The Church Fathers on this verse

Genesis 34:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And Hemor spoke to them: The soul of my son Sichem has a longing for your daughter: give her him to wife:

Douay-Rheims

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר חֲמ֖וֹר אִתָּ֣ם לֵאמֹ֑ר שְׁכֶ֣ם בְּנִ֗י חָֽשְׁקָ֤ה נַפְשׁוֹ֙ בְּבִתְּכֶ֔ם תְּנ֨וּ נָ֥א אֹתָ֛הּ ל֖וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

Let us first listen to Emmor's words to them, which reveal the devious intentions of Dinah's brothers as they sought to avenge the shame brought upon their sister. Emmor began addressing them, stating, "Shechem, my son, has attached his soul to your daughter." Observe how he unwittingly hints at the impending doom that awaits him. When he speaks of "clinging with his soul," he implies that he has devoted himself entirely to your daughter. Though he expresses his son’s love for the young woman, he will soon realize that this very passion will lead to his own ruin, as well as that of everyone residing there.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.