Genesis 34:22

22 But the people will consent to live with us and become one people only on this condition: that every male among us gets circumcised, as they themselves 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 Hamor and Sh'khem his son came to the entrance of their city and spoke with its leading men:
21 "These people are peaceful toward us; therefore let them live in the land and do business in it; for, as you can see, the land is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters as wives for ourselves, and we'll give them our daughters.
22 But the people will consent to live with us and become one people only on this condition: that every male among us gets circumcised, as they themselves are circumcised.
23 Won't their cattle, their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let's consent to do what they ask, and then they will live with us."
24 Everyone going out the city's gate listened to Hamor and Sh'khem his son; so every male was circumcised, every one that went out the gate of the city.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.