Genesis 34:14

14 And Symeon and Levi, the brothers of Dina, said to them, We shall not be able to do this thing, to give our sister to a man who is uncircumcised, for it is a reproach to us.

Genesis 34:14 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 34:14

And they said unto them
Levi and Simeon, to Hamor and Shechem: we cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is
uncircumcised;
not that there was any law against it at that time; and there were, on the other hand, precedents for it both in Isaac and Jacob, who had married the daughters of uncircumcised persons; nor indeed do they plead any law, only that it was not becoming their character, nor agreeably to their religion, nor honourable in their esteem: for that [were] a reproach unto us;
and they should be reflected upon for slighting the institution of circumcision, which was of God: so they pretend it might be interpreted, should they enter into affinity with uncircumcised persons.

Genesis 34:14 In-Context

12 Multiply dowry very much, and I will give accordingly as ye shall say to me, only ye shall give me this damsel for a wife.

13 And the sons of Jacob answered to Sychem and Emmor his father craftily, and spoke to them, because they had defiled Dina their sister.

14 And Symeon and Levi, the brothers of Dina, said to them, We shall not be able to do this thing, to give our sister to a man who is uncircumcised, for it is a reproach to us.

15 Only on these terms will we conform to you, and dwell among you, if ye also will be as we are, in that every male of you be circumcised.

16 And we will give our daughters to you, and we will take of your daughters for wives to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will be as one race.