Genesis 34:8

8 Hamor tried to speak with Jacob and his sons. “My son Shechem is truly in love with your daughter,” he said. “Please let him marry her.

Genesis 34:8 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 34:8

And Hamor communed with them
With Jacob and his sons, who came in just at that time:

saying, the soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter:
the daughter of the family, and the only daughter in it; for her Shechem had a vehement affection, a strong desire to marry her, and could not be satisfied without her:

I pray you, give her him to wife;
he not only requests the consent of the parents of the damsel, but of her brothers also, which in those times and countries seems to have been usual to ask and have, see ( Genesis 24:50 Genesis 24:51 Genesis 24:55 Genesis 24:59 ) .

Genesis 34:8 In-Context

6 Hamor, Shechem’s father, came to discuss the matter with Jacob.

7 Meanwhile, Jacob’s sons had come in from the field as soon as they heard what had happened. They were shocked and furious that their sister had been raped. Shechem had done a disgraceful thing against Jacob’s family, something that should never be done.

8 Hamor tried to speak with Jacob and his sons. “My son Shechem is truly in love with your daughter,” he said. “Please let him marry her.

9 In fact, let’s arrange other marriages, too. You give us your daughters for our sons, and we will give you our daughters for your sons.

10 And you may live among us; the land is open to you! Settle here and trade with us. And feel free to buy property in the area.”