Genesis 34:10

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

وأَقيموا معَنا، وهٰذه الأَرضُ أَمامَكم، أَقيموا فيها وجولوا وتَمَلَّكوا».

What Does This Mean?

In Genesis 34:10, Shechem is speaking to Jacob's family. He is offering them a place to live, trade, and acquire land, inviting them to settle peacefully and prosper.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a new friend who says, 'You can come live with us, play in our yard, and even build a treehouse here.' Shechem is inviting Jacob's family to join them and have a nice home and a place to work.

Historical Background

The book of Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. It is part of the Pentateuch and was written for the Israelites, detailing their origins and early history. The verse reflects the cultural norms of hospitality and land sharing among ancient Near Eastern peoples.

Living It Out Today

This verse teaches us about the importance of hospitality and openness to newcomers. In modern times, it can be applied to welcoming immigrants or refugees, offering them a place to live and work, and helping them integrate into the community.

Topics

• hospitality
• peace
• community
• land
• settlement
• prosperity

Related Verses

• Exodus 23:9
• Deuteronomy 23:7
• 1 Samuel 25:7
• 1 Timothy 3:2
• Luke 10:5

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in Genesis 34:10?

Shechem is speaking, offering hospitality and land to Jacob's family.

What does this verse say about land sharing?

It suggests that land sharing was a way to integrate newcomers and foster peaceful coexistence.

How can we apply this verse to modern situations?

We can apply it by being open to immigrants and refugees, offering them places to live and work, and helping them integrate into the community.

What cultural norms does this verse reflect?

It reflects ancient Near Eastern hospitality norms, where offering land and resources to newcomers was a way to build alliances and maintain peace.