In biblical times, the concept of a dower, or dowry, was an integral part of marriage customs and family arrangements. The dower refers to the property or wealth that a bride brings to her husband upon marriage. This practice is evident in various biblical narratives and laws, reflecting the socio-economic and familial structures of ancient Israelite society.

Old Testament Context

The practice of providing a dower is seen in several Old Testament accounts. One of the most notable examples is found in the account of Jacob and Laban. Jacob worked for seven years to marry Rachel, but was deceived into marrying Leah first. He then worked an additional seven years for Rachel (Genesis 29:18-30). Although this narrative primarily highlights Jacob's labor as a bride price rather than a dower, it underscores the economic transactions involved in marriage agreements.

In the Mosaic Law, the concept of a dower is indirectly referenced in the regulations concerning marriage and family. For instance, Exodus 22:16-17 states, "If a man entices a virgin who is not pledged in marriage and lies with her, he must pay the bride price, and she will be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride price for virgins." This passage indicates the financial obligations associated with marriage, emphasizing the protection and provision for the woman.

Cultural and Social Implications

The dower served multiple purposes in ancient Israelite society. It was a form of security for the bride, ensuring her financial stability in the event of her husband's death or divorce. The dower also acted as a symbol of the husband's commitment and ability to provide for his new family. Furthermore, it reinforced alliances between families, as marriages were often strategic arrangements that strengthened social and economic ties.

New Testament Considerations

While the New Testament does not explicitly address the concept of a dower, the principles of marriage and family responsibilities are evident. The apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the mutual responsibilities of husbands and wives. In Ephesians 5:25-28 , Paul instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her... In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." This passage highlights the sacrificial love and provision expected within the marital relationship, which aligns with the protective intent behind the dower.

Conclusion

The concept of a dower in biblical times reflects the economic, social, and familial dynamics of ancient Israel. While the specific practices and customs have evolved, the underlying principles of provision, protection, and commitment within marriage remain significant in biblical teachings.1. (n.) That with which one is gifted or endowed; endowment; gift.

2. (n.) The property with which a woman is endowed

3. (n.) That which a woman brings to a husband in marriage; dowry.

4. (n.) That portion of the real estate of a man which his widow enjoys during her life, or to which a woman is entitled after the death of her husband.

7964. shilluchim -- a sending away, parting gift
... shil-loo'-akh}; from shalach; (only in plural) a dismissal, ie (of a wife) divorce
(especially the document); also (of a daughter) dower -- presents, have sent ...
/hebrew/7964.htm - 6k

Rest of the Weary Heart,
... Joy to the pilgrim heart. Dower of the needy soul,. Brother and Friend; ... Life
without end; Jesus, my all control,. Dower of the needy soul. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/vi rest of the weary.htm

Kingo's Church Hymns
... The Church of God our mother,. The Holy Ghost our guide; Our blest baptismal dower.
The bands of hell has riven. And opened us God's heaven,. ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter six kingos church hymns.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... AND EVIL HABITS"FOLLOWS HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS AS A BRAZIER"ENLISTS FOR A
SOLDIER"RETURNS FROM THE WARS AND OBTAINS AN AMIABLE, RELIGIOUS WIFE"HER DOWER ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Hymn for Christmas-Day
... Sweet babe, of chastity the flower, A virgin's blest mysterious dower! Rise
in Thy twofold nature's might: Rise, God and man to reunite! ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/xi hymn for christmas-day.htm

Christian Power.
... When woman did her sin deplore, Thou whispered, "Go, and sin no more." When wicked
Simon saw thy power He strove to win thee with a dower; Within his sinful ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /christian power.htm

The Ministry of Intercession
... The ministry that cannot be A wondering seraph's dower, Enduing mortal weakness
With more than angel-power; The ministry of purest love Uncrossed by any fear ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/the ministry of intercession.htm

The Romans Provided Gods for Birth, Nay, Even Before Birth, to ...
... [972] If I must touch on their nuptial duties, there is Afferenda whose appointed
function is to see to the offering of the dower; but fie on you! ...
/.../tertullian/ad nationes/chapter xi the romans provided gods.htm

Conclusion the Resurrection of the Flesh in Its Absolute Identity ...
... She has her dower, her outfit, her fortune in the flesh, which shall accompany
her with the love and fidelity of a foster-sister. ...
/.../chapter lxiii conclusion the resurrection of.htm

Examination of the Antitheses of Marcion, Bringing them to the ...
... To encourage a belief of this Gospel he has actually [3483] devised for it a sort
of dower, [3484] in a work composed of contrary statements set in opposition ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter i examination of the antitheses.htm

Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ...
... pleasing either, make Christianity a monster, half horse and half man; but allow
us to serve only Christ, content with his immortal dower, and imitating the ...
/.../faustus rejects the old testament.htm

Dower (4 Occurrences)
...Dower (4 Occurrences). ... Genesis 34:12 Ask me never so much dower and gift, and I will
give according as ye shall say to me: but give me the damsel for a wife. ...
/d/dower.htm - 8k

Down (12601 Occurrences)

/d/down.htm - 9k

Endow (3 Occurrences)
... money or its equivalent, as a permanent fund for support; to make pecuniary provision
for; to settle an income upon; especially, to furnish with dower; as, to ...
/e/endow.htm - 8k

Endowment (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of bestowing a dower, fund,
or permanent provision for support. 2. (n.) That which is ...
/e/endowment.htm - 7k

Dowry (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The money or property a woman brings to her husband in marriage;
a bride's portion on her marriage. See Dower. ... See Dower. Int. ...
/d/dowry.htm - 11k

Dove-sellers (1 Occurrence)
Dove-sellers. Dovesdung, Dove-sellers. Dower . Multi-Version Concordance
Dove-sellers (1 Occurrence). ... Dovesdung, Dove-sellers. Dower . Reference Bible.
/d/dove-sellers.htm - 6k

Concubinage (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) A plea, in which it is alleged that the woman suing for dower was not lawfully
married to the man in whose lands she seeks to be endowed, but that she ...
/c/concubinage.htm - 7k

Attach (12 Occurrences)
... 7. (vi) To adhere; to be attached. 8. (vi) To come into legal operation in connection
with anything; to vest; as, dower will attach. 9. (n.) An attachment. ...
/a/attach.htm - 11k

Ptolemy
... to disobey Rome, Antiochus compromised by making peace with Ptolemy and betrothing
to him his daughter Cleopatra, who was to receive as her dower the revenues ...
/p/ptolemy.htm - 17k

Solomon (277 Occurrences)
... 5. Alliance with Egypt: Second to Hiram was the Pharaoh of Egypt, whose daughter
Solomon married, receiving as her dower the town of Gezer (1 Kings 9:16). ...
/s/solomon.htm - 101k

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