Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They said to them, “We can’t do such a thing; we can’t give our sister to a man who is not circumcised. That would be a disgrace to us. New Living Translation They said to them, “We couldn’t possibly allow this, because you’re not circumcised. It would be a disgrace for our sister to marry a man like you! English Standard Version They said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us. Berean Standard Bible “We cannot do such a thing,” they said. “To give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us. Berean Literal Bible and they said to them, “We are not able to do this thing, to give our sister to a man who has a foreskin, for that is a reproach to us. King James Bible And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us: New King James Version And they said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a reproach to us. New American Standard Bible They said to them, “We cannot do this thing, that is, give our sister to a man who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us. NASB 1995 They said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us. NASB 1977 And they said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us. Legacy Standard Bible And they said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a reproach to us. Amplified Bible They said to them, “We cannot do this thing and give our sister [in marriage] to one who is not circumcised, because that would be a disgrace to us. Berean Annotated Bible “We cannot do such a thing, they said. “To give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us. Christian Standard Bible “We cannot do this thing,” they said to them. “Giving our sister to an uncircumcised man is a disgrace to us. Holman Christian Standard Bible We cannot do this thing,” they said to them. “Giving our sister to an uncircumcised man is a disgrace to us. American Standard Version and said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us. Contemporary English Version So they tricked them by saying: You're not circumcised! It would be a disgrace for us to let you marry Dinah now. English Revised Version and said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us: GOD'S WORD® Translation They said, "We can't do this. We can't give our sister to a man who is uncircumcised. That would be a disgrace to us! Good News Translation They said to him, "We cannot let our sister marry a man who is not circumcised; that would be a disgrace for us. International Standard Version They told them, "We can't do this. We can't give our sister to a man who isn't circumcised, because that would be insulting to us. NET Bible They said to them, "We cannot give our sister to a man who is not circumcised, for it would be a disgrace to us. New Heart English Bible And said to them, "We can’t do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised; for that would be a disgrace to us. Webster's Bible Translation And they said to them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised: for that would be a reproach to us: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“We cannot do such a thing,” they said. “To give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us. World English Bible and said to them, “We can’t do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised; for that is a reproach to us. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand say to them, “We are not able to do this thing, to give our sister to one who has a foreskin, for it [is] a reproach to us. Berean Literal Bible and they said to them, “We are not able to do this thing, to give our sister to a man who has a foreskin, for that is a reproach to us. Young's Literal Translation and say unto them, 'We are not able to do this thing, to give our sister to one who hath a foreskin: for it is a reproach to us. Smith's Literal Translation And they will say to them, We shall not be able to do this word, to give our sister to a man which to him is uncircumcision; for this a reproach to us. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWe cannot do what you demand, nor give our sister to one that is uncircumcised, which with us is unlawful and abominable. Catholic Public Domain Version “We are not able to do what you ask, nor to give our sister to an uncircumcised man. For us, this is unlawful and abominable. New American Bible They said to them, “We are not able to do this thing: to give our sister to an uncircumcised man. For that would be a disgrace for us. New Revised Standard Version They said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they said to them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to a man who is uncircumcised; for that would be a reproach to us; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they said, “We cannot do this thing to give our sister to a man that has foreskin, because that is a reproach to us: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and said unto them: 'We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Symeon and Levi, the brothers of Dina, said to them, We shall not be able to do this thing, to give our sister to a man who is uncircumcised, for it is a reproach to us. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Revenge of Dinah's Brothers13But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully. 14“We cannot do such a thing,” they said. “To give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us. 15We will consent to this on one condition, that you become circumcised like us—every one of your males.… Cross References “We cannot do such a thing,” Genesis 39:9 No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?” 1 Samuel 26:11 But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” 2 Samuel 23:17 saying, “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?” So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. they said. Joshua 24:16 The people replied, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! Ezra 10:3 So now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all the foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God. Let it be done according to the Law. Nehemiah 10:29 hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to obey carefully all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord. “To give our sister to an uncircumcised man Deuteronomy 7:3-4 Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, / because they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you. Ezra 9:1-2 After these things had been accomplished, the leaders approached me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the surrounding peoples whose abominations are like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. / Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the people of the land. And the leaders and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!” Malachi 2:11-12 Judah has broken faith; an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the LORD’s beloved sanctuary by marrying the daughter of a foreign god. / As for the man who does this, may the LORD cut off from the tents of Jacob everyone who is awake and aware—even if he brings an offering to the LORD of Hosts. would be a disgrace to us. 2 Samuel 1:20 Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. Jeremiah 3:25 Let us lie down in our shame; let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers; from our youth even to this day we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.” Psalm 44:13-15 You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us. / You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples. / All day long my disgrace is before me, and shame has covered my face, Exodus 34:16 And when you take some of their daughters as brides for your sons, their daughters will prostitute themselves to their gods and cause your sons to do the same. Joshua 23:12-13 For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, / know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” … Leviticus 20:26 You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own. Treasury of Scripture And they said to them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach to us: uncircumcised. Genesis 17:11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. Joshua 5:2-9 At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time… 1 Samuel 14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. Jump to Previous Cause Circumcised Circumcision Disgrace Foreskin Possible Reproach Shame Sister UncircumcisedJump to Next Cause Circumcised Circumcision Disgrace Foreskin Possible Reproach Shame Sister UncircumcisedGenesis 34 1. Dinah is ravished by Shechem.4. He requests to marry her. 13. The sons of Jacob offer the condition of circumcision to the Shechemites. 20. Hamor and Shechem persuade them to accept it. 25. The sons of Jacob upon that advantage slay them, and spoil their city. 30. Jacob reproves Simeon and Levi. We cannot do such a thing, This phrase reflects the strong cultural and religious convictions held by Jacob's sons. In the context of ancient Israel, certain actions were considered unacceptable due to the covenant relationship with God. The refusal indicates a commitment to uphold the family’s honor and religious principles, which were deeply intertwined with their identity as God's chosen people. they said. To give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us. Persons / Places / Events 1. DinahThe daughter of Jacob and Leah, whose encounter with Shechem sets the stage for the events in Genesis 34. 2. Shechem A Hivite prince who defiles Dinah and seeks to marry her, prompting the response from her brothers. 3. Jacob The patriarch of the family, father of Dinah, and a central figure in the account. 4. Simeon and Levi Sons of Jacob and Leah, who respond to Shechem's actions with deceit and violence. 5. Hamor Father of Shechem, who negotiates with Jacob's family for Dinah's marriage to his son. Teaching Points Cultural and Spiritual IdentityThe insistence on circumcision reflects the importance of maintaining a distinct cultural and spiritual identity as God's chosen people. The Consequences of Compromise The account warns against the dangers of compromising one's faith and values for the sake of social or political alliances. Righteous Indignation vs. Vengeance While the brothers' anger is understandable, their response highlights the need for righteous indignation to be tempered with justice and mercy. The Role of Family Leadership Jacob's passive response contrasts with his sons' aggressive actions, prompting reflection on the role of family leadership in addressing moral and spiritual challenges. The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness The emphasis on circumcision underscores the broader theme of faithfulness to God's covenant and commands. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 34:14?2. Why did Jacob's sons demand circumcision from Shechem's people in Genesis 34:14? 3. How does Genesis 34:14 reflect the importance of covenant in biblical times? 4. What other biblical instances emphasize the significance of circumcision as a covenant sign? 5. How can we apply the principle of honoring commitments in Genesis 34:14 today? 6. What lessons on integrity can be drawn from Jacob's sons' actions in Genesis 34? 7. Why did Jacob's sons refuse to give Dinah in marriage to an uncircumcised man? 8. How does Genesis 34:14 reflect the importance of circumcision in ancient Israelite culture? 9. What does Genesis 34:14 reveal about the Israelites' views on intermarriage with other tribes? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 34? 11. What does the Bible say about Christians in government? 12. In Genesis 36:2-3, Esau's wives differ from those mentioned in Genesis 26:34 and 28:9--why the discrepancy? 13. Proverbs 14:34: How do we explain the rise and fall of nations that show little adherence to righteous or biblical principles? 14. What defines the Moral Majority? What Does Genesis 34:14 Mean We cannot do such a thing• The sons of Jacob draw an immediate moral boundary. Their wording echoes other clear refusals in Scripture—Joseph’s “How then could I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). • They recognize some actions are simply off-limits for God’s covenant people. Like Peter and the apostles declaring, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29), they place obedience above convenience. • The phrase shows conviction rather than negotiation, reminding us of Joshua’s “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). They said • This is a united family response, not just an individual opinion. Corporate solidarity carried weight in ancient Israel (see Numbers 32:20-22). • Their shared voice underscores accountability; no brother can later claim ignorance or neutrality. • The statement also signals leadership within the clan, much like later tribal spokesmen such as Judah in Genesis 43:3-10. To give our sister • “Our sister” emphasizes Dinah’s value and the brothers’ protective duty (compare Job 29:12-17 where the righteous “broke the fangs of the wicked” to defend the vulnerable). • Marriage was a covenant act that involved the whole family (Genesis 24:50-51). Handing Dinah over would signify approval of Shechem’s conduct, which they refuse. • It recalls Paul’s concern that believers not be “yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14), highlighting the spiritual dimension of marriage. To an uncircumcised man • Circumcision was the God-given sign of belonging to the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17:10-14). An uncircumcised suitor stood outside God’s promises. • Exodus 12:48 shows the same boundary: no uncircumcised person could partake of Passover. The sign mattered because it identified one’s relationship to the LORD. • Even in the New Testament, the principle persists—true belonging is defined by faith expressed in covenant terms (Colossians 2:11-12). Would be a disgrace to us • “Disgrace” points to communal shame: failure to guard covenant purity would stain the whole family (Deuteronomy 22:21). • For Israel, holiness was public—sin or defilement affected everyone, as Achan’s theft did in Joshua 7. • The brothers perceive that ignoring God’s boundary would make them contemptible among the nations and before the LORD, contradicting His desire to “present to Himself a glorious church… holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:27). summary Genesis 34:14 shows Jacob’s sons drawing a firm, covenant-based line: they cannot, as God’s people, sanction a marriage that ignores the sign of God’s covenant. Their united refusal protects Dinah’s honor, preserves the family’s holiness, and upholds the divine standard that God’s promises belong to those marked by allegiance to Him. Hebrew “We cannotלֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no do לַעֲשׂוֹת֙ (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 6213: To do, make such הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that a thing,” הַדָּבָ֣ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause they said. וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say “To give לָתֵת֙ (lā·ṯêṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5414: To give, put, set our sister אֲחֹתֵ֔נוּ (’ă·ḥō·ṯê·nū) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural Strong's 269: Sister -- a sister to ל֣וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew an uncircumcised man עָרְלָ֑ה (‘ā·rə·lāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6190: The prepuce would be a disgrace חֶרְפָּ֥ה (ḥer·pāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2781: Contumely, disgrace, the pudenda to us. לָֽנוּ׃ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's Hebrew Links Genesis 34:14 NIVGenesis 34:14 NLT Genesis 34:14 ESV Genesis 34:14 NASB Genesis 34:14 KJV Genesis 34:14 BibleApps.com Genesis 34:14 Biblia Paralela Genesis 34:14 Chinese Bible Genesis 34:14 French Bible Genesis 34:14 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 34:14 And said to them We can't do (Gen. 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