Betrothal
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Hos. 2:19-20)—a formal and legally binding pledge preceding the completion of marriage. In biblical society families often participated strongly in arranging marriages, and a betrothed woman could already be called the man’s wife, though the couple had not begun married life together (Matt. 1:18-20). Gifts, bride-price, written agreements, and witnesses could accompany the arrangement (Gen. 24; 34:11-12), but customs varied and should not be reduced to a single commercial transaction.
Hosea uses betrothal spiritually for God’s covenant faithfulness: “I will betroth you to me forever ... in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.”