Genesis 34:24

Authorized King James Version

And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׁמְע֤וּ
H8085
hearkened
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#2
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
חֲמוֹר֙
H2544
And unto Hamor
chamor, a canaanite
#4
וְאֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
שְׁכֶ֣ם
H7928
shekem, the name of a hivite and two israelites
#6
בְּנ֔וֹ
H1121
his son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
יֹֽצְאֵ֖י
H3318
all that went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#9
שַׁ֥עַר
H8179
of the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#10
עִירֽוֹ׃
H5892
of his city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#11
וַיִּמֹּ֙לוּ֙
H4135
was circumcised
to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy
#12
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
זָכָ֔ר
H2145
and every male
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
#14
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
יֹֽצְאֵ֖י
H3318
all that went out
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#16
שַׁ֥עַר
H8179
of the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#17
עִירֽוֹ׃
H5892
of his city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

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