Genesis 34:14

14 They said to them, "We can't do it, because it would be a disgrace to give our sister to someone who hasn't been circumcised.

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 Ask as large a bride-price as you like, I'll pay whatever you tell me. Just let me marry the girl."
13 The sons of Ya'akov answered Sh'khem and Hamor his father deceitfully, because he had defiled Dinah their sister.
14 They said to them, "We can't do it, because it would be a disgrace to give our sister to someone who hasn't been circumcised.
15 Only on this condition will we consent to what you are asking: that you become like us by having every male among you get circumcised.
16 Then we'll give our daughters to you, and we'll take your daughters for ourselves, and we'll live with you and become one people.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.