Engagement, in the biblical context, refers to the period of betrothal or promise of marriage between a man and a woman. This period is significant in biblical narratives and cultural practices, serving as a formal agreement preceding marriage. Engagement is a time of preparation and commitment, reflecting the seriousness and sanctity of the marriage covenant.

Biblical Context and Cultural Practices

In ancient Israelite society, engagement was a binding agreement, often arranged by the families of the bride and groom. It was more formal and legally binding than modern-day engagements. The Hebrew term for betrothal is "erusin," and it involved a covenantal promise that could only be broken by a formal divorce. During this period, the couple was considered legally bound to each other, though they did not yet live together or consummate the marriage.

The engagement period allowed for the groom to prepare a home and establish his ability to provide for his future family. It was also a time for the bride to prepare for her new role and responsibilities. The engagement was sealed with a bride price or dowry, which was a customary gift from the groom's family to the bride's family, symbolizing the groom's commitment and ability to support his wife.

Biblical Examples

One of the most notable examples of engagement in the Bible is the betrothal of Mary and Joseph. In Matthew 1:18-19 , it is written: "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." This passage highlights the seriousness of the betrothal, as Joseph is referred to as Mary's husband even before the marriage was consummated.

Another example is found in the account of Isaac and Rebekah. In Genesis 24, Abraham's servant is sent to find a wife for Isaac. The engagement is arranged through the servant's negotiations with Rebekah's family, and it is marked by the giving of gifts, signifying the formal agreement and commitment to the marriage.

Theological Significance

Engagement in the Bible is often seen as a metaphor for the relationship between God and His people. The covenantal nature of betrothal reflects the covenant between God and Israel, and later, between Christ and the Church. In Hosea 2:19-20 , God declares, "And 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." This passage illustrates the depth of commitment and love that God has for His people, akin to the commitment expected in a betrothal.

In the New Testament, the Church is often described as the Bride of Christ, awaiting the return of the Bridegroom. This imagery emphasizes the anticipation and preparation that characterize the engagement period, as believers prepare for the ultimate union with Christ.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

Engagement, as depicted in the Bible, underscores the importance of faithfulness, commitment, and preparation. It serves as a reminder of the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness with which such commitments should be undertaken. The engagement period is a time for individuals to grow in their relationship with God and each other, laying a strong foundation for a lifelong covenant.

In contemporary Christian practice, engagement remains a significant step towards marriage, reflecting the biblical values of commitment, preparation, and faithfulness. It is a time for couples to seek God's guidance and blessing as they prepare to enter into the sacred covenant of marriage.2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 7:10
And to the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Topicalbible.org

3423. mnesteuo -- to espouse, betroth
... espouse. From a derivative of mnaomai; to give a souvenir (engagement present),
ie Betroth -- espouse. see GREEK mnaomai. (emnesteumene) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3423.htm - 7k4421. milchamah -- a battle, war
... From lacham (in the sense of fighting); a battle (ie The engagement); generally,
war (ie Warfare) -- battle, fight(-ing), war((-rior)). see HEBREW lacham. ...
/hebrew/4421.htm - 6k

Of the Engagement Made in Baptism, and of those who have Given ...
... The Epistle of Pope Urban First. VI. Of the engagement made in baptism, and
of those who have given themselves to the life in common. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/vi of the engagement made.htm

An Engagement for To-Morrow.
... Homily IV. Chapter XXV."An Engagement for To-Morrow. "If the doings of
the gods, being good, have been veiled with evil fables ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxv an engagement for to-morrow.htm

Engagement Between Valens and Procopius Near Nacolia in Phrygia ...
... Chapter V."Engagement between Valens and Procopius near Nacolia in Phrygia; after
which the Usurper is betrayed by his Chief Officers, and with them put to ...
/.../chapter v engagement between valens and.htm

That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in ...
... Section IV. That It Is Not Lawful For The Well Affected Subjects To Concur In Such
An Engagement In War, And Associate With The Malignant Party. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iv that it is.htm

The Emperor Valens is Ridiculed by the People on Account of the ...
... The Emperor Valens is ridiculed by the People on Account of the Goths; undertakes
an Expedition against them and is slain in an Engagement near Adrianople. ...
/.../chapter xxxviii the emperor valens is.htm

Essay iv. The Generous Spirit, Who, when Brought among the Tasks ...
... former was stranded; and the latter, by accident of the wind, could not bring his
ship into the line of battle till some time after the engagement had become ...
/.../confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay iv the generous spirit.htm

The Great Furnace for a Great Soul
... Various suitors presented themselves, but in most cases there was some hitch
which prevented the engagement from being finally settled. ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xi the great furnace.htm

The "Little Knife" Insurrection
... firing ceased. We know not how many lives were lost in the engagement. The ...
the Mandarins.". "Now for the engagement on the water. The ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/vi the little knife insurrection.htm

Baptism
... Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, does signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and
partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 4 baptism.htm

That the Present Public Resolutions, Expressed in the Commission's ...
... invasion, were that no officer nor soldier that followed James Graham should be
permitted in the army, nor any officer that was in the Engagement, except such ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section ii that the present.htm

What are the works of the devil in 1 John 3:8? | GotQuestions.org

What was betrothal in biblical times? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about overthinking? | GotQuestions.org

Engaged: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus