Genesis 34:14

14 They said, "This is impossible. We could never give our sister to a man who was uncircumcised. Why, we'd be disgraced.

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 Set the bridal price as high as you will - the sky's the limit! Only give me this girl for my wife."

13 Jacob's sons answered Shechem and his father with cunning. Their sister, after all, had been raped.

14 They said, "This is impossible. We could never give our sister to a man who was uncircumcised. Why, we'd be disgraced.

15 The only condition on which we can talk business is if all your men become circumcised like us.

16 Then we will freely exchange daughters in marriage and make ourselves at home among you and become one big, happy family.