Genesis 34:16

16 Then will we mutually give and take your daughters, and ours; and we will dwell with you, and will be one people:

Genesis 34:16 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 34:16

Then will we give our daughters unto you
Meaning Dinah, whom they call their daughter, ( Genesis 34:17 ) ; because she was the daughter of their family, and because they were entreating in the name of their father, and in conformity to the language used by those they were treating with, ( Genesis 34:9 ) ; and we will take your daughters to us;
in marriage for wives: and we will dwell with you;
not as sojourners but as fellow citizens: and we will become one people;
being so nearly related by marriage, and professing one religion, alike submitting to circumcision, which was the distinguished badge of Abraham's seed.

Genesis 34:16 In-Context

14 We cannot do what you demand, nor give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; which with us is unlawful and abominable.

15 But in this we may be allied with you, if you will be like us, and all the male sex among you be circumcised:

16 Then will we mutually give and take your daughters, and ours; and we will dwell with you, and will be one people:

17 But if you will not be circumcised, we will take our daughter and depart.

18 Their offer pleased Hemor, and Sichem, his son: