Definition: And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 34:3. It’s a little bit complex, but here's a simple explanation: The Basic Story: This verse describes a situation where Jacob, a powerful man in ancient Israel, is taking care of his son, Esau (who was born to him later). He decides to marry Dinah, the daughter ofJacob’s nephew, Esau. He wants to make sure she's happy and well-treated. Let’s unpack it: “And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob…” – This is a fancy way of saying “He gave his soul (his love) to her.” It means he chose to dedicate his affection and care to her. "Key" suggests a firm commitment. “…and he loved the damsel…” - He genuinely cared for Dinah, and enjoyed spending time with her. “and spake kindly unto the damsel.” – This is the key part! "Spake" means spoke or talked. “Kindly” means lovingly and gently. He treated her well – he offered her respect, comfort, and perhaps even affection. What’s the overall meaning? This verse describes a moment of intense love and care from Jacob towards his son. It highlights that he wasn't just interested in Dinah for the sake of marriage; he truly cherished her as a person. It sets the stage for a significant story about his relationship with his son, and it introduces a key element – his devotion to his family. Important Note: This is from an ancient text, so there’s a little bit of theological interpretation involved. The verse speaks to a profound commitment to care for someone and to make them happy. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this story in more detail? Answer any specific questions you have about it?