Genesis 34:22

22 Only on these terms will the men conform to us to dwell with us so as to be one people, if every male of us be circumcised, as they also are circumcised.

Genesis 34:22 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 34:22

Only herein will the men consent unto us
The only term or condition insisted upon, to come into an alliance and affinity with us, and for to dwell with us, to be one people,
to become one body politic, is the following one: if every male among us be circumcised, as they [are] circumcised;
submitting to this rite, they agree to take up their residence with us, and be incorporated among us, and become one people.

Genesis 34:22 In-Context

20 And Emmor and Sychem his son came to the gate of their city, and spoke to the men of their city, saying,

21 These men are peaceable, let them dwell with us upon the land, and let them trade in it, and behold the land is extensive before them; we will take their daughters to us for wives, and we will give them our daughters.

22 Only on these terms will the men conform to us to dwell with us so as to be one people, if every male of us be circumcised, as they also are circumcised.

23 And shall not their cattle and their herds, and their possessions, be ours? only in this let us conform to them, and they will dwell with us.

24 And all that went in at the gate of their city hearkened to Emmor and Sychem his son, and they were circumcised in the flesh of their foreskin every male.