What does Genesis 34:8 mean?

Jacob and his sons are all aware that Dinah has been raped by Shechem (Genesis 34:1–7). That same man stands before them now with his father, Hamor. Jacob's response is unclear, but his sons are outraged and angry. It's also unclear whether Hamor and Shechem know that Jacob and his sons know about the rape. Dinah still has not returned, and is probably being kept at Shechem's house (Genesis 34:26).

The reason for the visit is a request that Dinah be given to Shechem as his wife. Hamor begins to make his pitch for this marriage, as well as for a larger alliance between the two peoples. He starts by revealing that his son Shechem longs, in his soul, for Dinah and requests that she be given as his wife. If Hamor knows Jacob is already aware of the rape, he may be trying to ensure Jacob and his brothers understand that Shechem has real feelings for Dinah and is not merely trying to cover up his crime.

At the same time, Hamor's immediate mention of open trade and marriages sounds very much like a diplomatic plea (Genesis 34:9). It would be a mistake to interpret this as mere friendliness—at least some part of Hamor knows that the situation is volatile.