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Genesis 34:21 - Deceptive peace or true coexistence?

Genesis 34:21 - בראשית 34:21

Hebrew Text

הָאֲנָשִׁים הָאֵלֶּה שְׁלֵמִים הֵם אִתָּנוּ וְיֵשְׁבוּ בָאָרֶץ וְיִסְחֲרוּ אֹתָהּ וְהָאָרֶץ הִנֵּה רַחֲבַת־יָדַיִם לִפְנֵיהֶם אֶת־בְּנֹתָם נִקַּח־לָנוּ לְנָשִׁים וְאֶת־בְּנֹתֵינוּ נִתֵּן לָהֶם׃

English Translation

These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade in it; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters.

Transliteration

Ha'anashim ha'eleh sheleimim hem itanu ve'yeshvu ba'aretz ve'yischaru otah ve'ha'aretz hineh rachavat-yadayim lifneihem et-b'notam nikach-lanu l'nashim ve'et-b'notenu niten lahem.

Hebrew Leining Text

הָאֲנָשִׁ֨ים הָאֵ֜לֶּה שְֽׁלֵמִ֧ים הֵ֣ם אִתָּ֗נוּ וְיֵשְׁב֤וּ בָאָ֙רֶץ֙ וְיִסְחֲר֣וּ אֹתָ֔הּ וְהָאָ֛רֶץ הִנֵּ֥ה רַֽחֲבַת־יָדַ֖יִם לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם אֶת־בְּנֹתָם֙ נִקַּֽח־לָ֣נוּ לְנָשִׁ֔ים וְאֶת־בְּנֹתֵ֖ינוּ נִתֵּ֥ן לָהֶֽם׃
הָאֲנָשִׁ֨ים הָאֵ֜לֶּה שְֽׁלֵמִ֧ים הֵ֣ם אִתָּ֗נוּ וְיֵשְׁב֤וּ בָאָ֙רֶץ֙ וְיִסְחֲר֣וּ אֹתָ֔הּ וְהָאָ֛רֶץ הִנֵּ֥ה רַֽחֲבַת־יָדַ֖יִם לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם אֶת־בְּנֹתָם֙ נִקַּֽח־לָ֣נוּ לְנָשִׁ֔ים וְאֶת־בְּנֹתֵ֖ינוּ נִתֵּ֥ן לָהֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 34:21) is spoken by Chamor and his son Shechem to the men of their city, proposing peaceful coexistence and intermarriage with Yaakov's family after the incident involving Dinah. The proposal appears outwardly reasonable but is deeply problematic from a Torah perspective.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi notes that the phrase "שְׁלֵמִים הֵם אִתָּנוּ" ("they are peaceable with us") is deceptive. While Chamor presents Yaakov's family as peaceful, Rashi explains that their true nature was not peaceful, as they were actually strict in their ways and would not intermarry with idolaters (citing Bereishit Rabbah 80:7).

Ramban's Insight

The Ramban (Nachmanides) observes that Chamor's argument about the land being spacious enough ("רַחֲבַת־יָדַיִם") reveals his ulterior motive: he wanted to absorb Yaakov's family into his own people rather than allow them to maintain their distinct identity. This reflects a recurring challenge of assimilation faced by the Jewish people.

Midrashic Perspective

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 80:9) contrasts the wording here with Avraham's purchase of Ma'arat HaMachpelah, noting that while Avraham insisted on proper acquisition of land, Chamor sought to blur boundaries through intermarriage. This highlights the Torah's emphasis on maintaining distinct Jewish identity.

Halachic Implications

  • The proposal to exchange daughters ("נִקַּח־לָנוּ לְנָשִׁים וְאֶת־בְּנֹתֵינוּ נִתֵּן לָהֶם") violates the Torah prohibition against intermarriage with Canaanite nations (Devarim 7:3).
  • The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 36b) derives from this episode the principle that we do not allow intermarriage even when the other party appears willing to accept Jewish practices.

Moral Lesson

The Malbim explains that this episode teaches how assimilation often begins with seemingly peaceful overtures and economic cooperation, but ultimately threatens Jewish continuity. The violent response of Shimon and Levi, while controversial, demonstrated the importance of zealously protecting Jewish identity when faced with existential threats.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Genesis 34:21?
A: Genesis 34:21 is part of the story of Shechem and Dinah. The men of Shechem, speaking to Jacob and his sons, propose peaceful coexistence, intermarriage, and shared land use after Shechem had taken Dinah. However, this offer was deceptive, as the Torah later reveals their true intentions (Rashi on Genesis 34:13).
Q: Why did the men of Shechem suggest intermarriage in this verse?
A: The men of Shechem suggested intermarriage ('let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters') as part of a deceptive plan to assimilate Jacob's family into their own people. The Torah and commentaries (such as Ramban) emphasize that this was not a sincere offer of peace but an attempt to exploit Jacob's family.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 34:21?
A: This verse teaches the importance of discernment in dealing with outsiders who may have hidden motives. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 102a) warns against alliances with those who do not share our values, as they may lead to spiritual harm. Jacob's sons later responded with wisdom (though controversially) to protect their family's integrity.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish views on intermarriage?
A: Traditional Jewish interpretation (based on Torah law and later rabbinic rulings) strongly discourages intermarriage to preserve Jewish identity and values. This verse serves as a cautionary tale—the proposal to intermarry with Shechem was not for genuine unity but for assimilation (see Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Forbidden Relationships 12:1).
Q: What does 'the land is large enough for them' mean in this verse?
A: When the men of Shechem say 'the land is large enough for them,' they claim there is enough space for peaceful coexistence. However, Rashi explains that their true intention was to dominate Jacob's family. The Torah later shows that sharing land with morally corrupt nations can lead to conflict (as seen in the story of the spies in Numbers 13-14).