Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of a dowry, also known as a bride price or mohar, was a customary practice in the context of marriage. The dowry was a payment made by the groom or his family to the bride's family as part of the marriage agreement. This practice is evident in several passages throughout the Old Testament, reflecting the cultural and social norms of ancient Israelite society.Old Testament References One of the earliest mentions of a dowry is found in the account of Isaac and Rebekah. In Genesis 24, Abraham's servant presents gifts to Rebekah's family as part of the marriage arrangement: "Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry, and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother" (Genesis 24:53). This act signifies the transfer of wealth and the formalization of the marriage covenant. The dowry is further illustrated in the account of Jacob and his wives, Leah and Rachel. Jacob worked for Laban, their father, for fourteen years as a form of dowry payment: "So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet they seemed but a few days to him because of his love for her" (Genesis 29:20). This narrative highlights the dowry as a form of labor or service, rather than a monetary transaction. In Exodus 22:16-17, the Law of Moses provides specific instructions regarding the dowry: "If a man entices a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and lies with her, he must pay the bride price, and she will be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, the man still must pay an amount comparable to the bride price of a virgin" . This law underscores the importance of the dowry in legitimizing marriage and protecting the rights of the woman and her family. Cultural and Social Significance The dowry served multiple purposes in ancient Israelite society. It acted as a form of financial security for the bride, ensuring her well-being in the event of her husband's death or divorce. The dowry also compensated the bride's family for the loss of her labor and presence within the household. Additionally, it was a demonstration of the groom's commitment and ability to provide for his future wife. The practice of dowry was not unique to Israel but was common among many ancient Near Eastern cultures. It reflected the patriarchal structure of society, where marriages were often arranged and involved negotiations between families. The dowry was a tangible expression of the covenantal nature of marriage, symbolizing the union of two families and the responsibilities that came with it. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly address the practice of dowry, the cultural context of marriage in the first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman world would have been familiar with similar customs. The emphasis in the New Testament shifts towards the spiritual and covenantal aspects of marriage, as seen in passages like Ephesians 5:25-33, where the relationship between husband and wife is compared to that of Christ and the Church. In summary, the concept of dowry in the Bible reflects the historical and cultural practices of marriage in ancient times. It served as a means of establishing marital agreements, providing security for the bride, and symbolizing the union of families. The biblical narratives and laws surrounding dowry offer insight into the values and social structures of the time, while also pointing towards the deeper spiritual significance of marriage as a covenant relationship. Smith's Bible Dictionary Dowry[MARRIAGE] ATS Bible Dictionary DowryIn eastern countries the bridegroom was required to pay the father of his betrothed a stipulated portion, in money or other valuables, portion, in money or other valuables, proportioned to the rank and station of the family to which she belonged; this was the dowry. Jacob purchased his wives by his services to their father, Genesis 29:18-27; 34:12; Exodus 22:16,17; 1 Samuel 18:25; Hosea 3:2. Easton's Bible Dictionary (mohar; i.e., price paid for a wife, Genesis 34:12; Exodus 22:17; 1 Samuel 18:25), a nuptial present; some gift, as a sum of money, which the bridegroom offers to the father of his bride as a satisfaction before he can receive her. Jacob had no dowry to give for his wife, but he gave his services (Genesis 29:18; 30:20; 34:12). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The money or property a woman brings to her husband in marriage; a bride's portion on her marriage. See Dower.2. (n.) A gift; endowment. 3. (n.) A gift or presents for the bride, on espousal. See Dower. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DOWRYdou'-ri: In all Hebrew marriages, the dowry held an important place. The dowry sealed the betrothal. It took several forms. The bridegroom presented gifts to the bride. There was the mohar, "dowry" as distinguished from matttan, "gifts to the members of the family" (compare Genesis 24:22, 53 Genesis 34:12). The price paid to the father or brothers of the bride was probably a survival of the early custom of purchasing wives (Genesis 34:12 Exodus 22:17 1 Samuel 18:25; compare Ruth 4:10 Hosea 3:2). There was frequently much negotiation and bargaining as to size of dowry (Genesis 34:12). The dowry would generally be according to the wealth and standing of the bride (compare 1 Samuel 18:23). It might consist of money, jewelry or other valuable effects; sometimes, of service rendered, as in the case of Jacob (Genesis 29:18); deeds of valor might be accepted in place of dowry (Joshua 15:16 1 Samuel 18:25 Judges 1:12). Occasionally a bride received a dowry from her father; sometimes in the shape of land (Judges 1:15), and of cities (1 Kings 9:16). In later Jewish history a written marriage contract definitely arranged for the nature and size of the dowry. Strong's Hebrew 4119. mohar -- purchase price (of a wife)... 4118b, 4119. mohar. 4120 . purchase price (of a wife). Transliteration: mohar Phonetic Spelling: (mo'-har) Short Definition: dowry. ... dowry. ... /hebrew/4119.htm - 6k 7964. shilluchim -- a sending away, parting gift 2065. zebed -- endowment, gift 4117. mahar -- to acquire by paying a purchase price Library Whether the Dowry is the Same as Beatitude*? [*Cf. Fp, Q , a , Ad ... Whether any Gifts Should be Assigned as Dowry to the Blessed? Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should Receive a Dowry? Of the Gifts* of the Blessed (Five Articles) [*The Latin 'dos' ... Whether Three Dowries of the Soul are Suitably Assigned? Whether the Angels Receive the Dowries? Introduction to the Present Edition. These Things Being Said by God, While the Trumpets Uttered their ... Justinus' Triad of Principles; his Angelography Founded on this ... St. Ambrose Exhorts Parents to Train their Children to virginity.. ... Thesaurus Dowry (5 Occurrences)... Jacob had no dowry to give for his wife, but he gave his services (Genesis 29:18; 30:20; 34:12). Noah Webster's Dictionary. ... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DOWRY. ... /d/dowry.htm - 11k Endow (3 Occurrences) Endue Zebulun (46 Occurrences) Code (6 Occurrences) Marriage (74 Occurrences) Hammurabi Virgins (33 Occurrences) Zeb'ulun (41 Occurrences) Naomi (25 Occurrences) Resources What was the purpose of a dowry (Genesis 31:15)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the marriage supper of the Lamb? | GotQuestions.org What was betrothal in biblical times? | GotQuestions.org Dowry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dowry (5 Occurrences)Genesis 30:20 Genesis 34:12 Exodus 22:16 Exodus 22:17 1 Samuel 18:25 Subtopics Dowry: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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