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Genesis 34:17 - Circumcision or departure demanded?

Genesis 34:17 - בראשית 34:17

Hebrew Text

וְאִם־לֹא תִשְׁמְעוּ אֵלֵינוּ לְהִמּוֹל וְלָקַחְנוּ אֶת־בִּתֵּנוּ וְהָלָכְנוּ׃

English Translation

But if you will not hearken to us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.

Transliteration

Ve'im-lo tishme'u eleinu lehimol velakachnu et-biteinu vehalachnu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאִם־לֹ֧א תִשְׁמְע֛וּ אֵלֵ֖ינוּ לְהִמּ֑וֹל וְלָקַ֥חְנוּ אֶת־בִּתֵּ֖נוּ וְהָלָֽכְנוּ׃
וְאִם־לֹ֧א תִשְׁמְע֛וּ אֵלֵ֖ינוּ לְהִמּ֑וֹל וְלָקַ֥חְנוּ אֶת־בִּתֵּ֖נוּ וְהָלָֽכְנוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Bereishit (Genesis 34:17)

This verse is part of the dialogue between the sons of Yaakov (Jacob) and the men of Shechem after the incident involving Dinah. The brothers propose circumcision as a condition for intermarriage, but their true intent—as later revealed—was to avenge their sister's honor.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the phrase "וְאִם־לֹא תִשְׁמְעוּ אֵלֵינוּ לְהִמּוֹל" ("if you will not hearken to us, to be circumcised") implies a conditional agreement. The brothers presented circumcision as a prerequisite for unity, but their words carried a veiled threat. Rashi notes that their demand was strategic, not sincere, as they had no intention of permitting intermarriage with Shechem (Bereishit 34:13).

Rambam's Perspective on Circumcision

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Milah (Laws of Circumcision) emphasizes that circumcision is a covenant with Hashem, not a mere cultural practice. The brothers' demand, though deceptive, invoked a sacred mitzvah, highlighting that true unity with Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) requires commitment to divine commandments.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 80:10) suggests that the brothers' words "וְלָקַחְנוּ אֶת־בִּתֵּנוּ וְהָלָכְנוּ" ("we will take our daughter and depart") allude to Dinah's elevated spiritual status. By referring to her as "our daughter" (rather than "your wife"), they implied she was not meant for assimilation but was part of the sacred lineage of Yaakov.

Moral and Halachic Implications

  • Deception for a Just Cause: The Talmud (Yevamot 65b) permits misleading responses in cases of pikuach nefesh (saving lives) or preventing injustice. Here, the brothers' ruse was justified to rescue Dinah.
  • Circumcision as a Boundary: The demand for circumcision underscored that integration with Bnei Yisrael requires accepting Torah obligations, not just physical proximity (see Ramban on Bereishit 34:13).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 34:17 mean in context?
A: This verse is part of the story of Shechem and Dinah (Genesis 34). Dinah's brothers, Shimon and Levi, are speaking to the men of Shechem after their sister was taken. They demand that the men of Shechem undergo circumcision as a condition for intermarriage. If they refuse, the brothers will take Dinah and leave. Rashi explains that this was a strategic move, as the brothers had no intention of truly allowing intermarriage but wanted the men weakened after circumcision to take revenge.
Q: Why was circumcision demanded in Genesis 34:17?
A: Circumcision (brit milah) is a foundational mitzvah in Judaism, symbolizing the covenant with Hashem. Here, Shimon and Levi used it as a condition, knowing the men of Shechem would be physically vulnerable afterward (as seen later in the chapter). The Ramban notes that while their demand appeared to be about religious unity, their true motive was retribution for Dinah's honor.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 34:17?
A: The Midrash and commentators debate the morality of Shimon and Levi's actions. While they sought justice for Dinah, Jacob later criticizes their deceit (Genesis 49:5-7). The verse teaches the complexity of balancing zeal for righteousness with ethical conduct. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 82a) discusses when extreme measures are justified, emphasizing the need for wisdom even in righteous anger.
Q: How does Genesis 34:17 relate to Jewish identity?
A: The verse highlights the importance of circumcision as a boundary marker of Jewish identity. The men of Shechem were willing to undergo brit milah superficially, but true conversion requires sincere commitment (Rambam, Hilchot Issurei Biah 13-14). This echoes the Jewish ideal that outward signs must reflect inner spiritual transformation.