Text -- Genesis 34:5 (NET)

34:5 When Jacob heard that Shechem had violated his daughter Dinah, his sons were with the livestock in the field. So Jacob remained silent until they came in.

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Gen 34:5

¹ tn The two disjunctive clauses in this verse (“Now Jacob heard…and his sons were”) are juxtaposed to indicate synchronic action.

² tn Heb “he”; the referent (Shechem) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

³ sn The expected response would be anger or rage; but Jacob remained silent. He appears too indifferent or confused to act decisively. When the leader does not act decisively, the younger zealots will, and often with disastrous results.