Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the context of Genesis 34:16?
A: Genesis 34:16 is part of the story of Dinah, where Shechem and his father Hamor propose intermarriage with Jacob's family after Shechem defiles Dinah. The verse reflects their deceptive offer to unite the two peoples through marriage, which was not sincere (Rashi, Genesis 34:13).
Q: Why did Jacob's sons reject this proposal?
A: Jacob's sons rejected the proposal because it was based on deception and immorality. Shechem had already sinned against Dinah, and intermarriage with idolaters was forbidden (Rambam, Hilchot Issurei Biah 12:1; Rashi, Genesis 34:7). Their response was a ruse to later take revenge (Genesis 34:13).
Q: What does 'we will become one people' mean in this verse?
A: Hamor and Shechem suggested that intermarriage would make Jacob's family and the people of Shechem 'one people,' meaning they would assimilate culturally and religiously. However, this was unacceptable because it would lead the Israelites away from Torah values (Ramban, Genesis 34:13).
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish views on intermarriage?
A: This verse highlights the Torah's opposition to intermarriage with idolatrous nations, as it threatens Jewish identity and observance. Jewish law (halacha) prohibits marriage with non-Jews unless they convert sincerely (Rambam, Hilchot Issurei Biah 12:1-2).
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: The verse teaches the importance of maintaining Jewish identity and avoiding assimilation. Just as Jacob’s family resisted merging with Shechem’s people, Jews today must uphold Torah values and avoid compromising their faith (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 80:11).
Context of the Verse
The verse (Genesis 34:16) is part of the narrative involving Shechem, the son of Chamor the Chivite, and Dinah, the daughter of Yaakov. After Shechem defiles Dinah, he and his father propose intermarriage with Yaakov's family as a way to unite the two peoples. This proposal is presented under false pretenses, as their true intentions are not sincere.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Genesis 34:16) explains that the proposal of intermarriage was deceptive. The sons of Yaakov had no intention of allowing their daughters to marry the people of Shechem, nor did they truly wish to become "one people" with them. Their response was a ruse to enable their later retaliation (as seen in Genesis 34:25-29). Rashi emphasizes that the Torah later prohibits intermarriage with the Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 7:3), reinforcing that such a union would never have been permissible.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 10:4) discusses the prohibition of intermarriage with the seven Canaanite nations, which includes the Chivites (the people of Shechem). He explains that the Torah forbids such unions due to the risk of idolatrous influence and the erosion of Jewish identity. The proposal in this verse directly contradicts halachic principles, highlighting the insincerity of Shechem and Chamor.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 16:1) codifies the prohibition of intermarriage with non-Jews, rooted in this narrative. The verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of assimilation, even when presented under the guise of peace or unity.
Moral Lesson
The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar, Genesis 34:16) teaches that true unity cannot be built on deception or moral compromise. The sons of Yaakov recognized that becoming "one people" with Shechem would require abandoning their spiritual mission, and thus they resisted—despite the temporary appearance of diplomacy.