Topical Bible: Marriage: A Dowry Given to the Woman's Parents Before

◄ Marriage: A Dowry Given to the Woman's Parents Before ►

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In biblical times, marriage customs often included the practice of giving a dowry, also known as a bride price, to the woman's parents. This practice is rooted in ancient Near Eastern traditions and is reflected in various passages throughout the Bible. The dowry served multiple purposes, including compensating the bride's family for the loss of her labor and ensuring the husband's commitment to the marriage.

Biblical Instances of Dowry

One of the earliest references to the dowry is found in the account of Isaac and Rebekah. In Genesis 24, Abraham's servant, seeking a wife for Isaac, presents gifts to Rebekah's 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 to her mother."

Another significant example is the marriage of Jacob to Leah and Rachel. In Genesis 29, Jacob agrees to work for Laban, the father of Leah and Rachel, for seven years as a form of dowry for Rachel. However, Laban deceives Jacob, giving him Leah first, and Jacob ultimately works an additional seven years for Rachel. This narrative highlights the dowry as a form of labor or service, rather than a monetary payment.

In Exodus 22:16-17 , the law provides guidance on the dowry in cases of seduction: "If a man entices a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride price, 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 dowry's role in legitimizing marriage and protecting the woman's honor.

Cultural and Theological Significance

The dowry system in biblical times was not merely a financial transaction but held cultural and theological significance. It was a tangible expression of the groom's commitment and ability to provide for his future wife. The dowry also served as a form of security for the bride, ensuring her well-being in the event of her husband's death or divorce.

From a theological perspective, the dowry can be seen as a reflection of the covenantal nature of marriage. Just as God enters into a covenant with His people, marked by promises and commitments, the dowry symbolizes the binding agreement between the husband and wife and their families.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention the practice of dowries, the cultural context of the time suggests that such customs continued. The emphasis in the New Testament shifts towards the spiritual and relational aspects of marriage, as seen in passages like Ephesians 5:25-33, where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loves the church.

In summary, the practice of giving a dowry in biblical times was an integral part of the marriage process, reflecting cultural norms and theological principles. It underscored the seriousness of the marriage covenant and provided security for the bride, aligning with the broader biblical themes of commitment, provision, and covenantal love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 29:18
And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter.
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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.
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1 Samuel 18:27,28
Why David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife.
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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:
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Library

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... and one day"might be betrothed or given away by ... as also what came to her after marriage
by inheritance ... husband should have the usufruct of her dowry, and of ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... In the early days, among the Hebrews, marriage by purchase from the father or ... custom;
but in the time of which we are writing a dowry was given with the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Chapter xxiv
... In this instance there is first of all a gift to the bride, then a gift to those
who gave her in marriage. ... A dowry (m??har) was regularly given. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiv.htm

Women of the Frankish Church
... where she dwelt, and united her to him in marriage. ... and she offered to willingly
relinquish her dowry if he ... If the accounts given by Frankish historians may be ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/viii women of the frankish.htm

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ...
... marriage-baldacchino, under which the regular marriage ceremony is ... same amount of
instruction being given to girls as ... bound to provide a fixed dowry for female ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 8 subjects of study.htm

The Great Furnace for a Great Soul
... The matter of Ai Do's marriage had been under consideration ... matter of the sum required
as dowry could not ... insisted at her request that decent burial be given. ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xi the great furnace.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he ... another wife, he shall give
her her dowry, her clothes ... them, there was no other name given under heaven ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... their possessions into the community by marriage, and yet ... The dowry would consist
of a carefully marked out field ... three copies at least, two being given by the ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm