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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding key Greek words is essential for interpreting the New Testament and recognizing the depth of cultural context embedded in the Scriptures. One such word is μνηστεύω (mnēsteuō), which appears in Matthew 1:18 in reference to Mary being betrothed to Joseph. This word, linked to the concept of engagement or betrothal, reveals much about the marriage customs in ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman culture. The process of μνηστεύω reflects not only legal and social aspects of marriage but also the deep commitments made before marriage was finalized. Understanding this term brings clarity to narratives like the nativity story, highlighting the significance of Mary’s betrothal to Joseph under the legal and spiritual frameworks of the time.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μνηστεύω (mnēsteuō)

Transliteration: mnēsteuō

Pronunciation: /mnay-STYOO-oh/

Etymology:

The word μνηστεύω stems from the root mnēstis, meaning “wooing” or “courting.” It relates closely to the verb mnēomai, which means “to remember.” In this context, μνηστεύω conveys the formal arrangement of a betrothal or engagement, a binding promise between two individuals before the completion of marriage.

Part of Speech:

Verb. μνηστεύω is a verb that refers to the act of betrothing or being engaged. In the biblical context, it indicates a formal commitment often involving legal and familial obligations before the actual marriage takes place.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Betrothal/Engagement:

The primary meaning of μνηστεύω is “to betroth” or “to engage.” It signifies a formal agreement or pledge to marry, which was a binding legal contract in Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures. This word captures the weight of this commitment, which was considered legally and morally significant, even before the marriage was consummated.

2. Formal Agreement/Promise:

Another meaning emphasizes the formal nature of the betrothal. Betrothals were not casual; they were formal agreements involving families, with legal and sometimes religious implications.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Γαμέω (gameō) [gah-MEH-oh]: This word means “to marry.” While μνηστεύω refers to the engagement period, gameō refers to the actual marriage event. The two terms are closely linked, but μνηστεύω deals with the promise, while gameō concerns the fulfillment.

2. Συνευδοκέω (syneudokeō) [soon-you-do-KEH-oh]: This word means “to agree” or “approve together,” used more generally for agreements. It doesn’t carry the same marital or formal commitment implications as μνηστεύω.

3. Ἐπιτυγχάνω (epitynchanō) [ep-ee-TUNG-khan-oh]: Meaning “to obtain” or “achieve,” this word focuses on obtaining something, which can be related to marriage arrangements but lacks the formal, binding nature of μνηστεύω.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:

• Tense: μνηστεύω is often found in the aorist tense in the New Testament, indicating a completed action, such as the act of betrothing.

• Voice: Active or middle. In the active voice, it refers to the action of betrothing someone. In the middle voice, it can imply someone betrothing themselves or arranging their own betrothal.

• Mood: Indicative or participle, used in narrative contexts to describe past events or ongoing states related to engagement.

Person and Number:

The verb is conjugated according to person and number, depending on the subject. For example, “he betrothed” would be in the third person singular form.

For more details on verb conjugation in Greek, click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Insights from various lexicons reveal that μνηστεύω is consistently understood as a formal and binding commitment to marry. In Jewish tradition, a betrothal was legally binding, even before the wedding ceremony and consummation of the marriage. The word emphasizes the seriousness of this engagement period, which could only be broken by a formal divorce, as illustrated in the story of Mary and Joseph. In the New Testament, the word carries significant cultural and theological implications, portraying both legal and spiritual fidelity. The word also appears in classical Greek literature to describe formal promises of marriage or other legal commitments.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 1:18 – “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused [μνηστεύω] to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.”

2. Luke 1:27 – “To a virgin espoused [μνηστεύω] to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.”

3. Luke 2:5 – “To be taxed with Mary his espoused [μνηστεύω] wife, being great with child.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Example Text

Plato Symposium “He was betrothed [μνηστεύω] to a noblewoman from Athens.”

Herodotus Histories “The king betrothed [μνηστεύω] his daughter to the prince.”

Septuagint Genesis 24:51 “Rebekah is before thee; take her and let her be thy wife.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word μνηστεύω (mnēsteuō), meaning “to betroth” or “engage,” plays a crucial role in understanding New Testament passages like Matthew 1:18, which describe the relationship between Mary and Joseph. It reflects a binding legal and moral commitment, one that was considered equivalent to marriage in many ways, even before the wedding ceremony took place. This word encapsulates the formality and significance of engagements in both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, highlighting the deep spiritual and cultural implications of marital agreements in the biblical world.

Did You Know?

1. In Jewish law, betrothal (μνηστεύω) was legally binding and could only be dissolved by divorce.

2. The betrothal period could last up to a year before the wedding, and the couple was often considered husband and wife in many legal aspects.

3. Betrothal ceremonies often involved the exchange of gifts and were witnessed by both families to formalize the agreement.