34:11. 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:
34:12. Raise the dowry, and ask gifts, and I will gladly give what you shall demand: only give me this damsel to wife.
34:13. The sons of Jacob answered Sichem and his father deceitfully, being enraged at the deflowering of their sister:
Deceitfully… The sons of Jacob, on this occasion, were guilty of a grievous sin, as well by falsely pretending religion, as by excess of revenge: though otherwise their zeal against so foul a crime was commendable.
34:14. We cannot do what you demand, nor give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; which with us is unlawful and abominable.
34:15. But in this we may be allied with you, if you will be like us, and all the male sex among you be circumcised:
34:16. Then will we mutually give and take your daughters, and ours; and we will dwell with you, and will be one people:
34:17. But if you will not be circumcised, we will take our daughter and depart.
34:18. Their offer pleased Hemor, and Sichem, his son:
34:19. And the young man made no delay, but forthwith fulfilled what was required: for he loved the damsel exceedingly, and he was the greatest man in all his father's house.