Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 34:8 mean in the story of Dinah?
A: Genesis 34:8 records the words of Ḥamor, the father of Shekhem, asking Jacob's family to allow Dinah to marry his son. According to Rashi and traditional Jewish sources, this verse marks the beginning of negotiations after Shekhem had already violated Dinah (as described in earlier verses). Ḥamor's request appears diplomatic, but the Torah reveals his son's earlier wrongdoing, showing the complexity of the situation.
Q: Why is the phrase 'his soul longs for your daughter' significant in Genesis 34:8?
A: The phrase 'his soul longs for your daughter' (חָשְׁקָה נַפְשׁוֹ בְּבִתְּכֶם) indicates strong desire, but Jewish commentators like Ramban note that true marriage in Torah requires mutual consent and proper conduct. Shekhem's actions beforehand were sinful, demonstrating that desire alone does not justify marriage without righteousness and halachic (Jewish legal) process.
Q: How does Orthodox Judaism view the marriage proposal in Genesis 34:8?
A: Orthodox Judaism, based on Talmudic and Midrashic teachings (e.g., Bereishit Rabbah), views this proposal as deeply flawed. A valid Jewish marriage requires mutual respect, purity, and adherence to Torah law—conditions absent here due to Shekhem's prior violence against Dinah. The verse thus serves as a lesson about the importance of moral boundaries in relationships.
Q: What can we learn from Ḥamor's request in Genesis 34:8?
A: Ḥamor's request teaches that outward diplomacy can mask underlying injustice. The Midrash highlights that Jacob's sons responded with wisdom (albeit harshly later) to protect their sister's dignity. The verse reminds us to evaluate proposals carefully, ensuring they align with Torah values—even when presented persuasively.
Q: How does Genesis 34:8 relate to Jewish views on intermarriage?
A: While this verse describes a proposed marriage between Dinah and a non-Israelite, Jewish tradition (as derived from later Torah laws and Talmudic discussions) prohibits intermarriage without conversion to Judaism. Rashi and Rambam emphasize that maintaining Jewish identity and holiness requires marrying within the faith, as seen in the patriarchs' insistence on marrying relatives (e.g., Isaac and Rivkah).
Context in the Torah
The verse (Bereshit 34:8) records the words of Chamor, the father of Shechem, speaking to Yaakov and his sons after Shechem had violated Dinah, the daughter of Yaakov. Chamor attempts to negotiate a marriage between his son Shechem and Dinah, framing it as a matter of love and desire ("חָשְׁקָה נַפְשׁוֹ"). This event is part of the troubling narrative of Dinah's abduction and the subsequent actions of Shimon and Levi.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Bereshit 34:8) notes that Chamor's phrasing, "The soul of my son Shechem longs for your daughter," is deceptive. He explains that Chamor intentionally avoided mentioning Shechem's earlier act of abduction and violation (34:2), instead presenting it as a romantic proposal to make the request seem more acceptable. Rashi highlights the manipulative nature of Chamor's speech, as he omits the grievous sin that preceded this "request."
Ramban's Insight
The Ramban (Bereshit 34:8) adds that Chamor's approach reflects the typical tactics of those who seek to justify wrongdoing by reframing it in appealing terms. He contrasts this with the Torah's later condemnation of intermarriage with the Canaanites (Devarim 7:3), emphasizing that such unions were forbidden due to moral and spiritual corruption. Chamor's proposal, though couched in emotional language, was fundamentally at odds with the values of Bnei Yisrael.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 80:7) elaborates on the phrase "חָשְׁקָה נַפְשׁוֹ," teaching that Shechem's desire was purely physical and selfish, not rooted in genuine love or commitment. The Midrash contrasts this with the holy unions of the Avot and Imahot, where marriage was built on righteousness and divine purpose.
Moral and Halachic Implications