Genesis 34:14

14 They said, "We can't do this. We can't give our sister to a man who is uncircumcised. That would be a disgrace to us!

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 price I must pay for the bride and the gift I must give her as high as you want. I'll pay exactly what you tell me. Give me the girl as my wife."

13 Then Jacob's sons gave Shechem and his father Hamor a misleading answer because he had dishonored their sister Dinah.

14 They said, "We can't do this. We can't give our sister to a man who is uncircumcised. That would be a disgrace to us!

15 We will give our consent to you only on one condition: Every male must be circumcised as we are.

16 Then we'll give our daughters to you and take yours for ourselves, and we'll live with you and become one people.