Old Testament
Genesis 34:12
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, a man expresses his deep desire to marry a young woman.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"Set the bride price and the gift as high as you want, and I will pay whatever you demand—just give me the young woman as my wife."
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a man expresses his deep desire to marry a young woman. He is willing to pay any amount for her, showing how much he values her. This reflects a cultural practice where a bride price is set, indicating the seriousness of the commitment. The man is not just asking for her hand; he is ready to prove his intentions through a significant financial gesture. His willingness to pay whatever is asked highlights the importance of love and commitment in relationships. It also shows how love can drive people to go to great lengths to secure their future with someone they cherish. This moment captures the essence of longing and the lengths one might go to for love, emphasizing the personal stakes involved in such decisions. It’s a reminder that relationships often involve sacrifices and commitments that go beyond mere words, requiring action and dedication to truly express one’s feelings and intentions in a meaningful way. This verse invites us to reflect on what we are willing to invest in our relationships.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Genesis 34:12 to your life
Consider what you are willing to invest in your relationships. Are you showing your commitment through actions, not just words? Reflect on how you can express your love and dedication to those you care about, making sure they feel valued and cherished in your life. Love often requires effort and sacrifice, so be prepared to give your best for those you love. Think about how you can demonstrate your intentions meaningfully and memorably.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 34:12 mean?
Genesis 34:12 shows a man expressing his willingness to pay any bride price to marry a young woman, highlighting the cultural practice of dowry and the seriousness of his commitment.
What is the significance of the bride price in Genesis 34:12?
The bride price in Genesis 34:12 signifies the man's deep commitment and value he places on the young woman, illustrating how love can motivate significant sacrifices.
How does Genesis 34:12 relate to modern relationships?
Genesis 34:12 relates to modern relationships by reminding us that true commitment often requires actions and sacrifices, encouraging us to invest meaningfully in our loved ones.
What themes are present in Genesis 34:12?
Themes in Genesis 34:12 include commitment, love, sacrifice, and the value of relationships, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating one's intentions through actions.
The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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