he make our sister like a prostitute?” Young's Literal Translation And they say, 'As a harlot doth he make our sister?' Smith's Literal Translation And they will say, Shall he do to our sister as an harlot? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThey answered: Should they abuse our sister as a strumpet? Catholic Public Domain Version They responded, “Should they abuse our sister like a prostitute?” New American Bible But they retorted, “Should our sister be treated like a prostitute?” New Revised Standard Version But they said, “Should our sister be treated like a whore?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut they said, Our sister has been treated like a harlot. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they said, “Our sister was treated like a whore!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they said: 'Should one deal with our sister as with a harlot?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And they said, Nay, but shall they treat our sister as an harlot? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Revenge of Dinah's Brothers…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 But they replied, 2 Samuel 13:12-13 “No, my brother!” she cried. “Do not violate me, for such a thing should never be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! / Where could I ever take my shame? And you would be like one of the fools in Israel! Please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” Judges 19:23-24 The owner of the house went out and said to them, “No, my brothers, do not do this wicked thing! After all, this man is a guest in my house. Do not commit this outrage. / Look, let me bring out my virgin daughter and the man’s concubine, and you can use them and do with them as you wish. But do not do such a vile thing to this man.” Judges 20:5-6 And during the night, the men of Gibeah rose up against me and surrounded the house. They intended to kill me, but they abused my concubine, and she died. / Then I took my concubine, cut her into pieces, and sent her throughout the land of Israel’s inheritance, because they had committed a lewd and disgraceful act in Israel. “Should he have treated 2 Samuel 13:14 But Amnon refused to listen to her, and being stronger, he violated her and lay with her. Deuteronomy 22:25-27 But if the man encounters a betrothed woman in the open country, and he overpowers her and lies with her, only the man who has done this must die. / Do nothing to the young woman, because she has committed no sin worthy of death. This case is just like one in which a man attacks his neighbor and murders him. / When he found her in the field, the betrothed woman cried out, but there was no one to save her. Deuteronomy 22:28-29 If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, / then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife because he has violated her. He must not divorce her as long as he lives. our sister 2 Samuel 13:20-21 Her brother Absalom said to her, “Has your brother Amnon been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister. He is your brother. Do not take this thing to heart.” So Tamar lived as a desolate woman in the house of her brother Absalom. / When King David heard all this, he was furious. Deuteronomy 27:22 ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ Leviticus 18:9-11 You must not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere. / You must not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, for that would shame your family. / You must not have sexual relations with the daughter of your father’s wife, born to your father; she is your sister. like a prostitute?” Leviticus 19:29 You must not defile your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will be prostituted and filled with depravity. Deuteronomy 23:17-18 No daughter or son of Israel is to be a shrine prostitute. / You must not bring the wages of a prostitute, whether female or male, into the house of the LORD your God to fulfill any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God. Proverbs 7:10-13 Then a woman came out to meet him, with the attire of a harlot and cunning of heart. / She is loud and defiant; her feet do not remain at home. / Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner. … 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. Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder. 2 Samuel 13:32-33 But Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah, spoke up: “My lord must not think they have killed all the sons of the king, for only Amnon is dead. In fact, Absalom has planned this since the day Amnon violated his sister Tamar. / So now, my lord the king, do not take to heart the report that all the sons of the king are dead. Only Amnon is dead.” Proverbs 6:34-35 For jealousy enrages a husband, and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance. / He will not be appeased by any ransom, or persuaded by lavish gifts. Treasury of Scripture And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot? See on ver. Genesis 34:13 And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister: Genesis 49:7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel. Proverbs 6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. Jump to Previous Deal Harlot Loose Prostitute Sister Treat Treated UseJump to Next Deal Harlot Loose Prostitute Sister Treat Treated UseGenesis 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. But they replied This phrase indicates a response from Simeon and Levi, the sons of Jacob, to their father. The context is a heated discussion following the events in Shechem, where their sister Dinah was defiled by Shechem, the son of Hamor. The brothers' reply reflects their anger and justification for their actions. This dialogue occurs after they have taken violent revenge on the city of Shechem, which they felt was necessary to defend their sister's honor. “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?” Persons / Places / Events 1. Simeon and LeviSons of Jacob and Leah, who took a leading role in avenging their sister Dinah's defilement by Shechem. 2. Dinah The daughter of Jacob and Leah, who was violated by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite. 3. Shechem The son of Hamor, who defiled Dinah and sought to marry her. 4. Hamor The father of Shechem, who attempted to negotiate a marriage between his son and Dinah. 5. Jacob The patriarch of the family, who was initially passive in response to Dinah's defilement. Teaching Points Righteous Anger vs. Sinful VengeanceWhile anger at injustice is natural, Simeon and Levi's response shows how easily it can turn into sinful vengeance. Believers are called to seek justice in ways that honor God. The Value of Women in Scripture Dinah's account highlights the mistreatment of women, a theme that is addressed throughout Scripture. The Bible calls for the protection and honor of women, reflecting their value in God's eyes. Family Dynamics and Leadership Jacob's passive response contrasts with his sons' aggressive actions. This highlights the importance of godly leadership and communication within families. Consequences of Sin The actions of Shechem and the subsequent response by Simeon and Levi led to further violence and division. Sin often has a ripple effect, impacting many beyond the initial act. Forgiveness and Reconciliation The New Testament calls believers to forgive and seek reconciliation, even in the face of deep hurt and injustice, pointing to the ultimate example of Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 34:31?2. How does Genesis 34:31 illustrate the importance of defending family honor biblically? 3. What lessons can we learn about justice from Genesis 34:31? 4. How does Genesis 34:31 connect with God's laws on justice and retribution? 5. In what ways can we apply the principle of righteous anger today? 6. How should Christians balance justice and mercy in light of Genesis 34:31? 7. Why did Simeon and Levi justify their actions in Genesis 34:31? 8. How does Genesis 34:31 reflect on justice and morality in biblical times? 9. What cultural norms influenced Simeon and Levi's response in Genesis 34:31? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 34? 11. Are all things pure to the pure? 12. How does the Bible explain evil and suffering? 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. Numbers 33:52-53: How can a mandate to drive out entire populations and destroy their religious symbols be reconciled with other biblical passages promoting justice and compassion? What Does Genesis 34:31 Mean But they replied,• This clause catches the immediate tension between Jacob and his sons. Jacob feared retribution from the Canaanites (Genesis 34:30), but “they replied,” showing they were unwavering in their conviction. • Earlier that same day, those sons “answered deceitfully” (Genesis 34:13), revealing a consistent pattern: when they speak, passion overrides restraint. • Jacob had challenged their actions, yet their instant answer reveals an unyielding moral outrage, reminiscent of Moses defending a fellow Hebrew (Exodus 2:11–12) or Peter drawing his sword in Gethsemane (John 18:10–11). “Should he have treated our sister • Calling Dinah “our sister” personalizes the offense. They speak as protectors of covenant family honor (compare 2 Samuel 13:20–22 where Absalom broods over Tamar’s violation). • “Our” signals corporate responsibility. In God’s design, family solidarity demands safeguarding the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 22:28–29; Psalm 82:3). • By framing it as a question, they shift the focus: the real issue is not their violence but Shechem’s sin. This is similar to David’s rhetorical questions when confronting Goliath’s insult to Israel (1 Samuel 17:26). like a prostitute?” • The term exposes the depth of dishonor. Treating Dinah “like a prostitute” meant stripping her of dignity and covenant purity (Leviticus 19:29). • Sexual exploitation in Scripture is never trivial: “A man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself” (Proverbs 6:32–35). • Their words reveal a correct instinct—sexual sin is grievous (1 Corinthians 6:15–18)—yet their later massacre shows how righteous anger can morph into unrighteous vengeance (Romans 12:19). • The contrast is clear: Shechem’s act violated God’s order; their reply underscores that such treatment is intolerable among God’s people (Deuteronomy 23:17). summary Genesis 34:31 records Simeon and Levi’s terse defense: they could not accept Dinah’s violation being brushed aside. Their reply rightly identifies Shechem’s sin—reducing their sister to the status of a prostitute—but also exposes their own hearts, hot with indignation that soon overflows into excess. The verse reminds us that protecting the innocent is noble, yet true righteousness refuses to answer one sin with another. Verse 31. - And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot? But Shechem offered Dinah honorable marriage.
Hebrew But [Simeon and Levi] answered,וַיֹּאמְר֑וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “Should he have treated יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה (ya·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make our sister אֲחוֹתֵֽנוּ׃ (’ă·ḥō·w·ṯê·nū) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural Strong's 269: Sister -- a sister like a prostitute?” הַכְזוֹנָ֕ה (haḵ·zō·w·nāh) Article, Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2181: To commit adultery, to commit idolatry Links Genesis 34:31 NIVGenesis 34:31 NLT Genesis 34:31 ESV Genesis 34:31 NASB Genesis 34:31 KJV Genesis 34:31 BibleApps.com Genesis 34:31 Biblia Paralela Genesis 34:31 Chinese Bible Genesis 34:31 French Bible Genesis 34:31 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 34:31 They said Should he deal with our (Gen. Ge Gn) |
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