Dinahדִּינָה
Dînâh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The name means 'judged' or 'vindicated'. In Scripture, she is the daughter of Jacob and Leah, whose story serves as a tragic pivot point in the patriarchal narratives regarding relations with the surrounding Canaanite nations.
Jacobיַעֲקֹב
Ya'aqob · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to the covenant community or family line descended from Abraham and Isaac, chosen by God to inherit the promises. In this context, it highlights Dinah's identity and vulnerability outside the protection of her father's house.
landאֶרֶץ
'erets · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the inhabitants of Canaan. Biblically, 'the land' often signifies the territory promised to the patriarchs, and interaction with the 'women of the land' implied cultural and religious mingling which was frequently warned against.
Hiviteחִוִּי
Hivviy · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A member of one of the specific ethnic groups occupying Canaan before the Israelite conquest. They are often listed among the nations that the Israelites were to drive out or avoid intermarrying with.
princeנָשִׂיא
nasi' · Hebrew Noun
A title of authority, often translating the Hebrew 'nasi', denoting a tribal leader or someone of high social standing who exercises political influence over a region.
seizedלָקַח
laqach · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew verb 'qalach' suggests forceful taking or abduction. It highlights the non-consensual and violent nature of the act, violating the dignity of the person and the familial bonds.
lay withשָׁכַב
shakav · Hebrew Verb
An idiomatic expression for sexual intercourse. The Bible consistently treats this act within the covenant of marriage; outside of it, such an act is viewed as illicit and disruptive to the moral order established by God.
humiliatedעָנָה
'anah · Hebrew Verb
To bring shame, dishonor, or disgrace upon someone. In the biblical worldview, this often involves violating a person’s integrity or status, rendering them 'defiled' in the eyes of their family and community.
soulנֶפֶשׁ
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The 'nephesh' is the inner being, the seat of desire, emotion, and will. Its 'clinging' or being 'drawn' to someone indicates an intense, often obsessive, emotional or physical attachment.
lovedאָהַב
ahab · Hebrew Verb
Biblically, love ranges from covenantal commitment (agape) to intense emotional desire. Here, it signifies the strong, possessive attraction Shechem felt, though it lacks the foundation of covenantal righteousness.
defiledטָמֵא
tame' · Hebrew Verb
To make someone ritually unclean or impure. In the Torah, this state of defilement separates a person from the holy community or the presence of God, necessitating purification or judgment.
held his peaceחָרַשׁ
charash · Hebrew Verb
An idiom for keeping silent, refraining from action or speaking. It often denotes calculated patience, restraint, or a state of shock in anticipation of a larger reckoning.
soulנֶפֶשׁ
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
In the Bible, the 'soul' (nephesh) often represents the entire self, the seat of desires, emotions, and life force. It denotes the vital, living being, emphasizing that human longing is an act of the whole person.
outrageous thingנְבָלָה
nebalah · Hebrew Noun
An act or state that is morally shameful, scandalous, or contrary to the covenantal holiness of God’s people. It refers to a breach of social and moral order that demands a strong reaction to protect the sanctity of the community.
Israelיִשְׂרָאֵל
Yisra'el · Hebrew Noun
A title for the people of God, representing the collective identity of the descendants of Jacob. It signifies a distinct group chosen and set apart by God, subject to His moral law and covenantal expectations.
indignant and very angryחָרָה
charah · Hebrew Verb
A state of intense emotional distress or agitation, often in response to an offense against God's law or a violation of social sanctity. In a biblical context, it frequently reflects a reaction to sin that disrupts covenantal faithfulness.
Make marriagesחָתַן
chathan · Hebrew Verb
The formal union between a man and a woman, established by God at creation and used throughout Scripture as a metaphor for the covenant relationship between God and His people. It involves the total commitment and bonding of two individuals into one.
dwellיָשַׁב
yashab · Hebrew Verb
To inhabit, reside, or settle in a place. Biblically, dwelling often implies a long-term presence and participation in the life and culture of a region, sometimes carrying spiritual implications regarding one's loyalty to the land.
favorחֵן
chen · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew term implies finding grace, approval, or acceptance in the sight of another, often used when seeking favor from superiors or God. It reflects a desire for a positive relationship or the granting of a request.
bride-priceמֹהַר
mohar · Hebrew Noun
In ancient Near Eastern marriage customs, this was a payment made by the groom to the bride’s family, representing compensation for the loss of her labor and economic contribution to her father's house, as well as a formalizing of the covenant of marriage.
deceitfullyמִרְמָה
mirmah · Hebrew Adverb/Noun
To act with guile, craftiness, or treachery; it involves speaking or acting in a way intended to mislead, betray, or manipulate others to achieve a selfish or hidden end.
defiledטָמֵא
tame' · Hebrew Verb
To make unclean or ritually impure. In the context of sexual relations, it refers to violating the purity of a woman, thereby dishonoring her and her family unit within the covenant community.
uncircumcisedעָרֵל
arel · Hebrew Adjective
Referring to one who has not undergone the rite of covenant initiation given to Abraham and his descendants. It symbolizes a state of being outside the covenant community of Israel and separated from the promises of God.
disgraceחֶרְפָּה
cherpah · Hebrew Noun
A state of shame, reproach, or humiliation. It signifies a loss of honor or standing, often brought about by an action that violates established moral or social boundaries within the covenant people.
circumcisedמוּל
mul · Hebrew Verb
The physical sign of the covenant between God and the people of Israel, originally established with Abraham. It served as a permanent mark of identity, setting the people apart as belonging to the Lord and dedicated to His requirements.
daughtersבַּת
bath · Hebrew Noun
In the Bible, daughters represent the next generation and are central to family honor, tribal alliances, and the continuation of the covenant line. The giving and taking of daughters in marriage frequently served as a means of political or social integration between clans.
dwellיָשַׁב
yashab · Hebrew Verb
To dwell represents not just physical location but association, community, and shared life. In a covenantal context, it implies a formal agreement to live in peace and mutual dependence with others.
circumcisedמוּל
mul · Hebrew Verb
Circumcision was the sign of the Abrahamic covenant, signifying the setting apart of the people of God from the surrounding nations. It represented the removal of the 'flesh' and a physical mark of submission and belonging to the covenant community.
delightedחָפֵץ
chaphets · Hebrew Verb
To delight in someone or something implies finding favor, value, or personal satisfaction in that subject. In a relational context, it suggests an intense emotional attraction or an appreciative desire for companionship or possession.
honoredכָּבֵד
kabed · Hebrew Adjective
In biblical culture, being honored refers to weightiness, importance, or reputation within a society. An honored person possessed significant social capital, authority, and influence within their family or clan.
gateשַׁעַר
sha'ar · Hebrew Noun
In the ancient Near East, the city gate was the central hub for legal, social, and political activity. It was where elders sat, justice was administered, and public decisions were made by the community leaders.
peaceשָׁלוֹם
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A state of harmony, wholeness, or restoration of relationship, both between people and between God and humanity. It implies prosperity, welfare, and the absence of conflict.
circumcisedמָוּל
mul · Hebrew Verb (Passive Participle/Passive)
The sign of the covenant God established with Abraham, symbolizing the removal of the flesh and dedication to God. It marks the transition of the male individual into the covenant community of Israel.
peopleעַם
am · Hebrew Noun
A group of people bound together by shared identity, laws, and divine covenant. To become 'one people' often implies legal integration, intermarriage, and social unification.
gateשַׁעַר
sha'ar · Hebrew Noun
The literal entrance to an ancient city, serving as the center for administration, justice, commerce, and public discourse. The 'gate' represents the leadership and the collective decision-making body of the city.
swordsחֶרֶב
chereb · Hebrew Noun
A cutting instrument used in the Bible for both protection and warfare. It is frequently associated with the judgment of God or human violence, reflecting the frailty of life and the inevitability of conflict in a fallen world.
secureבָּטַח
betach · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
A state of being free from danger or anxiety. In a spiritual sense, it can refer to a false sense of security where one is vulnerable to judgment, or the true peace found only in reliance upon God.
swordחֶרֶב
chereb · Hebrew Noun
An instrument of war and justice, often symbolizing the judgment of God or the exercise of human violence. In biblical contexts, it is frequently associated with warfare, execution, and divine authority.
defiledטָמֵא
tame' · Hebrew Verb
The action of violating the ritual or moral purity of a person, place, or object. In the context of the Old Testament, it often refers to sexual impurity or the desecration of that which belongs to God or is under His protection.
wealthחַיִל
chayil · Hebrew Noun
A general term for property, goods, or abundance. In a biblical context, wealth is often viewed as a blessing from God, though it can also become a snare or a source of conflict when sought through injustice.
capturedשָׁבָה
shabah · Hebrew Verb
Used here to denote being taken captive or seized in the context of war. It implies the subjugation of people and the seizure of property, reflecting the harsh realities of ancient conflict.