Genesis 34:14

14 The brothers said to them, "We cannot allow you to marry our sister, because you are not circumcised. 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 Ask as much as you want for the payment for the bride, and I will give it to you. Just let me marry Dinah."

13 Jacob's sons answered Shechem and his father with lies, because Shechem had disgraced their sister Dinah.

14 The brothers said to them, "We cannot allow you to marry our sister, because you are not circumcised. That would be a disgrace to us.

15 But we will allow you to marry her if you do this one thing: Every man in your town must be circumcised like us.

16 Then your men can marry our women, and our men can marry your women, and we will live in your land and become one people.