Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 34:12. It’s a really important and complex passage that speaks about a difficult situation in the early chapters of the Bible. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Jacob’s Dilemma: Jacob, a man known for his generosity, is facing a problem with his youngest son, Esau. A Gift is Offered: The elders of Laban's town (a significant and powerful figure) offer Jacob a beautiful woman named Leah as a wife. This is a huge deal – it’s a significant gift, representing wealth and status for Jacob. The Request: However, Jacob refuses the gift. He says he will give her whatever she asks for, as she says . This is where the tricky part comes in. What It Means - A Deeper Look: "Ask me never so much dowry and gift..." : This highlights Jacob’s concern about the excessive amount of money and gifts being offered to Leah. He's worried that this will lead to a lot of hardship for him later. "...and I will give according as ye shall say unto me:" : This is the crucial part. Jacob isn’t simply saying he’ll give what she wants. He’s emphasizing that he controls the terms of his generosity – he dictates how much he gives, and he'll do it precisely as she instructs him. It's a form of control and manipulation. "...but give me the damsel to wife." : This is the core of the message. Jacob isn’t asking for her to be his wife – he's demanding that she become his wife, in exchange for his willingness to provide gifts. It’s a veiled request to relinquish control over his own family and wealth. The Significance & Context: A Pattern of Abuse: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of manipulative behavior and the potential for abuse within families, particularly patriarchal societies. It suggests that excessive demands and control can lead to suffering. Jacob's Character: It reveals a significant shift in Jacob’s character – he starts prioritizing his own desires over the well-being of his family. The Story's Larger Theme: This passage sets the stage for a whole series of events that involve deceit, betrayal, and ultimately, a confrontation with God. It's a story about power dynamics and how they can corrupt even the most generous individuals. In short, this verse is about Jacob’s willingness to surrender control in exchange for wealth, highlighting the potential for manipulation and its consequences. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on common interpretations of scripture and should be considered one perspective. Further research and discussion with religious leaders or experts would be valuable if you want a deeper understanding. Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage?