Dowry
Summary
The price or gift given by a bridegroom or his family to secure a bride, distinct from the modern concept of a bride's portion brought to her husband.
☩Marriage Custom
In biblical times, the mohar or bride-price was paid by the groom to the bride's father. Shechem offered Jacob any dowry and gift for Dinah. The custom recognized the loss to the father's household and secured the marriage agreement. A man who seduced an unbetrothed virgin was required to pay the customary dowry.
☩Notable Examples
David had no money for Saul's required dowry, so Saul demanded a hundred Philistine foreskins instead. Jacob served Laban seven years for Rachel, then seven more after Laban's deception. Sometimes service was rendered in place of monetary payment. Caleb offered his daughter Achsah to whoever would take Kirjath-sepher.
Related Verses6 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Dowry," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Dowry," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).