Definition: And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Genesis 34:25. It’s a really significant story about betrayal and violence! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Problem Starts: God wants to bless Jacob (one of Joseph’s brothers), so he decides to make a deal with a man named Laban. Laban is a wealthy, powerful farmer who wants to marry Jacob’s daughters. Betrayal: Laban asks his servants to take two sons – Simeon and Levi – and put them in the city of Beersheba. He wants them to be treated poorly and not allowed to have children. The Rebellion: Simeon and Levi, feeling betrayed and angry, decide they need to protect themselves. They secretly grab their swords (weapons). Bold Confrontation: They come into the city with their swords ready, intending to fight Laban. They attack him and kill all the males – men of childbearing age – in the city. What it Means - A Bit More Detailed: "On the third day…" : This is a specific time in God’s plan. It's a moment of crisis where God’s will is being challenged. “When they were sore…” : This means they were feeling very upset and angry after their betrayal. “…two sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’’s brethren…” : This identifies the brothers involved – Simeon and Levi, who are Joseph's brothers. "Dinah'’s brethren" is a more formal way of saying they are Joseph’s brothers. “…took each man his sword…” : They deliberately grabbed their swords, prepared to fight. "...and came upon the city boldly..." : They attacked the city with a determined and aggressive attitude. Important Note: This story is complex and has been interpreted in different ways throughout history. It’s often seen as a foreshadowing of Joseph's later role in saving his family. Overall Significance: This passage highlights several important themes: Betrayal: It shows the dangers of breaking promises and trusting others. Violence & Consequences: It demonstrates that actions have consequences, and sometimes violence is necessary to protect oneself or one’s loved ones. God's Plan: It also points out that God has a plan for things, even when they seem difficult. Do you want me to go into more detail about any specific aspect of this story? For example, would you like to know: Why this particular time of day is significant? What the meaning of "Dinah'’s brethren" might signify?