Genesis 34 · a question people ask

Where is God in this chapter?

In the text

God is not named anywhere in Genesis 34. The next chapter begins, "God said to Jacob, 'Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there'" (35:1), and as they travel, "a terror of God was on the cities that were around them, and they didn’t pursue the sons of Jacob" (35:5), the danger Jacob had feared (34:30).

The verses

“Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have troubled me, to make me odious to the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites. I am few in number. They will gather themselves together against me and strike me, and I will be destroyed, I and my house.””
Genesis 34:30 · World English Bible
“God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there. Make there an altar to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.””
Genesis 35:1 · World English Bible
“They traveled, and a terror of God was on the cities that were around them, and they didn’t pursue the sons of Jacob.”
Genesis 35:5 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Genesis 34

Genesis 34: Dinah

Shechem wronged Jacob's daughter Dinah. Jacob kept silent; his sons answered with deceit, as Jacob once had, and Simeon and Levi killed the men of the city. Jacob said, "You have troubled me," and years later cursed their anger. God isn't named anywhere in the chapter; he speaks again in the next.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Genesis 34

All questions about Genesis →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions