Topical Bible: Marriage: Bridal Presents

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In biblical times, marriage was not only a union between two individuals but also a significant social contract between families. Bridal presents, often referred to as dowries or bride prices, played a crucial role in the marriage process, serving as a tangible expression of commitment and a means of establishing familial alliances.

Old Testament Context

The practice of giving bridal presents is well-documented in the Old Testament. One of the earliest examples is found in the account of Isaac and Rebekah. When Abraham's servant sought a wife for Isaac, he presented gifts to Rebekah and her family as part of the marriage negotiations. Genesis 24:53 states, "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."

Similarly, the account of Jacob and Rachel illustrates the concept of a bride price. Jacob worked for Laban, Rachel's father, for seven years as a form of bridal present to secure Rachel's hand in marriage (Genesis 29:18-20). This narrative highlights the labor or service that could be rendered in lieu of material gifts.

Cultural and Social Significance

Bridal presents served multiple purposes in ancient Israelite society. They were a demonstration of the groom's ability to provide for his future wife, ensuring her family's confidence in his financial stability. Additionally, these gifts often compensated the bride's family for the loss of her labor and presence within the household.

The giving of bridal presents also reinforced the social and economic ties between families. It was a formal acknowledgment of the marriage covenant and a means of establishing goodwill and mutual respect. The exchange of gifts could include livestock, jewelry, clothing, or other valuable items, reflecting the wealth and status of the families involved.

Legal and Moral Implications

The Mosaic Law provided guidelines regarding marriage and bridal presents, emphasizing fairness and respect for the bride. Exodus 22:16-17 addresses the issue of seduction and the subsequent requirement for a bride price: "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 for virgins."

This legal framework underscored the importance of honoring the bride and her family, ensuring that marriage was approached with integrity and responsibility.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly address the practice of bridal presents, the cultural context of marriage in the first-century Jewish world would have included similar customs. The emphasis in the New Testament shifts towards the spiritual and covenantal aspects of marriage, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-27 , where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church.

In summary, bridal presents in biblical times were an integral part of the marriage process, reflecting the social, economic, and legal dimensions of the union. They served as a testament to the groom's commitment and the establishment of familial bonds, rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of the time.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 24:53
And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 45:12
And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall entreat your favor.
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Library

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... engagements, entering into its family life, sanctioning and hallowing all by His
Presents and blessing ... Thus the bridal pair on the marriage-day symbolised ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

Another Portrait Gallery
... deceased, must be found, and all marriage ceremonies be ... Clothes, furniture, and presents,
all made of paper, go ... are there received by living bridal attendants. ...
/.../chapter xxi another portrait gallery.htm

A Drama in Five Acts
... and bridegroom advance to the altar in bridal attire ... it is marrying and being given
in marriage, educating and ... But the third act comes on, and presents us with ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a drama in five acts.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... will you find a matron to be present at your bridal? ... but that of virginity, to abjure
the marriage-bed, to ... to your virgins; or you may make presents to your ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

Greek Plagiarism from the Hebrews.
... their allegories as the gnostic truth presents them; whether ... six is called by the
Pythagoreans marriage, as being ... quick the adulterer stood on the bridal steps ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiv greek plagiarism from the.htm

The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel.
... Humanity in its aggregate presents an assemblage of beings, low ... Is this bridal train
of Apostles any thing more than a ... Did Jesus often go to marriage feasts? ...
/.../the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/the romance of m renan.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... young girl decked as for her bridal"the "Bride ... was still considered as an actual
marriage; the contract ... her lofty groves of date-palms, presents the singular ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Glimpses
... The question presents itself to man: "Is the Power that ... "all the past of Time reveals
A bridal dawn of ... end of two thousand years,"that marriage, which Paul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/merriam/the chief end of man/iv glimpses.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... Clementine literature (translated in ANF, VIII), presents an interesting ... end to the
other a 'marriage Gnosticism.' From ... to the sacrament of the bridal chamber. ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

Caesar Fell Down.
... Relationship or connection by marriage with the last possessor ... Then they were seduced
with presents, and deceived with ... the world are the one bridal-chamber of ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter ii caesar fell down.htm