Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the context of Genesis 34:31?
A: Genesis 34:31 is part of the story of Dinah, Jacob's daughter, who was taken by Shechem, the son of Chamor. After Shechem violated Dinah, her brothers Shimon and Levi took revenge by killing the men of Shechem. In this verse, they defend their actions by saying, 'Should he deal with our sister as with a harlot?' Rashi explains that they were outraged because Shechem treated their sister disrespectfully, as if she were a harlot, rather than seeking a proper marriage.
Q: Why did Shimon and Levi say 'Should he deal with our sister as with a harlot?'
A: Shimon and Levi were expressing their anger and justification for their violent response. According to Ramban (Nachmanides), they believed that Shechem had disgraced their sister by taking her by force, treating her as if she were a harlot rather than pursuing her honorably through proper marriage. Their words highlight the severity of the offense in their eyes, as they saw it as an attack on their family's dignity.
Q: What does this verse teach us about justice and revenge?
A: This verse raises ethical questions about justice and revenge. While Shimon and Levi acted out of a sense of protecting their sister's honor, Jacob later criticizes their actions (Genesis 49:5-7), indicating that their zeal was excessive. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 82a) discusses the balance between defending honor and acting with proper restraint. This teaches that while standing up for righteousness is important, one must also consider the consequences of extreme measures.
Q: How does Orthodox Judaism view the actions of Shimon and Levi in this story?
A: Traditional Jewish sources present differing views. Some, like Rashi, suggest that Shimon and Levi acted out of righteous indignation to defend their sister's honor. However, other commentators, such as Ramban, criticize their excessive violence, arguing that they should have pursued a more measured response. The Torah later records Jacob’s disapproval (Genesis 49:5-7), showing that while their intentions may have been noble, their methods were flawed.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about family loyalty?
A: This verse highlights the strong sense of family loyalty in Jewish tradition. Shimon and Levi were willing to take drastic action to defend their sister's dignity, demonstrating the importance of protecting one’s family from harm. However, the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 80:10) also teaches that while loyalty is commendable, it must be balanced with wisdom and restraint to avoid unnecessary destruction.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 34:31) is part of the narrative in which Shimon and Levi respond to their father Yaakov's rebuke after they took vengeance upon the city of Shechem for the rape of their sister Dinah. The brothers justify their actions by expressing outrage that Shechem treated Dinah as if she were a harlot (zonah), an act they deemed unforgivable.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Shimon and Levi were emphasizing the severity of Shechem's crime. By referring to Dinah as their "sister," they highlighted the familial bond and the dishonor brought upon their household. The term harlot (zonah) is used to underscore that Shechem treated Dinah with utter disrespect, as if she were a woman of ill repute rather than a dignified daughter of Yaakov Avinu.
Rambam's Perspective
While Rambam (Maimonides) does not comment directly on this verse, his principles in Hilchot Melachim (Laws of Kings) regarding the moral obligation to defend one's honor and family align with the brothers' stance. The brothers' rhetorical question implies that inaction would have been tantamount to condoning such immoral behavior, which is forbidden under Jewish law.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 80:10) elaborates that Shimon and Levi's response reflects their zeal for justice. They argue that allowing Shechem to escape punishment would set a dangerous precedent, implying that the daughters of Israel could be violated without consequence. Their use of the term zonah conveys the degradation they sought to prevent.
Halachic Implications
Moral and Ethical Lessons
The verse teaches the gravity of protecting one's family and community from moral corruption. While Yaakov later criticizes their methods (Bereshit 49:5-7), the underlying principle—that injustice must not be tolerated—remains a cornerstone of Jewish ethics. The brothers' rhetorical question underscores the unacceptability of treating a Jewish woman with such indignity.