Genesis 34:31

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What Does This Mean?

This verse is part of a dialogue where the brothers of Dinah are upset because Shechem, a prince, has taken their sister Dinah. They are asking if he should treat their sister like a prostitute. The key message is the brothers' anger over the dishonor done to Dinah.

Explained for Children

Imagine your sister was treated badly at school by someone who wasn't nice to her. You might ask, 'Should they treat her that way?' That's how these brothers feel about what happened to their sister, Dinah.

Historical Background

Genesis was written by Moses around 1440 BC. This chapter is part of the story of Jacob's family, set in the context of ancient Middle Eastern customs where family honor was very important.

Living It Out Today

Today, if a family member is wronged, like a sister being bullied, the family might feel a strong urge to protect and defend her, similar to how Dinah's brothers felt. It shows how deeply we care for our family's honor and well-being.

Topics

honorfamilyprotectionjusticeangerhumility

Related Verses

Genesis 19:8Judges 19:252 Samuel 13:12Matthew 5:271 Corinthians 6:18

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were Dinah's brothers so angry?
They were angry because Shechem had dishonored their sister, which was considered a serious offense in their culture, affecting the family's reputation and honor.
What does this verse teach about family honor?
It shows how deeply family members can be affected by any dishonor to a relative, reflecting the importance of protecting and defending one's family honor.
How does this relate to modern family values?
Today, families still place a high value on protecting the well-being and reputation of family members, often feeling a strong duty to defend them against wrongs.
What can we learn about dealing with anger from this?
The verse highlights the need to channel anger towards constructive action that upholds justice and honor, rather than destructive responses that could cause further harm.
Compare Genesis 34:31 across all translations →