Betrothal was already legally binding, not our “engagement.” From that moment the couple were treated as wed: the bond could be dissolved only by formal divorce, and unfaithfulness counted as adultery. That is why Joseph, finding Mary with child while only betrothed, “was minded to put her away privily” (Matt 1:18–19). The act itself was simple: a small payment or a written pledge, given before witnesses with the stated intent to espouse. The wedding followed after an interval.
Daily life in Bible times
Betrothal
Family & home
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- Matthew 1:18bsb
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
On contested questions we show every major view, attributed and cited, and pick no winner. Answers are synthesized from primary sources, truth you can trace, not opinion.