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Book of Genesis - Chapter 34 - Verse 14

34:14
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:

Meaning

In this verse, the brothers of Dinah express their reluctance to allow their sister to marry Shechem, a man who is uncircumcised. To them, this would bring shame and disgrace upon their family. Circumcision was a significant cultural and religious practice among the Israelites, symbolizing their covenant with God. In this context, marrying someone who was not circumcised was seen as a violation of that covenant and a betrayal of their beliefs. The brothers' refusal to give their sister to Shechem demonstrates the importance they placed on upholding their cultural and religious traditions, even at the cost of potential alliances or relationships. This verse highlights the deep significance of circumcision in ancient Israelite society and the lengths to which individuals were willing to go to preserve their honor and identity.

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