Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the institution of marriage was deeply rooted in family and community structures, and the consent of parents played a crucial role in the marriage of young women. This practice is evident in various passages throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the cultural and religious norms of ancient Israelite society.The concept of parental consent in marriage is first seen in the patriarchal narratives. For instance, in Genesis 24, Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant, upon finding Rebekah, seeks the approval of her family before proceeding with the marriage arrangement. Genesis 24:50-51 states, "Laban and Bethuel answered, 'This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter. Rebekah is here before you. Take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has decreed.'" Similarly, in Genesis 29, Jacob works for Laban to marry his daughters, Leah and Rachel. The narrative underscores the importance of family involvement and consent in the marriage process. Laban's role as the head of the household is pivotal in the arrangement and approval of these marriages. The Mosaic Law further codifies the necessity of parental consent in marriage. In Exodus 22:16-17 , the law addresses the situation of a man who seduces a virgin: "If a man entices a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and lies with her, he must pay the bride price, and she will be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he still must pay an amount comparable to the bride price for virgins." This passage highlights the father's authority to consent or refuse the marriage, even after a premarital relationship has occurred. The book of Numbers also provides insight into the role of parental consent. Numbers 30:3-5 discusses the vows made by young women and the authority of their fathers to nullify such vows: "And if a woman in her father’s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge, and her father hears about her vow or pledge but says nothing to her, all the vows and pledges with which she has bound herself shall stand. But if her father prohibits her on the day he hears about it, none of the vows or pledges with which she has bound herself shall stand. The LORD will absolve her because her father has prohibited her." This passage illustrates the broader principle of paternal authority over young women, extending to decisions about marriage. In the New Testament, while the cultural context had evolved, the principle of family involvement in marriage persisted. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7:36-38 , addresses the issue of a man deciding whether to give his virgin daughter in marriage: "If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward his virgin, and she is past her youth, and so it must be, he may do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married. But the man who is settled in his mind and under no compulsion, but has control over his will and has determined in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well. So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better." This passage reflects the continued expectation of parental involvement in marriage decisions. Throughout the biblical narrative, the requirement of parental consent for the marriage of young women underscores the importance of family authority and the protection of familial and communal integrity. The Scriptures consistently present marriage as a covenantal relationship that involves not only the individuals but also their families and, by extension, their communities. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 24:3,4And I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that you shall not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 34:6 Exodus 22:17 Library Letter clxvii . To Rusticus, Bishop of Gallia Narbonensis, with ... Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel The Holidays at Thagaste The British Advance, 1801-1856. Women of the Frankish Church The Fifth Commandment Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia. An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ... Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men India as Carey Found It Resources Is it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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