The Church Fathers on this verse

Genesis 34:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Sichem also said to her father and to her brethren: Let me find favour in your sight, and whatsoever you shall appoint I will give:

Douay-Rheims

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר שְׁכֶם֙ אֶל־אָבִ֣יה וְאֶל־אַחֶ֔יהָ אֶמְצָא־חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֑ם וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר תֹּאמְר֛וּ אֵלַ֖י אֶתֵּֽן׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

Observing his father's deep concern and willingness to do anything to fulfill his desires, the son interjects and addresses Jacob and the maiden's brothers, saying, "If I have found favor in your sight, I will offer whatever you ask; appoint me the highest bride price, and I shall provide whatever you request, as long as I am granted the maiden as my wife." This scenario illustrates the father's fervent desire for his son’s happiness and the young man's eager determination to do anything to win the maiden. Such a harmful desire can drive a person, held captive by it, to commit any act in pursuit of fulfillment, ultimately leading him toward destruction.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.