Genesis 34:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Shechem asks his father to arrange a marriage to Dinah.
The Context of Genesis 34:4
Shechem pursues marriage to Dinah through proper channels.
What Does Genesis 34:4 Mean?
Shechem seeks to formalize his relationship with Dinah by asking his father to negotiate marriage. This reflects the cultural practice of arranged unions and shows Shechem attempting to move from wrong-doing toward legitimacy.
His request to his father acknowledges both the necessity of parental consent and his own desire to bind himself to Dinah. Whether this changes his initial violation depends on broader questions of justice and repair that the story will explore.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 34:4
What does Genesis 34:4 mean?
Shechem asks his father to arrange a marriage to Dinah.
What is the context of Genesis 34:4?
Shechem pursues marriage to Dinah through proper channels.