Topical Bible: Marriage: Infidelity of Those Contracted In, Punished As If Married

◄ Marriage: Infidelity of Those Contracted In, Punished As If Married ►

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In biblical times, the sanctity of marriage was held in high regard, and the commitment between a man and a woman was considered a covenant before God. This covenant was not only applicable to those who were fully married but also extended to those who were betrothed or engaged. The infidelity of individuals in such contracted relationships was treated with the same severity as adultery within marriage.

Betrothal as Binding as Marriage

The concept of betrothal in ancient Israel was a formal and binding agreement, often considered as significant as marriage itself. The betrothal period was a time of preparation and commitment, during which the couple was regarded as husband and wife, though they had not yet consummated the marriage. This is evident in the account of Mary and Joseph, where Joseph is referred to as Mary's husband even before they came together (Matthew 1:18-19).

Punishment for Infidelity

The Old Testament law prescribed severe consequences for infidelity during the betrothal period, equating it with adultery. Deuteronomy 22:23-24 states: "If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man, and another man encounters her in the city and sleeps with her, you must take both of them to the gate of that city and stone them to death—the young woman because she did not cry out in the city, and the man because he has violated his neighbor’s wife. You must purge the evil from among you."

This passage underscores the gravity of infidelity during betrothal, treating it as a violation of the marital covenant. The punishment reflects the seriousness with which God viewed the sanctity of the marriage bond, even before its full consummation.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The biblical perspective on infidelity during betrothal highlights the moral and spiritual implications of such actions. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and purity, not only in marriage but also in the period leading up to it. The expectation of fidelity was rooted in the understanding that marriage is a reflection of God's covenant relationship with His people, characterized by unwavering commitment and love.

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament continues to affirm the importance of faithfulness in relationships. While the specific penalties of the Mosaic Law are not reiterated, the call to purity and fidelity remains. Jesus, in His teachings, elevates the standard of marital faithfulness, addressing not only actions but also the intentions of the heart (Matthew 5:27-28).

In summary, the biblical treatment of infidelity during betrothal as equivalent to adultery within marriage underscores the seriousness with which God views the marriage covenant. It serves as a reminder of the high calling to faithfulness and purity in all stages of a committed relationship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 22:23,24
If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed to an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 1:19
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members ...
... did this prohibition apply with respect to those nations who ... it was lawful to take
her in marriage: as was ... of his master: because the latter infidelity is not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the old law set.htm

Answers to Prayer
... acquainted with a Mr. A"", who professed infidelity, and who ... He led me to a choice
and marriage, which I ... provide for the comfort and need of those whom He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... In other cases, Faustus' infidelity has prevented him from ... of a shameless profanation
of his marriage from avarice ... Those who think that Abraham sold his wife ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... a soldier prior to his marriage, and that ... made their batteries, stormed Leicester;
those within made ... practiced in the king's presence were signally punished. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... If that other' of yours is a catholic, the man who said in the ... places in Jerusalem
which is above, and that they there contracted those dispositions which ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

The Pilgrim's Progress
... So he said unto her, My name is Secret;[21] I dwell with those that are high. It
is talked of, where I dwell, as if thou hadst a desire to go thither; also ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... by swearing, cheating, drunkenness, hypocrisy, infidelity and atheism ... to sell by,
overcharging those who take ... and entrapping her into a marriage, are admirably ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm