Genesis 34:4

4 Sychem spoke to Emmor his father, saying, Take for me this damsel to wife.

Genesis 34:4 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 34:4

And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor
And told him the whole affair, at least what a strong affection he had for Dinah:

saying, get me this damsel to wife;
by which he meant not only that he would give his consent that he might marry her, but that he would get her parents' consent unto it, and settle the matter with them; by which it appears how early, and that even among Heathen nations, consent of parents on both sides was judged necessary to marriage. It seems by this as if Dinah was now detained in the house of Hamor or Shechem, and was upon the spot, or near at hand, when Shechem addressed his father about her, see ( Genesis 34:26 ) .

Genesis 34:4 In-Context

2 And Sychem the son of Emmor the Evite, the ruler of the land, saw her, and took her and lay with her, and humbled her.

3 And he was attached to the soul of Dina the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and he spoke kindly to the damsel.

4 Sychem spoke to Emmor his father, saying, Take for me this damsel to wife.

5 And Jacob heard that the son of Emmor had defiled Dina his daughter (now his sons were with his cattle in the plain). And Jacob was silent until they came.

6 And Emmor the father of Sychem went forth to Jacob, to speak to him.