Genesis 34:12

12 Tell me what presents you want, and set the payment for the bride as high as you wish; I will give you whatever you ask, if you will only let me marry her."

Genesis 34:12 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 34:12

Ask me never so much dowry and gift
Or "multiply [them] exceedingly" ^F9, fix them at as high a rate as may be thought fit; the "dowry" was what a man gave to a woman at her marriage; for in those times and countries, instead of a man having a portion with his wife, as with us in our times, he gave one to his wife, or to her parents for her; and especially in after times this was used, and became a law in Israel, in the case of a vitiated virgin, see ( Exodus 22:16 Exodus 22:17 ) ; and "the gift" was either of jewels and clothes to the women, or of such like precious things to her brethren and friends, see ( Genesis 24:53 ) ;

and I will give according as ye shall say unto me;
determine among yourselves whatever shall be the dowry and gift, and it shall be punctually observed:

but give me the damsel to wife;
only agree to that, and I care not what is required of me.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 (dam-zbrh) "multiplicate super me admodum", Drusius, Schmidt.

Genesis 34:12 In-Context

10 Then you may stay here in our country with us; you may live anywhere you wish, trade freely, and own property."

11 Then Shechem said to Dinah's father and brothers, "Do me this favor, and I will give you whatever you want.

12 Tell me what presents you want, and set the payment for the bride as high as you wish; I will give you whatever you ask, if you will only let me marry her."

13 Because Shechem had disgraced their sister Dinah, Jacob's sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor in a deceitful way.

14 They said to him, "We cannot let our sister marry a man who is not circumcised; that would be a disgrace for us.