Shechem, the local prince, holds Dinah captive in his home and attempts to legitimize his terrible assault. Driven by a flawed belief that material wealth can erase severe moral damage, he offers an unlimited financial settlement to convince Jacob and his sons to agree to an official marriage. The primary approach among commentators is that his offer includes the standard marriage settlement or gifts typically sent by a groom to his bride. Additionally, he promises extra luxury items, silver, and gold specifically for the girl's father and brothers [רמב״ן, ביאור יש״ר]. Shechem is prepared to pay any penalty imposed upon him as compensation for his actions, ready to meet absolutely any financial demand the family might present [ספורנו, ביאור שטיינזלץ].
Although Dinah is already under his control in his palace, and he has no fear that her family would dare rescue her by force from a powerful ruler, he still desperately needs their approval. Dinah actively refuses him, crying and shouting without cease. Shechem understands that only the willing consent of her family will appease her and calm her fierce resistance [רמב״ן, הטור הארוך].
From a legal standpoint, promising an unlimited, exaggerated gift is usually not considered binding, as it is assumed the person does not truly mean it. However, Shechem makes it clear that for a wealthy king like himself, no amount is considered excessive, making his promise entirely valid. His deep affection for Dinah and his desire to be her groom drive him to commit wholeheartedly [פני דוד]. He even pledges to pay the entire sum immediately and in advance, rather than making a hollow promise for the future [העמק דבר, פני דוד].
Ultimately, Shechem attempts to transform his crime into a simple business transaction, assuming that retroactive payment will wipe the slate clean and turn his offense into a legal acquisition [פרדס יוסף]. Being a corrupt individual, he assumes Jacob will be blinded by the vast fortune and willingly hand over his daughter for profit. He completely misunderstands the family's moral compass. Jacob, who is already blessed with wealth and does not chase money, is deeply pained by his daughter's disgrace. Consequently, when Jacob's sons reply, they completely ignore the financial proposal [ביאור יש״ר].
The brothers recognize that the defilement of their sister is a severe crime that cannot be atoned for with money. While Shechem and his father believe that financial compensation and an agreement to circumcise themselves will resolve the issue, the brothers view the assault on Dinah as an unforgivable sin. This fundamental divide in values explains why they ultimately respond with deception [צרור המור].