Illustration created for this project.
Dinah
The daughter of Jacob and Leah, whose violation led her brothers Simeon and Levi to avenge her.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Scholarly — supported scholarly belief · 2
Family & lineage
Life, role & deeds
ScholarlySecond Temple and later Jewish literature substantially elaborates Dinah's story: the Book of Jubilees (ch. 30) and the Testament of Levi recast the Shechem episode, and a later interpretive tradition identifies her as the mother of Aseneth, Joseph's wife. These are post-biblical expansions, not independent historical attestation.
Later Jewish tradition: Jubilees 30; Testament of Levi; interpretive traditions behind Joseph and Aseneth and Pirqe de-Rabbi Eliezer.
Name & titles
ScholarlyDinah (Hebrew Dinah) derives from the root d-y-n / din, 'to judge, to render judgment,' and is typically glossed 'judgment' or 'vindicated.' The name echoes the naming wordplay of Jacob's children in Genesis.
Onomastic (Hebrew name) analysis.
Where in scripture
Genesis
Genesis 30:21Genesis 34:1Genesis 34:3Genesis 34:5Genesis 34:13Genesis 34:25Genesis 34:26Genesis 46:15
Family
In art
