Old Testament
Genesis 34:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They told them, "We are unable to do this—to give our sister to a man who is uncircumcised. That would be a disgrace to us."
Compare translations
And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us:
What Genesis 34:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the brothers of Dinah express their strong feelings about her situation. They refuse to allow her to marry a man who is uncircumcised, which was a significant cultural and religious symbol for them. To them, giving Dinah to such a man would be a disgrace, reflecting their values and beliefs. This moment highlights the importance of family honor and cultural identity. The brothers are protective of their sister and are unwilling to compromise their principles. Their response shows how deeply they value their traditions and the lengths they will go to uphold them. This situation raises questions about the balance between personal desires and cultural expectations. It also illustrates the challenges that arise when different cultures intersect, leading to conflict and misunderstanding. Ultimately, this moment serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting one another's backgrounds and beliefs, especially in relationships and family matters.
How to apply Genesis 34:14 to your life
When faced with decisions that involve family and cultural values, consider the impact on those involved. It's essential to communicate openly about beliefs and expectations. Strive to find common ground while respecting each other's backgrounds. This approach can help prevent misunderstandings and strengthen relationships. Remember, honoring your values is important, but so is understanding others'.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jacob's story: Dinah and Shechem (Genesis 33:18–34:31)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jacob
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 34:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 34:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 34:14 mean?
Genesis 34:14 shows Dinah's brothers refusing to allow her to marry a man who is uncircumcised, which they see as a disgrace. This reflects their strong cultural and religious values regarding family honor and identity.
What is the significance of being uncircumcised in Genesis 34:14?
In Genesis 34:14, being uncircumcised symbolizes a lack of adherence to the cultural and religious practices of Dinah's family. For them, it represents a serious breach of their values and a reason to protect their sister.
How does Genesis 34:14 relate to family values?
Genesis 34:14 illustrates the importance of family values by showing how Dinah's brothers prioritize their cultural beliefs and honor over personal desires. Their protective stance emphasizes the significance of family loyalty.
What themes are present in Genesis 34:14?
The themes in Genesis 34:14 include family honor, cultural identity, protection, and the conflict that arises when different cultures intersect. These themes highlight the challenges of maintaining traditions in relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.