King James Version

What Does Genesis 34:12 Mean?

Genesis 34:12 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 34:12 · KJV

Context

10

And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein.

11

And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give.

12

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.

13

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:

14

And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us:

Read Genesis 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me ... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
הַרְבּ֨וּ1 of 14

“Ask”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

עָלַ֤י2 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מְאֹד֙3 of 14

“me never so much”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

מֹ֣הַר4 of 14

“dowry”

H4119

a price (for a wife)

וּמַתָּ֔ן5 of 14

“and gift”

H4976

a present

וּתְנוּ6 of 14

“and I will give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תֹּֽאמְר֖וּ8 of 14

“according as ye shall say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֑י9 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וּתְנוּ10 of 14

“and I will give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִ֥י11 of 14
H0
אֶת12 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַֽנַּעֲרָ֖13 of 14

“me the damsel”

H5291

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

לְאִשָּֽׁה׃14 of 14

“to wife”

H802

a woman

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 34:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 34:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:16-17Deuteronomy 22:28-29Genesis 24:53Genesis 29:18Genesis 31:41Matthew 14:17

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 34 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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