Bible Strands
Genesis 34:31
But they replied, “Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Simeon and Levi respond to Jacob’s warning after their retaliatory slaughter at Shechem. They speak in the immediate aftermath of the attack, addressing their father’s fear of Canaanite coalition.
The words — The Hebrew יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה הַכְּזוֹנָ֕ה (ya.'a.Seh ha/kh./zo.Nah) literally translates “will he use like a prostitute.” The verb יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה (ya.'a.Seh) denotes treatment or action, while הַכְּזוֹנָ֕ה (ha/kh./zo.Nah) establishes the degrading comparison.
The thread — The brothers’ defense mirrors the jealous vengeance that Proverbs 6:34 notes will show no mercy. Jacob later condemns this same unchecked fury in Genesis 49:7, framing their actions as cruel wrath.
Why it lands — The text records a rhetorical question used to justify mass violence as necessary honor restoration. It requires the reader to separate the brothers’ claimed motive from any implied divine approval of their method.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
Cross-references
- Proverbs 6:34 For jealousy enrages a husband, and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance.
- Genesis 34:13 But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully.
- Genesis 49:7 Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.