Lexical Summary mohar: Bridal price, dowry Original Word: מֹהַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dowry From mahar; a price (for a wife) -- dowry. see HEBREW mahar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition purchase price (of a wife) NASB Translation bridal payment (1), dowry (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֹ֫הַר noun masculine purchase-price of wife ( Late Hebrew id.; Arabic Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Strong’s Hebrew 4119, mohar, denotes the “bride-price,” the tangible payment given by a prospective bridegroom (or his family) to the bride’s father as part of the marriage arrangements. While it frequently took the form of silver, livestock, or costly service, Scripture treats it primarily as an act of covenantal commitment rather than a mere commercial transaction. Occurrences in the Old Testament • Genesis 34:12 – Shechem offers an extraordinarily high mohar in an attempt to legitimize his union with Dinah: “Impose upon me a great payment and gift, and I will give whatever you ask”. Cultural and Legal Background 1. Family Honor and Protection: In patriarchal society the mohar recognized the father’s loss of household labor and the transfer of guardianship. It served both to honor the bride and to protect her should she later be repudiated (compare Deuteronomy 22:29). Theological Themes • Sanctity of Marriage: Every occurrence of mohar underscores that marriage is not casual but covenantal, rooted in accountable promises (cf. Malachi 2:14). Christological and New Covenant Implications The mohar supplies rich typology: 1. Price Paid for a Bride: Just as a groom secured his bride with a costly gift, Christ secures His people with His own blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). Practical Application for Ministry Today • Marriage Counseling: Emphasize the gravity of marital promises. A wedding is not merely celebratory but covenantal, warranting sacrificial commitment. Related Biblical Parallels Though the term mohar is absent, the concept reappears: Summary M̌ohar frames marriage as a solemn, accountable covenant requiring costly, tangible commitment. In redemptive history it foreshadows the Gospel, where the Lord Jesus—the greater Bridegroom—pays the supreme price to claim, honor, and secure His bride forever. Forms and Transliterations בְּמֹ֔הַר במהר כְּמֹ֖הַר כמהר מֹ֣הַר מהר bə·mō·har beMohar bəmōhar kə·mō·har keMohar kəmōhar mō·har Mohar mōharLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 34:12 HEB: עָלַ֤י מְאֹד֙ מֹ֣הַר וּמַתָּ֔ן וְאֶ֨תְּנָ֔ה NAS: much bridal payment and gift, KJV: me never so much dowry and gift, INT: ever so bridal and gift will give Exodus 22:17 1 Samuel 18:25 3 Occurrences |