Génesis 34:12

12 Pueden pedirme cuanta dote quieran, y exigirme muchos regalos, pero permitan que la muchacha se case conmigo.

Génesis 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.

Génesis 34:12 In-Context

10 Así ustedes podrán vivir entre nosotros y el país quedará a su disposición para que lo habiten, hagan negocios y adquieran terrenos.

11 Siquén, por su parte, les dijo al padre y a los hermanos de Dina:—Si ustedes me hallan digno de su favor, yo les daré lo que me pidan.

12 Pueden pedirme cuanta dote quieran, y exigirme muchos regalos, pero permitan que la muchacha se case conmigo.

13 Sin embargo, por el hecho de que su hermana Dina había sido deshonrada, los hijos de Jacob les respondieron con engaños a Siquén y a su padre Jamor.

14 —Nosotros no podemos hacer algo así —les explicaron—. Sería una vergüenza para todos nosotros entregarle nuestra hermana a un hombre que no está circuncidado.