Genesis 34:23

23 Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.”

Genesis 34:23 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 34:23

Shall not their cattle, and their substance, and every beast
of theirs, [be] ours?
&c.] Which would in course come into their families in process of time, by intermarrying with them, or, being more numerous and powerful than they, could seize upon them when they pleased, and take all they had: thus they argue from the profit and advantage that would accrue to them by admitting them among them, upon their terms; and this argument, taken from worldly interest, they knew would have great influence upon them: only let us consent unto them;
in the affair of circumcision: and they will dwell with us;
and what by trading with them, and marrying among them, all their wealth and riches will come into our hands.

Genesis 34:23 In-Context

21 “These men are at peace with us. Let them live and trade in our land; indeed, it is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters in marriage and give our daughters to them.

22 But only on this condition will the men agree to dwell with us and be one people: if all our men are circumcised as they are.

23 Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.”

24 All the men who went out of the city gate listened to Hamor and his son Shechem, and every male of the city was circumcised.

25 Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons (Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi) took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and slaughtered every male.