Genesis 34:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe that the elder Jacob, upon hearing the words of Emor and Shechem, remains silent, displaying his customary gentleness as he bears the injustice done to his daughter with patience. However, Jacob's sons respond to Shechem and his father with deception, as the Scripture indicates, declaring their words were motivated by the dishonor brought upon their sister. Consider the consequences of one individual's recklessness, which places the entire city at risk; much like those nearby a blazing fire are endangered when it consumes all. In this instance, the young man's irresponsibility brings ruin not just to his father, but to every resident of the city. As for the sons of Jacob, they employ craftiness in their response. This is significant; it reveals their deep distress over the plight of their sister.

When the Shechemites requested that the sons of Jacob provide Dinah as a spouse for Shechem, the sons of Jacob deceitfully assured the Shechemites that they would agree to this union if they would consent to circumcision (Genesis 34:14-17), yet they chose not to disclose this plan to their father.

The sons of Jacob cunningly responded to Shechem and his father Emmor, devising a scheme against them for having dishonored their sister Dinah. This interpretation of the term דבר is the most accurate in this context, as supported by the instance found in 2 Chronicles 22:10.