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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 34:12 Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/34-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/01_Gen_34_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 34:12 - The Defiling of Dinah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. 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Only give me the young woman as my wife.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/34.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />No matter what dowry or gift you demand, I will gladly pay it—just give me the girl as my wife.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/34.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Ask me for as great a bride-price and gift as you will, and I will give whatever you say to me. Only give me the young woman to be my wife.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/34.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/34.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/34.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Ask me ever so much dowry and gift, and I will give according to what you say to me; but give me the young woman as a wife.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/34.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Demand of me ever so much bridal payment and gift, and I will give whatever you tell me; but give me the girl in marriage.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/34.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Ask me ever so much bridal payment and gift, and I will give according as you say to me; but give me the girl in marriage.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/34.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Ask me ever so much bridal payment and gift, and I will give according as you say to me; but give me the girl in marriage.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/34.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Ask me ever so much bridal payment and gift, and I will give according as you say to me; but give me the girl as a wife.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/34.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Demand of me a very large bridal payment and gift [as compensation for giving up your daughter and sister], and I will give you whatever you tell me; only give me the girl to be my wife.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/34.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Demand of me a high compensation and gift; I’ll give you whatever you ask me. Just give the girl to be my wife! ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/34.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Demand of me a high compensation and gift; I&#8217ll give you whatever you ask me. Just give the girl to be my wife!&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/34.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/34.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Ask anything, no matter how expensive. I'll do anything, just let me marry Dinah." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/34.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/34.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Set the price I must pay for the bride and the gift I must give her as high as you want. I'll pay exactly what you tell me. Give me the girl as my wife."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/34.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />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." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/34.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />No matter how big or how extensive your demands are for a dowry and wedding presents from me, I'll provide whatever you ask. Only give me the young lady to be my wife."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/34.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You can make the bride price and the gift I must bring very expensive, and I'll give whatever you ask of me. Just give me the young woman as my wife!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/34.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Ask me for a very expensive bride price, and I will pay whatever you ask of me, but give me the young woman as a wife."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/34.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Ask me never so much dower and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say to me: but give me the damsel for a wife.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/34.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/34.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Ask me a great amount for a dowry, and I will give whatever you ask of me, but give me the young lady as a wife.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/34.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />multiply on me dowry and gift exceedingly, and I give as you say to me, and give to me the young person for a wife.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/34.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> multiply on me exceedingly dowry and gift, and I give as ye say unto me, and give to me the young person for a wife.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/34.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Increase to me greatly the dowry and gift, and I will give according to that ye shall say to me; and ye shall give to me this maiden for a wife.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/34.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Raise the dowery,, and ask gifts, and I will gladly give what you shall demand: only give me this damsel to wife. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/34.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Increase the dowry, and request gifts, and I will freely bestow what you will ask. Only give me this girl as a wife.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/34.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />No matter how high you set the bridal price and gift, I will give you whatever you ask from me; only give me the young woman as a wife.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/34.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Put the marriage present and gift as high as you like, and I will give whatever you ask me; only give me the girl to be my wife.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/34.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Ask me as much as you wish, both dowry and gifts, and I will give you according as you shall say to me; but give me this girl to wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/34.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Multiply against me a great dowry and gifts and I shall give just as you say to me, and give this girl to me as a wife.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/34.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me; but give me the damsel to wife.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/34.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Multiply <i>your demand of</i> dowry very much, and I will give accordingly as ye shall say to me, only ye shall give me this damsel for a wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/34-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=8578" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/34.htm">The Defiling of Dinah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>Then Shechem said to Dinah’s father and brothers, “Grant me this favor, and I will give you whatever you ask. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: har·bū (V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">Demand</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">a high</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4119.htm" title="4119: mō·har (N-ms) -- Purchase price (of a wife). From mahar; a price.">dowry</a> <a href="/hebrew/4976.htm" title="4976: ū·mat·tān (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A gift. From nathan; a present.">and an expensive gift,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wə·’et·tə·nāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and I will give you</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">whatever</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: tō·mə·rū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">you ask.</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāy (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: ū·ṯə·nū- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">Only give</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5291.htm" title="5291: han·na·‘ă·rā (Art:: N-fs) -- A girl, maiden. Feminine of na'ar; a girl.">the girl</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: lə·’iš·šāh (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">as my wife!”</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/22-16.htm">Exodus 22:16-17</a></span><br />If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and sleeps with her, he must pay the full dowry for her to be his wife. / If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, the man still must pay an amount comparable to the bridal price of a virgin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/22-28.htm">Deuteronomy 22:28-29</a></span><br />If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, / then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife because he has violated her. He must not divorce her as long as he lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">1 Samuel 18:25</a></span><br />Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-14.htm">2 Samuel 3:14</a></span><br />Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/3-2.htm">Hosea 3:2</a></span><br />So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/14-2.htm">Judges 14:2-3</a></span><br />So he returned and told his father and mother, “I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” / But his father and mother replied, “Can’t you find a young woman among your relatives or among any of our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me, for she is pleasing to my eyes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/9-16.htm">1 Kings 9:16</a></span><br />Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire, killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it as a dowry to his daughter, Solomon’s wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/36-6.htm">Numbers 36:6-7</a></span><br />This is what the LORD has commanded concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: They may marry anyone they please, provided they marry within a clan of the tribe of their father. / No inheritance in Israel may be transferred from tribe to tribe, because each of the Israelites is to retain the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/4-10.htm">Ruth 4:10</a></span><br />Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, to raise up the name of the deceased through his inheritance, so that his name will not disappear from among his brothers or from the gate of his home. You are witnesses today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-36.htm">1 Corinthians 7:36-38</a></span><br />However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married. / But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well. / So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-25.htm">Matthew 22:25-28</a></span><br />Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died without having children. So he left his wife to his brother. / The same thing happened to the second and third brothers, down to the seventh. / And last of all, the woman died. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">Ephesians 5:25-33</a></span><br />Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her / to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, / and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">1 Peter 3:7</a></span><br />Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">1 Timothy 5:14</a></span><br />So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16</a></span><br />Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as you shall say to me: but give me the damsel to wife.</p><p class="hdg">Ask me.</p><p class="hdg">dowry.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-53.htm">Genesis 24:53</a></b></br> And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave <i>them</i> to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Genesis 29:18</a></b></br> And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Genesis 31:41</a></b></br> Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philemon/1-18.htm">Amount</a> <a href="/genesis/29-27.htm">Bridal</a> <a href="/genesis/34-4.htm">Damsel</a> <a href="/genesis/30-20.htm">Dower</a> <a href="/genesis/30-20.htm">Dowry</a> <a href="/genesis/32-7.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/genesis/33-11.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/genesis/34-4.htm">Girl</a> <a href="/genesis/32-12.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/33-17.htm">However</a> <a href="/genesis/33-12.htm">I'll</a> <a href="/revelation/2-24.htm">Impose</a> <a href="/genesis/34-4.htm">Lady</a> <a href="/genesis/34-4.htm">Maiden</a> <a href="/genesis/34-9.htm">Marriage</a> <a href="/genesis/28-3.htm">Multiply</a> <a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Payment</a> <a href="/genesis/33-11.htm">Present</a> <a href="/genesis/31-15.htm">Price</a> <a href="/genesis/34-11.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/genesis/34-8.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/genesis/34-4.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/43-12.htm">Amount</a> <a href="/joel/2-16.htm">Bridal</a> <a href="/exodus/2-8.htm">Damsel</a> <a href="/exodus/22-17.htm">Dower</a> <a href="/exodus/22-16.htm">Dowry</a> <a href="/genesis/47-27.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/genesis/43-26.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/exodus/1-16.htm">Girl</a> <a href="/genesis/35-5.htm">Great</a> <a href="/genesis/40-23.htm">However</a> <a href="/genesis/38-17.htm">I'll</a> <a href="/exodus/5-8.htm">Impose</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-15.htm">Lady</a> <a href="/exodus/2-8.htm">Maiden</a> <a href="/genesis/41-45.htm">Marriage</a> <a href="/genesis/35-11.htm">Multiply</a> <a href="/genesis/47-14.htm">Payment</a> <a href="/genesis/43-11.htm">Present</a> <a href="/genesis/37-27.htm">Price</a> <a href="/genesis/34-28.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/genesis/36-10.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/genesis/34-19.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 34</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/34-1.htm">Dinah is ravished by Shechem.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/34-4.htm">He requests to marry her.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/34-13.htm">The sons of Jacob offer the condition of circumcision to the Shechemites.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/34-20.htm">Hamor and Shechem persuade them to accept it.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/34-25.htm">The sons of Jacob upon that advantage slay them, and spoil their city.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/34-30.htm">Jacob reproves Simeon and Levi.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/34.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/34.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift</b><br>In the ancient Near Eastern culture, a dowry was a customary payment made by the groom or his family to the bride's family. This practice was not only a financial transaction but also a way to formalize the marriage agreement and demonstrate the groom's ability to provide for the bride. The mention of a "high dowry and an expensive gift" indicates the seriousness of the proposal and the desire to compensate for the wrongdoing committed by Shechem. This reflects the cultural norms of the time, where marriages often involved negotiations and financial arrangements. The concept of a dowry is seen in other biblical accounts, such as the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah (<a href="/genesis/24-53.htm">Genesis 24:53</a>) and Jacob's service for Rachel and Leah (<a href="/genesis/29-18.htm">Genesis 29:18-20</a>).<p><b>and I will give you whatever you ask</b><br>This phrase underscores the desperation and willingness of Shechem and his father Hamor to secure Dinah as Shechem's wife. It highlights the extent to which they are prepared to go to make amends and legitimize the union. This offer of open-ended negotiation is significant, as it shows the weight of the offense and the cultural importance of restoring honor through marriage. The willingness to meet any demand parallels other biblical instances where individuals offer significant sacrifices or commitments to achieve reconciliation or favor, such as King Saul's offer to David (<a href="/1_samuel/18-25.htm">1 Samuel 18:25</a>).<p><b>Only give me the girl as my wife!</b><br>Shechem's insistence on marrying Dinah despite the circumstances reveals the depth of his desire and possibly his infatuation with her. This plea is central to the narrative, as it sets the stage for the subsequent actions of Dinah's brothers. The request for marriage, despite the violation, reflects the cultural expectation that marriage could rectify such situations. However, it also highlights the tension between cultural practices and moral justice. The demand for Dinah as a wife can be contrasted with other biblical narratives where marriage is sought under different circumstances, such as Boaz's honorable intentions towards Ruth (<a href="/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11-13</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>The son of Hamor the Hivite, who defiled Dinah, Jacob's daughter. He is deeply infatuated with Dinah and seeks to marry her, offering to pay any dowry.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/hamor.htm">Hamor</a></b><br>The father of Shechem and a Hivite prince. He negotiates with Jacob and his sons for Dinah's marriage to Shechem.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/dinah.htm">Dinah</a></b><br>The daughter of Jacob and Leah, who is defiled by Shechem. Her situation becomes the catalyst for the events in <a href="/bsb/genesis/34.htm">Genesis 34</a>.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The patriarch of the family, father of Dinah. He is involved in the negotiations with Hamor and Shechem.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/simeon_and_levi.htm">Simeon and Levi</a></b><br>Sons of Jacob and brothers of Dinah, who later take violent action against Shechem and the city in response to Dinah's defilement.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_family_honor.htm">The Importance of Family Honor</a></b><br>In ancient cultures, family honor was paramount. The actions of Shechem and the response of Dinah's brothers highlight the lengths to which families would go to protect their honor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_dowries.htm">The Role of Dowries</a></b><br>Dowries were a significant part of marriage negotiations, serving as compensation and a sign of commitment. This reflects the cultural practices of the time and the value placed on marriage agreements.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_sin.htm">Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>The defilement of Dinah and the subsequent actions of her brothers demonstrate the far-reaching consequences of sin, affecting not just individuals but entire communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/n/negotiation_and_reconciliation.htm">Negotiation and Reconciliation</a></b><br>The attempt by Hamor and Shechem to negotiate for Dinah's hand in marriage shows the potential for reconciliation, even after grievous wrongs, though it ultimately fails in this account.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_human_actions.htm">God's Justice and Human Actions</a></b><br>The account invites reflection on human justice versus divine justice, as the actions of Simeon and Levi, though understandable, lead to further violence and deceit.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_34.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 34</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_the_purpose_of_dowries.htm">What was the purpose of dowries in biblical marriages?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_marriage_legally_valid.htm">Is the marriage legally valid?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_abram_deceive_pharaoh.htm">Genesis 12:11-13: Why would a supposedly divinely guided Abram deceive Pharaoh about his wife, risking moral inconsistency?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_genesis_20_a_repeated_deception_pattern.htm">Does the account in Genesis 20 conflict with similar narratives in Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 26:1-11, implying a repeated pattern of deception?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/34.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Dowry and gift.</span>--The word rendered <span class= "ital">dowry </span>(mohar) is the price paid to the parents and relatives of the bride, though taking the form of a present. The <span class= "ital">gift </span>(matthan) was the present made by the bridegroom to the bride herself. Besides this, her relatives were expected to give her presents, and with some tribes of Arabs it is usual even to make over to her the dowry.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/34-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Demand</span><br /><span class="heb">הַרְבּ֨וּ</span> <span class="translit">(har·bū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a high</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלַ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dowry</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹ֣הַר</span> <span class="translit">(mō·har)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4119.htm">Strong's 4119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Purchase price (of a wife)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and [an expensive] gift,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמַתָּ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mat·tān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4976.htm">Strong's 4976: </a> </span><span class="str2">A present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and I will give you</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶ֨תְּנָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’et·tə·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whatever</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you ask.</span><br /><span class="heb">תֹּאמְר֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(tō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Only give</span><br /><span class="heb">וּתְנוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ṯə·nū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">the girl</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽנַּעֲרָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(han·na·‘ă·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5291.htm">Strong's 5291: </a> </span><span class="str2">A girl, maiden</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as my wife!”</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאִשָּֽׁה׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’iš·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/34-12.htm">Genesis 34:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/34-12.htm">Genesis 34:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/34-12.htm">Genesis 34:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/34-12.htm">Genesis 34:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/34-12.htm">Genesis 34:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/34-12.htm">Genesis 34:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/34-12.htm">Genesis 34:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/34-12.htm">Genesis 34:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/34-12.htm">Genesis 34:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/34-12.htm">Genesis 34:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/34-12.htm">OT Law: Genesis 34:12 Ask me a great amount (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/34-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 34:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 34:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/34-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 34:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 34:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>