Bible Figure
Dinah
daughter of Jacob in Hebrew Bible
Dinah was the daughter of Jacob and Leah whose violation by Shechem led Simeon and Levi to massacre the men of Shechem.
Biography
Genesis 30 names Dinah among Leah's children. Genesis 34 recounts her going out to see the women of the land, after which Shechem son of Hamor took and violated her, then desired to marry her. Hamor negotiated with Jacob's family, and Jacob's sons deceitfully required the men of the city to be circumcised. While they were recovering, Simeon and Levi killed the males and took Dinah from Shechem's house; the other brothers plundered the city. Jacob condemned the danger their retaliation created, and his later blessing strongly censured Simeon and Levi's violence.
Biblical Significance
Dinah's story exposes sexual violence, family dishonor, deceit, and disproportionate vengeance. The narrative should be presented with care, keeping Dinah herself distinct from the violent actions taken by her brothers.