Topical Bible: Wife: Purchased

◄ Wife: Purchased ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, the concept of a wife being "purchased" is rooted in ancient Near Eastern customs and legal practices. This notion is primarily associated with the practice of bride price or dowry, which was a common tradition in biblical times. The bride price was a sum of money or goods paid by the groom or his family to the bride's family as part of the marriage agreement.

Biblical Context and References

1. Genesis 24:53 · In the account of Isaac and Rebekah, Abraham's servant gives gifts to Rebekah and her 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."

2. Exodus 22:16-17 · The Law of Moses includes regulations regarding the bride price: "If a man entices a virgin who is not betrothed and lies with her, he must pay the bride price for her to be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride price for virgins."

3. 1 Samuel 18:25 · King Saul's request for a bride price from David for his daughter Michal illustrates the practice: "Then Saul replied, 'Say to David, "The king desires no other bride price except a hundred Philistine foreskins, to take revenge on his enemies."' But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines."

Cultural and Legal Implications

The practice of paying a bride price was not intended to commodify women but rather served several purposes within the cultural and legal framework of the time:

· Security and Stability: The bride price acted as a form of security for the bride, ensuring that her family was compensated for the loss of her labor and presence. It also provided financial stability for the bride in the event of her husband's death or divorce.

· Covenantal Agreement: The exchange of a bride price was part of the covenantal agreement between families, symbolizing the seriousness and commitment of the marriage contract.

· Social Status and Honor: The ability to pay a bride price was often a reflection of the groom's social status and ability to provide for a family, thus enhancing the honor and reputation of both families involved.

Theological Considerations

From a theological perspective, the concept of a wife being "purchased" can be understood in light of the broader biblical narrative of covenant and redemption. Marriage is often used as a metaphor for the relationship between God and His people, with Christ as the bridegroom and the Church as His bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). In this context, the sacrificial love and commitment of Christ serve as the ultimate fulfillment of the marriage covenant, transcending cultural practices and pointing to a deeper spiritual reality.

Conclusion

While the practice of purchasing a wife through a bride price may seem foreign to modern readers, it is essential to understand it within its historical and cultural context. The biblical narrative consistently upholds the dignity and value of women, emphasizing mutual love, respect, and commitment in the marriage relationship.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 29:1
Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.
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Exodus 21:7-11
And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.
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Ruth 4:10
Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead on his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brothers, and from the gate of his place: you are witnesses this day.
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Library

O virgin-Youth that Art Become Bridegroom, Move to a Little ...
... become bridegroom, move to a little jealousy thy mind, towards her who is the wife
of thy ... A flock it is that was purchased with the blood, of that chief of the ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xx o virgin-youth that.htm

St. Ambrose Explains that He is not Speaking against Marriage...
... 29. And next, what expense is necessary that even a beautiful wife may not fail
to please? ... Is this display purchased, or is it a real possession? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi st ambrose explains.htm

Letter vi. To Anastasius, Bishop of Thessalonica.
... Permit no licence to personal favour, nor to canvassing, nor to purchased votes. ...
to have enjoined on such, viz., that he be the husband of one wife, and that ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter vi to anastasius bishop.htm

Concerning the Signal Chastity of Joseph.
... 2. For when his master's wife was fallen in love with him, both on account of ... as
to do what would tend to the affront and injury of him that purchased him, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 concerning the signal.htm

The Marriage of the Lamb.
... The wife had been made ready by its having been "granted that she should be ... But first
it is necessary to redeem the "purchased possession" (Eph.1:14), to ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the marriage of the lamb.htm

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... give this as the first mark of performance of the present league, that he might
have his wife Michal restored to him, as her whom he had purchased with great ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

Genesis
... His wife died, and for a burial-place he purchased from the natives a field and
cave in Hebron, thus winning in the promised land ground he could legally call ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/genesis.htm

Ephesians vi. 8-May
... Hast thou purchased, hast thou bought thy slave ... Because here too there are offices
of authority; for instance, the husband has authority over the wife, the wife ...
/.../homily xxii ephesians vi 8-may.htm

CHAPTER III.
... subject, namely, the disciplinary punishment to which he subjects his wife,"the
Lord ... Between the second verse, "I purchased her to me," etc., and the third ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chapter iii.htm

Elhanan Winchester.
... where they held their meetings for about four years, until they purchased a place
for ... In consequence of the ill treatment he experienced from his wife, he was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/elhanan winchester.htm