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.

GENESIS 34:12KJV
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Genesis 34:12 (KJV)

What does Genesis 34:12 mean?

Genesis 34:12 shows a man offering to pay any amount of dowry or gift that is asked, as long as he is allowed to marry the young woman. The speaker is willing to meet whatever terms are set, emphasizing his eagerness to make the marriage happen.

In this verse, Shechem is speaking to the family of Dinah after he has taken her, asking to marry her. He tells Dinah’s family they can demand as large a dowry (a payment to the bride’s family) and gift as they wish, and he will pay it. This highlights the seriousness of the situation and Shechem’s desperation to gain their approval, reflecting the customs of marriage agreements in ancient times.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 34:12

  • דּוֹתֵן (mohar, transliterated as "dowry"): This word refers to the bride price, a traditional payment made by the groom or his family to the bride’s family. Its use here shows that Shechem is offering to fulfill the expected cultural obligation, no matter how high the price.
  • מַתָּן (mattan, transliterated as "gift"): This word means a present or additional gift, beyond the dowry. Shechem’s mention of both dowry and gift shows he is willing to go above and beyond the normal requirements to secure the marriage.
  • נַעֲרָה (na‘arah, transliterated as "damsel"): This word means a young woman or girl. Its use in this context emphasizes Dinah’s youth and the personal nature of Shechem’s request.

Why Genesis 34:12 matters

  • Genesis 34:12 clarifies that marriage arrangements in ancient Israel involved negotiations over dowry and gifts, not just personal feelings or romance.
  • The verse highlights the power Dinah’s family holds in the situation, as Shechem is willing to meet any demand they set.
  • This verse connects to the larger story by showing the tension and cultural expectations following Shechem’s actions toward Dinah, setting the stage for the family’s response.

Where else these words appear

“dowry” Hebrew H4119 · used in 3 verses

  • Exodus 22:17 If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.
  • 1 Samuel 18:25 And Saul said, Thus shall ye say to David, The king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.

“gift” Hebrew H4976 · used in 5 verses

  • Numbers 18:11 And this is thine; the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel: I have given them unto thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it.
  • Proverbs 18:16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
  • Proverbs 19:6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

“damsel” Hebrew H5291 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 24:14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
  • Deuteronomy 22:28 If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found;
  • 1 Kings 1:3 So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.