Genesis 34:22

22 But these men will only accept our invitation to live with us and become one big family on one condition, that all our males become circumcised just as they themselves are.

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 So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the public square and spoke to the town council:

21 "These men like us; they are our friends. Let them settle down here and make themselves at home; there's plenty of room in the country for them. And, just think, we can even exchange our daughters in marriage.

22 But these men will only accept our invitation to live with us and become one big family on one condition, that all our males become circumcised just as they themselves are.

23 This is a very good deal for us - these people are very wealthy with great herds of livestock and we're going to get our hands on it. So let's do what they ask and have them settle down with us."

24 Everyone who was anyone in the city agreed with Hamor and his son, Shechem; every male was circumcised.