John Gill's Exposition on Genesis 34:12

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

Ask me never so much dowry and gift, etc.] Or “multiply [them] exceedingly” f1567, fix them at as high a rate as may be thought fit; the “dowry” was what a man gave to a woman at her marriage; for in those times and countries, instead of a man having a portion with his wife, as with us in our times, he gave one to his wife, or to her parents for her; and especially in after times this was used, and became a law in Israel, in the case of a vitiated virgin, (see <022216>Exodus 22:16,17); and “the gift” was either of jewels and clothes to the women, or of such like precious things to her brethren and friends, (see <012453>Genesis 24:53); and I will give according as ye shall say unto me; determine among yourselves whatever shall be the dowry and gift, and it shall be punctually observed: but give me the damsel to wife; only agree to that, and I care not what is required of me.

Read Genesis 34:12 →Read the full chapter →Jamieson, Fausset & Brown →Barnes' Notes →

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