Definition: But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 34:17. It's a pretty dramatic passage about a difficult situation! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jacob’s Sons: Jacob, the father of Joseph, has twelve sons. The Incident: One of his sons, Esau, is very stubborn and refuses to obey his father's instructions – he wants to marry a woman from a different tribe. The Punishment: Jacob decides to take his youngest son, Benjamin, and his wife, Leah, to Egypt as a form of punishment. He’s essentially saying, “You need to be circumcised” – which was a religious practice at the time. What it Means in Simple Terms: "But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.” This means: If you don’t listen to us, we're going to take your daughter and leave. Key Interpretations & Context (Important!): It wasn’t about a physical act: This verse is often misunderstood. It doesn’t mean Jacob was forcing his son into a ritual. It means he was demonstrating the consequences of disobedience – that if he didn't listen to his instructions, they would take his family away. Symbolic Significance: The “circumcising” could be seen as a symbolic act representing a separation from God’s grace and blessing. It signified a rejection of divine will. It was a test of faith: The story highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. In essence, this verse is a warning about the dangers of disobedience and the potential consequences of rejecting God’s guidance. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this explanation? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of the story in more detail? Discuss the meaning of “circumcising” within the context of ancient Israel?