Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of a dowry was an integral part of marriage customs, serving as a form of financial security and a symbol of the marital covenant. The dowry, or "mohar" in Hebrew, was a payment made by the groom or his family to the bride's family. This practice is rooted in the cultural and legal traditions of ancient Israel and is reflected in various passages of Scripture.The dowry for a virgin is specifically addressed in the Mosaic Law. In Exodus 22:16-17 , it is written: "If a man entices a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and lies with her, he must pay the bride price for her, and she will become 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 passage underscores the importance of the dowry as a protective measure for the woman and her family, ensuring that her honor and future security are upheld even if the marriage does not take place. The dowry also served as a deterrent against premarital relations and as a means of upholding the sanctity of marriage. Deuteronomy 22:28-29 further elaborates on this principle: "If a man encounters a virgin who is not pledged in marriage, and he seizes her and lies with her, and they are discovered, then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife, because he has violated her. He may not divorce her as long as he lives." Here, the dowry is not only a financial transaction but also a binding commitment, emphasizing the seriousness of the marital bond. The dowry system reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where the father held authority over his household, including the marital arrangements of his daughters. The payment of a dowry was a formal acknowledgment of the father's role and the transfer of responsibility from the father to the husband. In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of the dowry can also be seen in the account of Jacob and Laban. Jacob worked for seven years to earn the right to marry Laban's daughter Rachel, illustrating the principle of labor as a form of dowry (Genesis 29:18-20). This account highlights the value placed on the bride and the commitment required from the groom. The dowry for a virgin, therefore, was not merely a financial transaction but a multifaceted institution that reinforced the values of honor, responsibility, and covenant within the community. It served to protect the rights and dignity of women while upholding the sanctity of marriage as ordained by God. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 22:17If her father utterly refuse to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins. Nave's Topical Index Library Whether any Gifts Should be Assigned as Dowry to the Blessed? It is Very Desirable that Parents Should Encourage the Desire for ... St. Ambrose Exhorts Parents to Train their Children to virginity.. ... Whether Seduction Should be Reckoned a Species of Lust? These Things Being Said by God, While the Trumpets Uttered their ... The General Service to a Nun. Justinus' Triad of Principles; his Angelography Founded on this ... Saul Envies David for his Glorious Success, and Takes an Occasion ... General Service to a Nun-Martyr. Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Resources What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary? | GotQuestions.orgWhy would God's law command a woman who is not a virgin on her wedding night to be stoned to death? | GotQuestions.org Does Deuteronomy 22:28-29 command a rape victim to marry her rapist? | GotQuestions.org Virgin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Virgin of the Body of Christ (The Ekklesia) Virgin: A Priest Could Marry Only A Virgin: Advised by Paul not to Marry Virgin: Betrothal of, a Quasi-Marriage Virgin: Character of, to be Protected Virgin: Distinguishing Apparel of Virgin: Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgin: Virginity of, Bewailed Related Terms Virgin-daughter (3 Occurrences) |
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