Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of betrothal was a significant and binding agreement, akin to what we understand today as an engagement, but with much greater legal and social implications. Betrothal in the Bible is a formal promise or contract of marriage, often arranged by the families of the bride and groom. This period served as a time of preparation and commitment before the actual marriage ceremony and consummation.Old Testament Context The practice of betrothal is deeply rooted in the cultural and legal traditions of ancient Israel. In the Old Testament, betrothal was a formal agreement that required a bride price or dowry, known as the "mohar," to be paid by the groom or his family to the bride's family. This is illustrated in the account of Isaac and Rebekah, where Abraham's servant gives gifts to Rebekah's family as part of the betrothal process (Genesis 24:53). Deuteronomy 20:7 highlights the seriousness of betrothal, stating, "And what man is there who is betrothed to a woman and has not married her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man marry her." This verse underscores the commitment involved in betrothal, equating it with marriage in terms of personal obligation. The betrothal period was also a time of fidelity and exclusivity. Deuteronomy 22:23-24 addresses the consequences of infidelity during betrothal, treating it with the same severity as adultery: "If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man, and another man encounters her in the city and lies with her, you must take both of them to the gate of that city and stone them to death." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the betrothal of Mary and Joseph provides a clear example of the cultural and legal weight of this commitment. Matthew 1:18-19 describes their betrothal: "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly." Here, Joseph is referred to as Mary's husband, even though they were only betrothed, indicating the binding nature of the betrothal. The fact that Joseph considered a formal divorce demonstrates that betrothal was not a casual engagement but a legally recognized relationship. Spiritual Significance Betrothal also carries a spiritual metaphor in Scripture, symbolizing the relationship between God and His people. In Hosea 2:19-20, God uses the language of betrothal to express His covenantal love and commitment to Israel: "So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD." Similarly, the New Testament portrays the Church as the Bride of Christ, awaiting the consummation of the marriage at His return. In 2 Corinthians 11:2, Paul writes, "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ." Conclusion The concept of betrothal in the Bible is rich with cultural, legal, and spiritual significance. It reflects a deep commitment that goes beyond a mere promise, embodying a covenantal relationship that mirrors God's unwavering faithfulness to His people. Easton's Bible Dictionary To promise "by one's truth." Men and women were betrothed when they were engaged to be married. This usually took place a year or more before marriage. From the time of betrothal the woman was regarded as the lawful wife of the man to whom she was betrothed (Deuteronomy 28:30; Judges 14:2, 8; Matthew 1:18-21). The term is figuratively employed of the spiritual connection between God and his people (Hosea 2:19, 20). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To engage or promise in marriage; to affiance; -- used esp. of a woman.2. (v. t.) To promise to take (as a future spouse); to plight one's troth to. 3. (v. t.) To nominate to a bishopric, in order to consecration. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETROTHbe-troth', be-troth' ('dras): On betrothal as a social custom see MARRIAGE. Hosea, in his great parable of the prodigal wife, surpassed only by a greater Teacher's parable of the Prodigal Son, uses betrothal as the symbol of Yahweh's pledge of His love and favor to penitent Israel (Hosea 2:19, 20). In Exodus 21:8, 9 the Revised Version (British and American) renders "espouse" for the "betroth" of the King James Version, the context implying the actual marriage relation. Greek 3423. mnesteuo -- to espouse, betroth ... to espouse, betroth. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: mnesteuo Phonetic Spelling: (mnace-tyoo'-o) Short Definition: I ask in marriage Definition: I ask in ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3423.htm - 7k 718. harmozo -- to fit, join, hence to join oneself to (in ... Strong's Hebrew 781. aras -- to betroth... 780, 781. aras. 782 . to betroth. Transliteration: aras Phonetic Spelling: (aw-ras') Short Definition: engaged. Word Origin a prim. ... betroth, espouse. ... /hebrew/781.htm - 5k 2778. charaph. -- to reproach 3259. yaad -- to appoint Library Introduction Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The Marriage of the Lamb. The Controversy Concerning Fasting How Antipater is Hated of all Men; and How the King Espouses the ... March 7 Morning Entire Sanctification in Prophecy. "Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge" A Warning Rejected. A Warning Rejected Thesaurus Betroth (5 Occurrences)...BETROTH. be-troth', be-troth' ('dras): On betrothal as a social custom see MARRIAGE. ... Multi-Version Concordance Betroth (5 Occurrences). ... /b/betroth.htm - 9k Espouse (2 Occurrences) Betrays (13 Occurrences) Mercies (62 Occurrences) Violate (14 Occurrences) Zealous (40 Occurrences) Zeal (45 Occurrences) Ravish (2 Occurrences) Rights (35 Occurrences) Ensure (3 Occurrences) Resources Who was Gomer in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say that abandonment is a valid reason for divorce and remarriage? | GotQuestions.org Betroth: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Betroth (5 Occurrences)2 Corinthians 11:2 Exodus 21:9 Deuteronomy 28:30 Hosea 2:19 Hosea 2:20 Subtopics Related Terms |
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