Genesis 34:12

Translations

Modern

Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!”

Traditional

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.

Literal

Increase on me very much dowry and gift, and I will give according to what you say to me. And give to me the young woman as a wife.”

Latin

…augete dotem, et munera postulate, et libenter tribuam quod petieritis: tantum date mihi puellam hanc uxorem.

Original

Hebrew

English

Demand a high dowry and an expensive gift, and I will give you whatever you ask. Only give me the girl as my wife!”

Notes

Genesis 34:1–31

After Jacob and his family settled in the land, the Canaanites became a threat. This story warns the Israelites about the risk of being influenced by the Canaanites. Later, God commanded Israel not to marry or make deals with them because they were corrupt and would corrupt others. This chapter gives an implicit warning against adopting their lifestyle (34:1–2).

It also teaches Israel to maintain integrity and not misuse holy things for deceit or violence (34:13). Israel's reputation was at risk in the land (34:30). Because of their violent actions, Simeon and Levi did not receive the birthright blessing (49:5–7).

Theme notes and profiles

Jacob Circumcision Shechem Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Exodus 22:16–17
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.
Genesis 31:41
Thus for twenty years I have served in your household—fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks—and you have changed my wages ten times!
2 Samuel 3:14
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.”
Matthew 14:17
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
Deuteronomy 22:28–29
If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered,
Genesis 29:18
Since Jacob loved Rachel, he answered, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.”
Genesis 24:53
Then he brought out jewels of silver and gold, and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother.
1 Samuel 18:25–27
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.
Hosea 3:2
So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Circumcision Ebla Tablets Family Life and Relations Genesis, Book of Marriage, Marriage Customs Patriarchs, Period of the Shechem (Person)

Topics

Lovers: Shechem for Dinah Marriage: A Dowry Given to the Woman's Parents Before Marriage: Presents Given to Parents to Secure Their Favor

Genesis 34:12

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