Definition: And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 34:8. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about a disagreement and a promise. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Hamor is a man: He’s a farmer and father of Shechem. Shechem is a son: He’s Hamor's son, and he's feeling restless and yearning for a wife. A plea for a wife: Shechem is expressing a desire – a longing – that his mother, or perhaps a woman who was previously with him, would give him a wife. What it means in plain language: “And Hamor communed with them, saying: The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her to husband.” “Communed with them” : This suggests a conversation or discussion between Hamor and the people he’s speaking to. "The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter" : This is the core of the message. Shechem really wants a wife, and he has this intense feeling – a longing – that this woman (likely his mother or someone close to him) would be the one to give him a child. “I pray you give her to husband” : This is a direct plea from Hamor. He’s asking for something specific – to marry this woman and have a child with her. Important Context & Interpretation (This is where it gets deeper): Genesis 34:8 is part of a larger story: This verse is part of a much longer narrative about the beginning of a family conflict within a community in ancient Israel. It’s a moment of tension and potentially betrayal that sets up future events. It's about Jealousy & Trust: The verse highlights a problem rooted in jealousy and distrust among the people. Hamor is feeling insecure and wants to get his son back into the picture, which creates a situation ripe for conflict. Overall Significance: This verse paints a picture of a father who wants something from his son, but also struggles with feelings of insecurity and potentially a desire to manipulate or control his child. It’s a snapshot of a difficult family dynamic in an early part of the Bible, highlighting themes of love, jealousy, and the challenges of relationships. Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant? Discuss its connection to other stories in Genesis? Explore the possible interpretations of the text (keeping in mind it's a very ancient story)?