What If Dinah Is Not Raped? (Genesis 34)

Abstract

From a modern, predominantly 'individual-oriented' perspective it is assumed that Shechem rapes Dinah. But is this what the story intends to portray? The conclusion, after a careful analysis of the story and its group-oriented dynamics, is that Dinah is not 'raped'. Instead, the story portrays Dinah and Jacob as folks who are interested in interacting with outsiders (Shechem, Hamor and the Shechemites) that show allegiance to their group values and customs. But Simeon, Levi and the sons of Jacob are militant folks who arc threatened by the impure outsiders and want to maintain strict group purity and absolute separation. The story challenges this isolationist attitude by showing its potential danger for the overall group.

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