Genesis 34:13

13 But the sons of Jacob gave a false answer to Shechem and Hamor his father, because of what had been done to Dinah their sister.

Genesis 34:13 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 34:13

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor deceitfully,
&c.] Proposing the marriage of their sister on terms after mentioned, when they never intended it should ever be: Onkelos, Jonathan, and Jarchi interpret it, "with wisdom", as if they answered wisely and prudently, but the word is never used in a good sense; and if it was wisdom, it was carnal wisdom and wicked cunning, and was disapproved of by plain hearted Jacob:

and said:
or spoke in this deceitful manner:

because he had defiled Dinah their sister;
and therefore were filled with indignation at him, and fired with resentment against him, and vowed within themselves revenge upon him.

Genesis 34:13 In-Context

11 And Shechem said to her father and her brothers, If you will give ear to my request, whatever you say I will give to you.

12 However great you make the bride-price and payment, I will give it; only let me have the girl for my wife.

13 But the sons of Jacob gave a false answer to Shechem and Hamor his father, because of what had been done to Dinah their sister.

14 And they said, It is not possible for us to give our sister to one who is without circumcision, for that would be a cause of shame to us:

15 But on this condition only will we come to an agreement with you: if every male among you becomes like us and undergoes circumcision;