Genesis 34:25

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִי֩

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַיּ֨וֹם

H3117

day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֜י

H7992

And it came to pass on the third

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

בִּֽהְיוֹתָ֣ם

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כֹּֽאֲבִ֗ים

H3510

when they were sore

properly, to feel pain; by implication, to grieve; figuratively, to spoil

וַיִּקְח֣וּ

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שְׁנֵֽי

H8147

that two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

בְנֵי

H1121

of the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יַ֠עֲקֹב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#10

שִׁמְע֨וֹן

H8095

Simeon

shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him

#11

וְלֵוִ֜י

H3878

and Levi

levi, a son of jacob

#12

אֲחֵ֤י

H251

brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#13

דִינָה֙

H1783

Dinah's

dinah, the daughter of jacob

#14

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

each man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#15

חַרְבּ֔וֹ

H2719

his sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#16

וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ

H935

and came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#17

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#18

הָעִ֖יר

H5892

upon the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#19

בֶּ֑טַח

H983

boldly

properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely

#20

וַיַּֽהַרְג֖וּ

H2026

and slew

to smite with deadly intent

#21

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#22

זָכָֽר׃

H2145

all the males

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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