3423. mnésteuó

Lexical Summary

mnésteuó: To betroth, to engage

Original Word: μνηστεύω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: mnésteuó
Pronunciation: mnace-tyoo'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (mnace-tyoo'-o)
KJV: espouse
NASB: engaged, betrothed
Word Origin: [from a derivative of G3415 (μνάομαι - to remember)]

1. to give a souvenir (engagement present), i.e. betroth

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

espouse.

From a derivative of mnaomai; to give a souvenir (engagement present), i.e. Betroth -- espouse.

see GREEK mnaomai

HELPS Word-studies

3423 mnēsteúō – originally, "to woo and win; espouse, then to promise in marriage, betroth" (Abbott-Smith); to espouse; betroth.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from mnaomai (in the sense of to court a bride)
Definition
to espouse, betroth
NASB Translation
betrothed (1), engaged (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3423: μνηστεύω

μνηστεύω: passive, perfect participle μεμνηστευμενος (R G) and ἐμνηστευμενος (L T Tr WH) (cf. Winers Grammar, § 12, 10; Veitch, under the word; Tdf. Proleg., p. 121); 1 aorist participle μνηστευθεις; (μνηστός betrothed, espoused); from Homer down; the Sept. for אֵרֵשׂ; τινα (γυναῖκα), to woo her and ask her in marriage; passive to be promised in marriage, be betrothed: τίνι, Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:27; Luke 2:5.

Topical Lexicon

Overview of New Testament Usage

Strong’s Greek 3423 appears three times in the New Testament, each time describing the covenantal relationship between Joseph and Mary prior to their full marital union (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:27; Luke 2:5). The word signals more than a modern engagement; it denotes a binding pledge already recognized as marriage in legal and social terms, though final consummation and communal life together were still future.

Cultural and Historical Background of Betrothal

First-century Jewish betrothal (kiddushin) followed the giving of a bride-price and a formal declaration before witnesses. It typically lasted about a year, during which the groom prepared a dwelling and the bride demonstrated fidelity. Breaking such a pledge required a writ of divorce, underscoring its seriousness (cf. Deuteronomy 24:1). Infidelity during this period was treated as adultery according to Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 22:23-24).

Legal and Covenantal Implications

When Matthew records, “His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph” (Matthew 1:18), he stresses that Mary already stood under Joseph’s legal protection. Joseph’s resolve “to divorce her quietly” (Matthew 1:19) shows that dissolving a betrothal demanded legal action. In Luke 2:5 the same status explains why Mary journeyed with Joseph to Bethlehem to register in the census; she belonged to his household even though the marriage had not yet been consummated.

Theological Significance in the Incarnation Narrative

The Spirit-conceived pregnancy occurred within this pledged yet unconsummated union, safeguarding both the virgin conception and the royal lineage of David through Joseph. Luke writes of “a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David” (Luke 1:27). By divine design the betrothal provided:
• Legal paternity—Jesus is recognized as Joseph’s son and heir to David’s throne.
• Preservation of virginity—confirming Isaiah 7:14.
• A context for righteousness—Joseph’s obedient response models grace and faithfulness under the Law.

Typological and Eschatological Echoes

Biblical betrothal imagery points beyond Mary and Joseph to the relationship between Christ and His Church (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25-27). The present age mirrors a betrothal period in which the Church, already united to Christ by covenant, awaits the consummation at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9). The integrity expected of an espoused virgin presses the call to holiness as believers live in anticipation of the Lord’s return.

Ministry Applications and Pastoral Reflections

1. Marital faithfulness: The gravity of betrothal exhorts couples to view engagement as a sacred promise, not a casual trial.
2. Sexual purity: Mary’s chastity during betrothal underscores God’s design for intimacy exclusively within consummated marriage.
3. Assurance of salvation: Just as Mary’s status guaranteed her place in Joseph’s household, believers resting in Christ’s covenant can be certain of future glory.
4. Patient preparation: Joseph’s year of readiness parallels the Church’s calling to diligent service while awaiting Christ.
5. God’s sovereignty: The incarnation through a betrothed virgin demonstrates divine orchestration of history, encouraging trust amid personal uncertainties.

Through its brief but potent use, Strong’s 3423 illuminates the intersection of covenant, purity, and redemption, underscoring the faithfulness of God who fulfills His promises in the Person of Jesus Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

εμνηστευμενη ἐμνηστευμένῃ εμνηστευμενην ἐμνηστευμένην μεμνηστευμένη μεμνηστευμένην μεμνήστευται Μνηστευθεισης Μνηστευθείσης μνηστεύσομαί emnesteumene emnēsteumenē emnesteuménei emnēsteuménēi emnesteumenen emnesteuménen emnēsteumenēn emnēsteuménēn Mnesteutheises Mnesteutheíses Mnēsteutheisēs Mnēsteutheísēs

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 1:18 V-APP-GFS
GRK: οὕτως ἦν Μνηστευθείσης τῆς μητρὸς
NAS: Mary had been betrothed to Joseph,
KJV: Mary was espoused to Joseph,
INT: thus came about having been betrothed the mother

Luke 1:27 V-RPM/P-AFS
GRK: πρὸς παρθένον ἐμνηστευμένην ἀνδρὶ ᾧ
NAS: to a virgin engaged to a man whose
KJV: To a virgin espoused to a man whose
INT: to a virgin betrothed to a man whose

Luke 2:5 V-RPM/P-DFS
GRK: Μαριὰμ τῇ ἐμνηστευμένῃ αὐτῷ οὔσῃ
NAS: with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.
KJV: Mary his espoused wife, being
INT: Mary who was betrothed to him she being

Strong's Greek 3423
3 Occurrences

ἐμνηστευμένῃ — 1 Occ.
ἐμνηστευμένην — 1 Occ.
Μνηστευθείσης — 1 Occ.