Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Won’t their livestock, their property and all their other animals become ours? So let us agree to their terms, and they will settle among us.” New Living Translation But if we do this, all their livestock and possessions will eventually be ours. Come, let’s agree to their terms and let them settle here among us.” English Standard Version Will not their livestock, their property and all their beasts be ours? Only let us agree with them, and they will dwell with us.” Berean Standard Bible Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.” Berean Literal Bible Their livestock and their property and every animal of theirs, will they not be ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell with us.” King James Bible Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us. New King James Version 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.” New American Standard Bible Will their livestock and their property and all their animals not be ours? Let’s just consent to them, and they will live with us.” NASB 1995 “Will not their livestock and their property and all their animals be ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will live with us.” NASB 1977 “Will not their livestock and their property and all their animals be ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will live with us.” Legacy Standard Bible Will not their livestock and what they acquire and all their cattle be ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will live with us.” Amplified Bible Will not their cattle and their possessions and all their animals be ours [if we do this]? Let us consent [to do as they ask], and they will live here with us.” Berean Annotated Bible Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us. Christian Standard Bible Won’t their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let’s agree with them, and they will live with us.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Won’t their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us agree with them, and they will live with us.” American Standard Version Shall not their cattle and their substance and all their beasts be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us. Contemporary English Version Just think! We'll get their property, as well as their flocks and herds. All we have to do is to agree, and they will live here with us. English Revised Version Shall not their cattle and their substance and all their beasts be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us. GOD'S WORD® Translation Won't their livestock, their personal property, and all their animals be ours? We only need to agree to do this for them. Then they'll live with us." Good News Translation Won't all their livestock and everything else they own be ours? So let us agree that they can live among us." International Standard Version Shouldn't all their cattle, acquisitions, and animals belong to us? So, let's give our consent to them, and then they'll live with us." NET Bible If we do so, won't their livestock, their property, and all their animals become ours? So let's consent to their demand, so they will live among us." New Heart English Bible Won’t their livestock and their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let us agree with them, so they will settle among us." Webster's Bible Translation Will not their cattle, and their substance, and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent to them, and they will dwell with us. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWill not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.” World English Bible Won’t their livestock and their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let’s give our consent to them, and they will dwell with us.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiontheir livestock, and their substance, and all their beasts—are they not ours? Only let us consent to them, and they dwell with us.” Berean Literal Bible Their livestock and their property and every animal of theirs, will they not be ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell with us.” Young's Literal Translation their cattle, and their substance, and all their beasts -- are they not ours? only let us consent to them, and they dwell with us.' Smith's Literal Translation Their cattle and their possession and all their quadrupeds, shall they not be to us? only we will consent to them, and they will dwell with us. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd their substance, and cattle, and all that they possess, shall be ours: only in this let us condescend, and by dwelling together, we shall make one people. Catholic Public Domain Version And their substance, and cattle, and all that they possess, will be ours, if only we will acquiesce to this, and so, in living together, will form one people.” New American Bible Would not their livestock, their property, and all their animals then be ours? Let us just agree with them, so that they will settle among us.” New Revised Standard Version Will not their livestock, their property, and all their animals be ours? Only let us agree with them, and they will live among us.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBehold, their wealth, their possessions, and all their cattle will eventually be ours; only let us consent to their proposals, and they will dwell with us. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Their wealth and their possessions and all their cattle behold, they are ours, however we will consent to them and they will dwell with us.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Shall not their cattle and their substance and all their beasts be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And shall not their cattle and their herds, and their possessions, be ours? only in this let us conform to them, and they will dwell with us. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Revenge of Dinah's Brothers…22But only on this condition will the men agree to dwell with us and be one people: if all our men are circumcised as they are. 23Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.” 24All the men who went out of the city gate listened to Hamor and his son Shechem, and every male of the city was circumcised.… Cross References Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? Joshua 8:27 Israel took for themselves only the cattle and plunder of that city, as the LORD had commanded Joshua. Deuteronomy 20:14-15 But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you. / This is how you are to treat all the cities that are far away from you and do not belong to the nations nearby. 1 Samuel 30:20 And he took all the flocks and herds, which his men drove ahead of the other livestock, calling out, “This is David’s plunder!” Only let us consent to them, Joshua 9:15 And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. 2 Samuel 3:12-13 Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you.” / “Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.” 2 Kings 10:5 So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” and they will dwell among us.” Joshua 9:21 They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation.” So the leaders kept their promise. Exodus 12:48-49 If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in the household must be circumcised; then he may come near to celebrate it, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. / The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you.” Leviticus 25:35 Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. Genesis 17:12-14 Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. / Whether they are born in your household or purchased, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh will be an everlasting covenant. / But if any male is not circumcised, he will be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.” Joshua 5:2-9 At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel once again.” / So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. / Now this is why Joshua circumcised them: All those who came out of Egypt—all the men of war—had died on the journey in the wilderness after they had left Egypt. … 1 Samuel 18:25 Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines. 2 Samuel 3:14 Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.” 1 Kings 3:1 Later, Solomon formed an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying his daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace and the house of the LORD, as well as the wall around Jerusalem. 1 Kings 11:1-2 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. Nehemiah 13:23-27 In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. / Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah. / I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves! … Treasury of Scripture Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of their's be our's? only let us consent to them, and they will dwell with us. Proverbs 1:12,13 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: … Proverbs 23:4,5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom… Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. Jump to Previous Agree Agreement Animals Beast Beasts Cattle Consent Dwell Goods Livestock Ours Possessions Property Settle Substance Theirs Won'tJump to Next Agree Agreement Animals Beast Beasts Cattle Consent Dwell Goods Livestock Ours Possessions Property Settle Substance Theirs Won'tGenesis 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. Will not their livestock, their possessions, and all their animals become ours? This phrase reflects the economic motivations behind the proposal made by Shechem and Hamor to the men of their city. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wealth was often measured in terms of livestock and possessions. The desire to acquire Jacob's wealth through intermarriage with his family highlights the materialistic and opportunistic nature of their intentions. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of covetousness and the dangers of prioritizing material gain over righteousness, as seen in other scriptures like 1 Timothy 6:10, which warns against the love of money. Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell among us.” Persons / Places / Events 1. Shechem- A city in the land of Canaan, significant in biblical history as a place of covenant and conflict. 2. Hamor - The father of Shechem, a Hivite prince, who seeks to negotiate with Jacob's family for the marriage of his son to Dinah. 3. Jacob - The patriarch of the Israelite tribes, father of Dinah, and a central figure in the unfolding events. 4. Dinah - The daughter of Jacob and Leah, whose defilement by Shechem sets off the events of Genesis 34. 5. The Sons of Jacob - Particularly Simeon and Levi, who respond deceitfully and violently to the situation with Shechem. Teaching Points The Danger of CompromiseThe proposal by Hamor reflects a worldly perspective that values material gain over spiritual integrity. Believers must be cautious of compromising their values for worldly benefits. The Consequences of Deceit The deceitful agreement by Jacob's sons leads to violence and further conflict. This serves as a warning against using deceit as a means to an end, as it often leads to destructive outcomes. The Importance of Godly Leadership Jacob's passive response contrasts with the need for decisive, godly leadership in times of moral crisis. Leaders are called to uphold righteousness and seek God's guidance. The Call to Holiness The account underscores the call for God's people to remain distinct and holy, avoiding entanglements with ungodly practices and alliances. Trust in God's Provision The desire for material gain expressed by Hamor contrasts with the biblical call to trust in God's provision and timing, rather than seeking shortcuts through ungodly means. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 34:23?2. How does Genesis 34:23 reveal the deceitful intentions of Shechem's people? 3. What does Genesis 34:23 teach about the dangers of greed and manipulation? 4. How can Genesis 34:23 be connected to warnings against deceit in Proverbs? 5. How should Christians respond to deceitful promises, as seen in Genesis 34:23? 6. What lessons from Genesis 34:23 can be applied to maintaining integrity today? 7. How does Genesis 34:23 reflect the moral values of its time? 8. What historical context influences the events in Genesis 34:23? 9. How does Genesis 34:23 challenge modern ethical perspectives? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 34? 11. What is the summary of Noah's story in the Bible? 12. How many animals were on Noah's ark? (Genesis 6:19-20 vs. Genesis 7:2-3) 13. In Genesis 36:2-3, Esau's wives differ from those mentioned in Genesis 26:34 and 28:9--why the discrepancy? 14. Genesis 34:27-29 - How does the looting and enslavement of the city align with later biblical laws condemning such acts? What Does Genesis 34:23 Mean Will not their livestockHamor’s sales pitch begins with the most tangible form of wealth in an agrarian culture: flocks and herds. He’s appealing to the townsmen’s sense of profit, not friendship (cf. Proverbs 1:10-14, where enticement to gain through others’ goods is condemned). Jacob’s family had grown rich in livestock (Genesis 30:43), so Hamor’s question dangles a sizable payday before his listeners. their possessions The lure widens—everything Jacob’s clan owns is up for grabs. Like Ahab eyeing Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21:2-3), Hamor covets what is not his. Scripture repeatedly warns against such greed (Exodus 20:17; 1 Timothy 6:9-10). Here it drives a community decision that will end in tragedy once Simeon and Levi expose the deceit (Genesis 34:25-29). and all their animals Repeating the theme underscores just how large the potential gain appears. The wording recalls Lot choosing the fertile plain of Jordan for its immediate advantage (Genesis 13:10-11) while ignoring the moral cost. Hamor is measuring only in livestock and assets, not in righteousness. become ours? This rhetorical flourish seals the bait. Hamor speaks as though possession is inevitable, echoing Esau’s earlier boast “I am on my way to die, so why do I need a birthright?” (Genesis 25:32). Both statements reveal hearts set on the material rather than the spiritual and foreshadow loss instead of gain (cf. Matthew 16:26). Only let us consent to them The proposed price is circumcision, a uniquely covenant sign with God (Genesis 17:9-14). Hamor reduces a holy mark to a business transaction, treating sacred things as common (Hebrews 10:29). His call echoes Saul’s pragmatic obedience in 1 Samuel 15:24—“I listened to the voice of the people”—rather than submission to the Lord. and they will dwell among us Hamor promises peaceful coexistence, but the chapter shows sin’s ripple effect when motives are wrong. Israel living “among” the nations is meant to be a blessing (Genesis 12:3), yet here it spirals into violence because neither side seeks God’s honor. Later commands will urge separation from corrupt practices (Exodus 34:12-16; 2 Corinthians 6:17) precisely to prevent such compromise. summary Genesis 34:23 exposes a heart-level greed that disguises itself as diplomacy. Hamor counts Jacob’s wealth and sees an opportunity, not a relationship. Each phrase layers the enticement: livestock, possessions, every animal—“all will be ours if we just agree.” Scripture’s cross-currents warn that any alliance founded on covetousness and disregard for God’s covenant signs invites judgment, not blessing. Hebrew Will notהֲל֥וֹא (hă·lō·w) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no their livestock, מִקְנֵהֶ֤ם (miq·nê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 4735: Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition their possessions, וְקִנְיָנָם֙ (wə·qin·yā·nām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 7075: Creation, creatures, acquisition, purchase, wealth and all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every their הֵ֑ם (hêm) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They animals [become ours]? בְּהֶמְתָּ֔ם (bə·hem·tām) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 929: A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal Only אַ֚ךְ (’aḵ) Adverb Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely let us consent נֵא֣וֹתָה (nê·’ō·w·ṯāh) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural Strong's 225: To come, to assent to them, לָהֶ֔ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew and they will dwell וְיֵשְׁב֖וּ (wə·yê·šə·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry among us.” אִתָּֽנוּ׃ (’it·tā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among Links Genesis 34:23 NIVGenesis 34:23 NLT Genesis 34:23 ESV Genesis 34:23 NASB Genesis 34:23 KJV Genesis 34:23 BibleApps.com Genesis 34:23 Biblia Paralela Genesis 34:23 Chinese Bible Genesis 34:23 French Bible Genesis 34:23 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 34:23 Won't their livestock and their possessions (Gen. 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