Genesis 34:22

22 But we must agree to one thing: All our men must be circumcised as they are. Then they will agree to live in our land, and we will be one people.

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 Shechem went to the gate of their city and spoke to the men of their city, saying,

21 "These people want to be friends with us. So let them live in our land and trade here. There is enough land for all of us. Let us marry their women, and we can let them marry our women.

22 But we must agree to one thing: All our men must be circumcised as they are. Then they will agree to live in our land, and we will be one people.

23 If we do this, their cattle and their animals will belong to us. Let us do what they say, and they will stay in our land."

24 All the people who had come to the city gate heard this. They agreed with Hamor and Shechem, and every man was circumcised.