Genesis 34:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ask {H7235} me never so much {H3966} dowry {H4119} and gift {H4976}, and I will give {H5414} according as ye shall say {H559} unto me: but give {H5414} me the damsel {H5291} to wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ask as large a bride-price as you like, I'll pay whatever you tell me. Just let me marry the girl."

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 34:12](/genesis/34-12 "Shechem's Desperate Offer") records Shechem's urgent and lavish proposal to Jacob's sons, offering an unprecedented dowry and gifts in exchange for marrying Dinah, whom he had previously defiled. This verse encapsulates his desperate attempt to rectify the social transgression, appease the offended family, and secure a marital union that would integrate him with Jacob's powerful household, revealing a keen desire for reconciliation, albeit one rooted in his initial dishonorable act.

### CONTEXT
This verse is pivotal within the tragic narrative of [Dinah's defilement by Shechem](/genesis/34-1 "Dinah and Shechem") in [Genesis chapter 34](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/34 "The Story of Dinah"). Shechem, the son of Hamor, the Hivite prince of the region, had taken Dinah by force. In the ancient Near East, marriage was a foundational social and economic institution, often involving a significant dowry (*mohar*) paid by the groom's family to the bride's family, compensating them for the loss of their daughter's labor and status while ensuring her financial security. Shechem's offer, therefore, is not merely a personal plea but a strategic move within the intricate framework of tribal relations and honor codes, following a grave offense that threatened to escalate into inter-tribal conflict, a common theme in early biblical accounts of tribal interactions, such as those seen in [Genesis 13:7](/genesis/13-7 "Strife Between Herdsmen").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Shechem's plea in [Genesis 34:12](/genesis/34-12 "Shechem's Offer for Dinah") is a fervent appeal, "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." This statement reveals the depth of his desire to secure Dinah as his wife and to mend the fractured relationship with Jacob's family. The Hebrew term for "dowry," *mohar* (מֹהַר), specifically refers to the bride-price paid to the father or guardians of the bride, a customary payment or service rendered by the groom or his family. The "gift," *mattath* (מַתָּת), denotes a broader category of presents given to the bride or her family, often in addition to the *mohar*. The phrase "never so much" translates from a Hebrew idiom meaning "multiply greatly" or "make it very much," emphasizing an extraordinary willingness to pay, far beyond the customary amount. This highlights Shechem's profound eagerness to legitimize his relationship with Dinah and appease her offended family, even if his initial actions were dishonorable. Jacob himself, for instance, labored [seven years for Rachel as his bride-price](/genesis/29-18 "Jacob's Service for Rachel"), illustrating the varied forms dowry could take.

This desperate offer underscores several key aspects of the narrative and ancient societal values:

* **Desperate Appeasement:** Shechem's lavish offer is a clear attempt to resolve a grave offense through material compensation. It underscores his desire for personal gain (Dinah as his wife) and social stability (peace with Jacob's family), even if his initial actions were dishonorable. His willingness to pay an unlimited sum demonstrates the perceived gravity of the offense and his urgent need for reconciliation.
* **The Value of a Daughter's Honor:** The negotiation implicitly acknowledges the immense value placed on a daughter's honor and the family's reputation in ancient society. The dowry was not just a transaction but a reflection of a woman's worth and the family's standing. A defilement of this nature was a profound affront to the family's honor, demanding substantial restitution.
* **Underlying Deception:** While Shechem's offer appears sincere on the surface, the brothers' response, as revealed in subsequent verses, is rooted in deceit and a desire for revenge. This negotiation serves as a deceptive prelude to their violent actions, as seen in [Genesis 34:13](/genesis/34-13 "The Deceitful Response of Jacob's Sons"). The brothers exploit Shechem's desire for reconciliation to further their own vengeful agenda.
* **Marriage as a Covenant:** Despite the tragic circumstances, Shechem's plea still points to the societal understanding of marriage as a binding agreement involving family, social standing, and material exchange. Even when the foundation is corrupted by sin, the societal framework for legitimate union is invoked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Insufficiency of Material Compensation for Moral Wrong:** Shechem's offer, however generous, ultimately proves incapable of atoning for the profound moral and spiritual offense committed. It highlights that true reconciliation requires more than material restitution; it demands genuine repentance and a restoration of trust, which was absent here.
* **The Consequences of Sin and Dishonor:** The entire narrative, stemming from Dinah's defilement, illustrates the far-reaching and destructive consequences of sin, particularly those involving sexual transgression and the violation of honor. One act of sin begets a chain of deceit and violence.
* **Justice vs. Revenge:** The story presents a stark contrast between a potential path to justice (through negotiation and restitution) and the path of vengeful retribution chosen by Dinah's brothers. It raises questions about the nature of righteous judgment versus personal vengeance.
* **Covenant and Brokenness:** While Shechem seeks a covenant of marriage, the very foundation is broken by his initial act. This highlights the fragility of human covenants when not rooted in integrity and respect, contrasting with God's unwavering covenant faithfulness.
* **The Weight of Family Honor:** The narrative underscores the immense importance of family honor and reputation in biblical culture, where an individual's actions directly impacted the collective standing of their kin.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This disturbing passage offers profound insights into the complexities of justice, reconciliation, and the dire consequences of sin. It reminds us that material wealth, however great, cannot always atone for deep personal and familial wounds, especially those involving honor and dignity. The tragic outcome of this story also highlights the dangers of seeking revenge outside of just and righteous means, as the brothers' subsequent actions lead to further violence and disrepute for Jacob's family. The narrative underscores the lasting impact of choices on individuals, families, and communities, a theme echoed throughout biblical narratives concerning [righteousness and sin](/proverbs/14-34 "Righteousness Exalteth a Nation"). It challenges us to consider how we respond to injustice: do we seek true reconciliation and justice, or are we tempted by deceit and vengeance?

### FAQ
**Why was a dowry so important in ancient societies?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern societies, a dowry (like the *mohar* mentioned here) was crucial for several reasons. It served as compensation to the bride's family for the loss of her labor and her contribution to the household. More importantly, it provided financial security for the woman within her new marriage, acting as a form of insurance or a trust fund she could access if widowed or divorced. It also legitimized the marriage and demonstrated the groom's ability to provide for his wife, reflecting the honor and status of both families involved.

**Does "never so much" imply Shechem's genuine remorse?**

Answer: While Shechem's willingness to pay "never so much" (an extraordinary amount) certainly indicates his desperate desire to marry Dinah and appease her family, it doesn't necessarily confirm genuine remorse for his initial act of defilement. His primary motivation appears to be securing the marriage and avoiding conflict with Jacob's powerful family. The offer is a strategic move to rectify the social and political fallout, rather than a clear indication of a contrite heart over the moral wrong.

**How does this passage relate to the concept of "honor killings" or family vengeance?**

Answer: This passage provides a biblical example of the extreme measures taken to defend family honor in ancient cultures. While Shechem attempts to resolve the dishonor through a marriage proposal and lavish payment, Dinah's brothers ultimately choose a path of violent vengeance, which, while not an "honor killing" in the modern sense (as Dinah was not killed), is driven by the perceived necessity to restore their family's honor through retribution. The narrative highlights the dangers and tragic consequences of such actions, as the brothers' deceit and violence bring further disrepute upon Jacob's household.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of [Genesis 34](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/34 "The Story of Dinah") and Shechem's desperate offer underscores humanity's brokenness and the inadequacy of material wealth or human schemes to truly atone for sin and bring about genuine reconciliation. In contrast to Shechem's corrupted pursuit of marriage through payment for a defiled woman, Christ offers a perfect and pure covenant. He is the ultimate "bride-price" given not to appease human anger but to satisfy divine justice, purchasing His Bride, the Church, not with silver or gold but with His own precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). Where Shechem's offer led to deceit and violence, Christ's sacrifice brings true forgiveness, reconciliation, and the restoration of honor, transforming defilement into purity and brokenness into new life, establishing a covenant of grace that is eternal and unblemished.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.