Genesis 34:22

22 Only on this condition will the men consent to dwell with us, to be one people: if every male among us is circumcised as they are circumcised.

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 And Hamor and Shechem his son came to the gate of their city, and spoke with the men of their city, saying:

21 "These men are at peace with us. Therefore let them dwell in the land and trade in it. For indeed the land is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters to us as wives, and let us give them our daughters.

22 Only on this condition will the men consent to dwell with us, to be one people: if every male among us is circumcised as they are circumcised.

23 Will not their livestock, their property, and every animal of theirs be ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell with us."

24 And all who went out of the gate of his city heeded Hamor and Shechem his son; every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city.