Definition: And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that [were] a reproach unto us:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 34:14. It’s a really important passage about leadership and responsibility. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Jacob’s Brothers: The verse is about Jacob’s brothers – Simeon, Benjamin, and his sons – who are facing a difficult situation. The Task: They want to give their sister, Leah, to a man named Kish. This is a big deal because it’s a blessing to the family of Joseph, one of Jacob’s favorite sons. What's Happening – It’s About Leadership and Responsibility: “We cannot do this thing…” : The brothers are saying they can’t perform this action. It feels like a huge challenge. “…to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised” : This is the tricky part. “Uncircumcised” means not having the small, inscribed symbol of God's covenant on their hands – a sign of Jewish identity. The brothers are suggesting they give Leah to a man who doesn’t have this symbol. “For that [were] a reproach unto us:” : This is where it gets really important. The brothers are saying this action would be a bad thing for them – it would be seen as a shame or a problem for their family. They feel it would bring negative consequences and dishonor to their lineage. In short, the verse highlights: Responsibility: The brothers are acknowledging that they have a responsibility – perhaps a duty to care for Leah, and maybe even to protect her. Duty vs. Desire: It shows that there’s a conflict between what they want (to give Leah to Kish) and what they should do (it would be wrong). They’re recognizing the potential negative consequences of their actions. Overall Meaning: This verse is about acknowledging a difficult situation and accepting responsibility for it. It's a reminder that leadership comes with obligations, and sometimes those obligations require us to make tough choices – even when we don’t want to. It’s a moment where the brothers understand they need to think carefully before acting. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or theme in the Bible?