Genesis 34:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Shechem, a local prince, sees Dinah and forces himself upon her.
The Context of Genesis 34:2
Shechem commits a serious wrong against Dinah.
What Does Genesis 34:2 Mean?
Shechem's action is presented as a violation: he 'took her' and 'lay with her' without consent, and the text explicitly states he 'defiled her.' This language indicates sexual coercion and harm, not consensual interaction. Shechem's position as the prince's son makes his actions a serious wrong.
The narrative marks this as defilement, establishing that what happened was morally wrong regardless of what follows. The verb 'took' (לקח) emphasizes his active seizure and control of the situation.
Genesis 34:2 in the Original Language
lakach (לקח), 'took' — to seize or capture by force; emphasizes coercive action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 34:2
What does Genesis 34:2 mean?
Shechem, a local prince, sees Dinah and forces himself upon her.
What is the context of Genesis 34:2?
Shechem commits a serious wrong against Dinah.