Genesis 34:14

14 They said to them, "We can't do it. We can't give our sister to a man who isn't circumcised. That would bring shame on 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 Make the price for the bride as high as you want to. I'll pay anything you ask me. Just give me the woman. I want to get married to her."

13 Their sister Dinah had been made "unclean." So Jacob's sons lied to Shechem and his father Hamor.

14 They said to them, "We can't do it. We can't give our sister to a man who isn't circumcised. That would bring shame on us.

15 We'll agree, but only on one condition. You will have to become like us. You will have to circumcise all of your males.

16 "Then we'll give you our daughters as your wives. And we'll take your daughters as our wives. We'll settle among you and become one people with you.