Topical Bible: Marriage: Presents Given to Parents to Secure Their Favor

◄ Marriage: Presents Given to Parents to Secure Their Favor ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, marriage was not merely a union between two individuals but a covenant that involved families and communities. The practice of giving presents to the parents of a prospective bride was a customary part of the marriage process, serving to secure their favor and formalize the engagement. This tradition is rooted in the cultural and social norms of ancient Near Eastern societies, where marriage arrangements were often seen as alliances between families.

Biblical Instances and Cultural Context

The giving of presents, often referred to as a "bride price" or "dowry," is mentioned in several biblical narratives. One of the earliest examples is found in the account of Isaac and Rebekah. Abraham's servant, seeking a wife for Isaac, presents gifts to Rebekah's family as a sign of goodwill and to secure their approval. 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 Laban illustrates the concept of working as a form of bride price. Jacob agrees to work for Laban for seven years to marry his daughter Rachel, demonstrating the value placed on securing parental favor through service and commitment (Genesis 29:18-20).

Purpose and Significance

The practice of giving presents to the bride's family served multiple purposes. It was a tangible expression of the groom's commitment and ability to provide for his future wife. The gifts also compensated the bride's family for the loss of her labor and presence, which were valuable assets in an agrarian society. Furthermore, these presents acted as a form of security for the bride, ensuring her well-being in the event of her husband's death or divorce.

In addition to economic considerations, the exchange of gifts was a means of establishing and strengthening familial bonds. It was a gesture of respect and honor towards the bride's parents, acknowledging their role in raising and nurturing their daughter. This practice underscored the communal nature of marriage, where the union was not solely about the couple but also about the integration and cooperation of two families.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the giving of presents to secure parental favor in marriage reflects the biblical principles of honor, respect, and responsibility. The Fifth Commandment, "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12), is echoed in the practice of seeking parental blessing and approval in marriage arrangements. This tradition emphasizes the importance of family unity and the recognition of parental authority and wisdom in guiding marital decisions.

While the cultural specifics of bride price and dowry have evolved over time, the underlying values of commitment, respect, and familial harmony remain relevant. The biblical model of marriage, as seen through these practices, highlights the significance of entering into marriage with a sense of duty and reverence for the familial and communal relationships it encompasses.

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

Genesis 34:12
Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as you shall say to me: but give me the damsel to wife.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 22:29
Then the man that lay with her shall give to the damsel's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he has humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 18:25
And Saul said, Thus shall you say to David, The king desires not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king's enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines.
Nave's Topical Index

Hosea 3:2
So I bought her to me for fifteen pieces of silver, and for an homer of barley, and an half homer of barley:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ...
... proceed on this thy journey, for the marriage thou goest ... he would send him back with
presents, and this ... serve his father-in-law, that, having given a specimen ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 19 concerning jacobs flight.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... It presents difficulties all its own, for the reason ... order, and make the needful
provisions for the marriage. ... to surmise from the slight attention given to her ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Cambyses.
... Phanes."His narrow escape."Information given by Phanes ... to Amasis and demand this
daughter in marriage. ... splendid dresses, loaded her with presents, ordered a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter i cambyses.htm

From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus.
... At the close of the marriage feast, which usually ... last appearance, when the commission
was given and he ... Each of them, therefore, presents its own difficulties. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xviii from the birth.htm

The Princesses of the Comneni
... Old Rome to New Rome must be given up: so ... to which he had retired, projected the
marriage of his ... Constantinople of this period, and he presents an interesting ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/xiv the princesses of the.htm

Matt. I. 17
... point of taking place, then at last he presents himself. ... And He commits her not for
marriage; but to dwell ... future, by the present, by the honor given to himself ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iv matt i 17.htm

V. ...
... and misery that are found in the marriage state, and ... In like manner Solomon presents
us a comparison, in Proverbs ... from the holy command that has been given them ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v 2.htm

V. ...
... is now far preferable to the common one of marriage:" in which ... ye shall speak, for
it shall be given you in ... Peter presents us, once for all, the example of our ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter iii v .htm

An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ...
... "Know all men by these presents, That I ... Take no step toward marriage without first
consulting with your ... Are there any directions to be given concerning the ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... of deliberation, beginning probably before his marriage with Chrotechildis, a ... The
deacon returned and with presents and the ... and whatsoever he had given him he ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm