Abstract:
This article gives consideration to the apparent 'rehabilitation' of the character of Shechem in Genesis 34, following his initially negative portrayal as the rapist of Dinah, daughter of Jacob. Through a close analysis of the Hebrew language used within this text, I argue that this rapist's depiction is perhaps not so 'redemptive' as it may first appear. Moreover, the article takes to task those interpreters who not only argue in favour of a textual basis for Shechem's redemption but also suggest that such redemption is understandable, if not merited.
