Genesis 34:7

Authorized King James Version

And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבְנֵ֨י

H1121

And 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

יַעֲקֹ֔ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

בָּ֤אוּ

H935

came

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

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַשָּׂדֶה֙

H7704

out of the field

a field (as flat)

כְּשָׁמְעָ֔ם

H8085

when they heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וַיִּֽתְעַצְּבוּ֙

H6087

were grieved

properly, to carve, i.e., fabricate or fashion

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים

H376

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)

וַיִּ֥חַר

H2734

wroth

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

#10

לָהֶ֖ם

#11

מְאֹ֑ד

H3966

and they were very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

#12

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

נְבָלָ֞ה

H5039

folly

foolishness, i.e., (morally) wickedness; concretely, a crime; by extension, punishment

#14

יֵֽעָשֶֽׂה׃

H6213

because he had wrought

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#15

בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

in Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#16

לִשְׁכַּב֙

H7901

in lying

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

#17

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#18

בַּֽת

H1323

daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#19

יַעֲקֹ֔ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#20

וְכֵ֖ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#21

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

יֵֽעָשֶֽׂה׃

H6213

because he had wrought

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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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