Marriage arrangements varied across biblical periods, but betrothal normally established a recognized marital commitment before the couple began ordinary married life. In the New Testament setting, ending a betrothal could require divorce rather than simply breaking an engagement.
Customs & Culture
Betrothal and Marriage
Biblical betrothal was a formal and binding stage of marriage, more consequential than a modern engagement. A betrothed couple could already be described in marital terms even before they began living together.
Primary Scripture
Historical and Cultural Background
Biblical Examples
Matthew 1 describes Mary as betrothed to Joseph while also calling Joseph her husband and describing his intention to divorce her quietly. The legal and social force of betrothal explains this language.
Biblical Significance
Understanding betrothal makes Joseph's dilemma in Matthew 1 much clearer. Mary was not merely his fiancee in the modern sense. Joseph believed that a binding marital commitment had been violated, yet he sought a course that would avoid publicly disgracing her.
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Common Misconceptions
Biblical betrothal should not simply be equated with a modern engagement. Details also differed by period and community, so later Jewish wedding customs should not automatically be projected backward into every biblical marriage.
Historical Setting and Evidence
Culture: Israelite, Judean/Jewish
Period: Patriarchal Period, Exodus and Wilderness, Conquest and Judges, United Monarchy, Divided Monarchy, Kingdom of Judah, Babylonian Exile, Persian Period, Hellenistic Period, Hasmonean Period, Roman / Second Temple Period
Evidence: Well Attested
Interpretive Importance: Essential
The binding character of Jewish betrothal is well attested in ancient Jewish legal tradition and is directly reflected in Matthew 1.
Scripture References
Related Information
Sources
Matthew 1:18-25; Deuteronomy 22:23-29; Mishnah Kiddushin; Josephus, Antiquities.