Being betrothed in biblical times was a sacred commitment, reflecting God’s design for marriage. Today, let’s see how Scripture uses betrothal to teach about faithfulness and God’s covenant with His people.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Bethlehem
What Does The Bible Say About Betrothed
Deuteronomy 22:23-24
“If a man happens to meet in a town a virgin pledged to be married and he sleeps with her, you shall take both of them to the gate of that town and stone them to death – the young woman because she was in a town and did not scream for help, and the man because he violated another man’s wife. You must purge the evil from among you.”
This verse highlights the seriousness of premarital sexual relations in ancient Israel. It emphasizes the importance of fidelity and upholding the sanctity of marriage. The punishment serves as a deterrent and a way to maintain the moral fabric of society.
While the harshness of the punishment may be difficult for us to comprehend today, it reveals the significance God places on the commitment of marriage and the need for individuals to honor their betrothed partner.
Matthew 1:18-19
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
This verse tells the story of Joseph and Mary, highlighting their betrothal and the scandal that arose due to Mary’s unexpected pregnancy. Despite the potential shame and societal pressure, Joseph’s initial intention was to divorce Mary quietly, demonstrating his righteousness.
However, God intervened through an angelic message, revealing the supernatural nature of Mary’s pregnancy and instructing Joseph to proceed with the marriage. This verse exemplifies Joseph’s obedience, faithfulness, and willingness to trust in God’s plan, even in challenging circumstances.
Luke 1:27
“To a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.”
This verse introduces Mary as a virgin pledged to be married to Joseph. It marks the beginning of the narrative surrounding the birth of Jesus and sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan through this young woman.
Mary’s betrothal is significant as it emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Messiah. It highlights her favored position in God’s eyes and her role as the chosen vessel to bring forth the Savior of the world.
Matthew 1:20
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'”
After contemplating the situation, Joseph receives divine intervention through an angelic visitation in a dream. The angel reassures Joseph, encouraging him to proceed with his plans to marry Mary, assuring him that the child she carries is not the result of infidelity but a miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit.
This verse demonstrates God’s sovereignty and the divine orchestration of events to fulfill His redemptive plan. It also highlights Joseph’s obedience and trust in God, ultimately accepting Mary as his wife and becoming a vital figure in Jesus’ earthly upbringing.
Matthew 1:24
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”
Joseph’s response to the angel’s message serves as a testament to his faith and obedience. Upon awakening, he immediately follows the angel’s instructions without hesitation, taking Mary as his wife.
This verse showcases Joseph’s role as a faithful servant of God, willing to submit to divine direction even if it challenges societal norms or personal expectations. It also establishes the foundation of a secure family unit for Jesus’ upbringing.
Luke 2:5
“He [Joseph] went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”
This verse captures Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem to fulfill the Roman census requirement. It emphasizes their commitment to each other during their betrothal period and highlights the uniqueness of Jesus’ birth, as Mary was already expecting a child.
The verse underscores Joseph’s faithfulness to Mary and his willingness to undertake the arduous journey while supporting her during her pregnancy. It also sets the stage for the humble circumstances in which Jesus would enter the world.
Matthew 1:25
“But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
This verse indicates that Joseph refrained from sexual relations with Mary until after the birth of Jesus, ensuring the fulfillment of the prophecy that Jesus would be born of a virgin.
Joseph’s self-control and respect for God’s plan reveal his character and integrity. This verse affirms the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing the supernatural intervention of God in the fulfillment of prophecy.
Luke 2:4
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David because he belonged to the house and line of David.”
This verse describes Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, fulfilling the requirement of the census. It also highlights Joseph’s ancestral connection to the house and lineage of David, fulfilling the Messianic prophecies.
Joseph’s obedience to the governmental decree further illustrates his commitment to fulfilling God’s plans and aligning with divine providence.
Luke 2:16
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”
After the angelic announcement and the birth of Jesus, the shepherds were directed to find the newborn Messiah. In their haste, they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger.
This verse highlights the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth, as well as the shepherds’ fulfillment of the angel’s message. It underscores the role of Joseph as the earthly father figure, providing support and protection for Mary and the baby Jesus.
Luke 2:19
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Following the angelic visitation, the shepherds’ arrival, and the subsequent adoration of the newborn Jesus, Mary quietly reflects on these events, treasuring them in her heart.
This verse speaks to Mary’s contemplative nature and her deep understanding of the significance of Jesus’ birth. It demonstrates her spiritual maturity and her willingness to trust in God’s unfolding plan.
Luke 2:33
“The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.”
After presenting Jesus at the temple, Simeon blesses Him, sharing prophetic words with Mary and Joseph. This verse indicates their astonishment and wonder at the words spoken about their child.
Mary and Joseph’s amazement highlights their recognition of the extraordinary nature of Jesus’ birth and the divine purpose He carries. It further reinforces their faith and deepens their understanding of the special role they play in God’s redemptive narrative.
Luke 2:43-44
“After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then, they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.”
During a trip to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, Joseph and Mary unintentionally leave twelve-year-old Jesus behind as they return home. They only realize He is missing after a day of travel, and they begin searching for Him.
This verse demonstrates the fallibility and vulnerability of Mary and Joseph as earthly parents, reminding us that they faced challenges and made mistakes. It also highlights the unique role they played in nurturing and raising Jesus.
Luke 2:51
“Then he [Jesus] went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.”
Following their reunion in Jerusalem, Luke emphasizes Jesus’ obedience to Mary and Joseph as they return to Nazareth. Mary, once again, ponders the significance of these events in her heart.
This verse affirms the harmonious family dynamic between Jesus, Mary, and Joseph while also underscoring Jesus’ divine calling and submission to His earthly parents. It emphasizes Mary’s continual reflection and deep spiritual understanding.
Matthew 2:13
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.'”
Following the visit of the Magi, Joseph receives another divine warning through a dream. An angel instructs him to flee to Egypt with Jesus and Mary to escape Herod’s threat to the child’s life.
This verse underscores Joseph’s role as the protector and provider for his family. It highlights his immediate obedience to divine guidance, ensuring the safety of Jesus and fulfilling yet another prophecy concerning the Messiah.
Matthew 2:14
“So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt.”
Joseph’s response to the angel’s warning is immediate and decisive. He takes Jesus and Mary during the night and escapes to Egypt as instructed.
This verse emphasizes Joseph’s unwavering trust in God’s guidance and his commitment to safeguarding Jesus’ life. It also portrays him as a man of action, demonstrating his role as the earthly guardian of the Messiah.
Matthew 2:19-20
“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.'”
Following Herod’s death, Joseph once again receives divine instruction through a dream, this time directing him to return to Israel with Jesus and Mary.
This verse portrays Joseph as a faithful and attentive listener to God’s guidance, demonstrating his obedience in protecting and raising Jesus in accordance with God’s plan.
Matthew 2:21
“So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.”
Joseph’s swift compliance with the angel’s message is evident once again. He promptly takes Jesus and Mary and returns to the land of Israel.
This verse reaffirms Joseph’s consistent obedience, trust, and devotion to fulfilling God’s purposes. It also portrays his commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for Jesus’ upbringing.
Luke 2:39
“When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.”
After fulfilling their religious obligations, Joseph and Mary return to Nazareth in Galilee.
This verse underscores their commitment to observing the Mosaic Law and their faithfulness in carrying out their religious duties. It also highlights their willingness to live in obedience to God’s commands, setting an example for Jesus as He grows and matures.
Luke 2:51-52
“Then he [Jesus] went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Continuing the account of Jesus’ adolescence, Luke depicts His obedience to Mary and Joseph upon their return to Nazareth. Mary continues pondering these events in her heart, and Jesus grows in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people.
This verse showcases the positive family dynamics and the formative role Mary and Joseph played in Jesus’ development. It highlights Jesus’ growth in every aspect of His being, both supernatural and natural, as He prepares for His public ministry.
John 2:1-2
“On the third day, a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.”
This verse introduces a significant event in Jesus’ ministry: the wedding at Cana. Mary, Jesus, and His disciples were present at the celebration, setting the stage for Jesus’ inaugural miracle.
The inclusion of Mary in this event showcases her integral role in Jesus’ life and ministry. The wedding provides a context for Jesus to affirm the sanctity of the marriage covenant and manifests His divine power and authority.
Ephesians 5:31-32
“‘For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”
This verse quotes from Genesis, emphasizing the divine design of marriage, where a man and woman become one in a covenantal union. Paul later reveals that this marital union is a profound mystery that ultimately parallels the relationship between Christ and the Church.
This verse elevates the significance of marriage in God’s redemptive plan and draws attention to the spiritual symbolism embedded within the union of a husband and wife. It underscores the importance of honoring the covenant of marriage and using it as a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church.
As we explore these Bible verses about betrothal, we encounter various narratives and teachings that shed light on the significance of this sacred commitment. The theme of betrothal holds a central place in biblical accounts, portraying the faithfulness, obedience, and divine intervention surrounding couples like Joseph and Mary, who trusted in God’s plan amidst challenging circumstances. These verses also uphold the sanctity of marriage, encouraging fidelity and emphasizing the significant role spouses play in shaping the lives of their children and fulfilling God’s purposes. Furthermore, passages concerning the birth and upbringing of Jesus convey profound theological truths about His identity as the Messiah, while underscoring the unique roles of Mary and Joseph as obedient servants who embraced God’s divine calling. Overall, these verses inspire us to approach betrothal and marriage with reverence and commitment, seeking to honor God’s design and reflecting His purposes in our own relationships.