Genesis 34:31 Meaning and Explanation
“And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Simeon and Levi defend their violence by questioning whether Dinah should have been treated as a prostitute.
The Context of Genesis 34:31
The brothers justify their violence as necessary defense of Dinah's honor.
What Does Genesis 34:31 Mean?
The brothers' response dismisses Jacob's practical concerns with a rhetorical question. They frame the issue purely in terms of Dinah's honor: a sexual wrong has been committed, and honor demands redress. They see their action as protective of family dignity.
Their question implies that allowing Shechem to go unpunished for the violation would amount to treating Dinah as a harlot—a profound dishonor. They position their violence as the necessary defense of their sister's status. The narrative ends without Jacob's response, leaving the moral and practical questions unresolved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 34:31
What does Genesis 34:31 mean?
Simeon and Levi defend their violence by questioning whether Dinah should have been treated as a prostitute.
What is the context of Genesis 34:31?
The brothers justify their violence as necessary defense of Dinah's honor.