In biblical times, the giving of presents at marriages was a customary practice that signified the establishment of a covenant and the joining of two families. This tradition is evident in several scriptural accounts, where gifts were exchanged as part of the marriage process, reflecting both the social and spiritual significance of the union.

One of the earliest examples of this practice is found in the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah. Abraham's servant, who was sent to find a wife for Isaac, presented gifts to Rebekah and her family as part of the betrothal process. Genesis 24:53 states, "Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother." These gifts served not only as a bride price but also as a demonstration of goodwill and commitment to the marriage covenant.

Similarly, the account of Jacob and Leah illustrates the concept of working as a form of gift or dowry. Jacob agreed to work for Laban, Leah's father, for seven years in exchange for her hand in marriage. Genesis 29:18 records, "Jacob loved Rachel, so he answered, 'I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.'" Although the circumstances of Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel were complex, the initial agreement highlights the importance of offering something of value in the context of marriage.

In the New Testament, the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, while not directly mentioning the giving of presents, reflects the cultural context of marriage celebrations, which often included the exchange of gifts and the preparation for the bridegroom's arrival. The anticipation and preparation for the wedding feast underscore the communal and celebratory nature of marriage, where gifts played a significant role.

The giving of presents at marriages in biblical times was not merely a transactional arrangement but a meaningful expression of love, commitment, and the joining of families. It underscored the sacredness of the marriage covenant and the joy of the union, as well as the responsibilities and blessings that came with it.Genesis 24:53
And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 45:12
And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall entreat your favor.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The End of Cambyses.
... except those whose early life has been given up to ... in the guilt of their incestuous
marriages we can ... The presents were, however, only a pretext, to enable the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter ii the end of.htm

Excursus on the Marriage of the Clergy.
... his affections which must necessarily be given to the ... time during which any real
difficulty presents itself is ... The Apostles were chosen when either virgins or ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the marriage of.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... xi.); [263] Jacob's yearly presents to his father and ... he is really recalling the
warnings given in Deuteronomy ... They were to be exterminated, not merely for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Epistle xxvii. To Januarius, Bishop.
... knowest that the bearer of these presents, Epiphanius the ... so, we have seen to his
being given up to ... here that persons recognized as such were ordinarily exempt ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxvii to januarius bishop.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... all important matters, especially as to the marriages of their ... I saw, too, that they
sent presents to the Temple ... off to the Temple; the poor were given the next ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Controversy
... By the words of Christ the Sadducees were put to silence. ... of the heart, the right
place will be given to our ... Our Lord presents the first four and the last six ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 66 controversy.htm

Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ...
... parents, he would send him back with presents, and this ... I was thy sister's son, and
thou hadst given me thy ... been tolerable; but as to those that were put upon ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 19 concerning jacobs flight.htm

Concerning Sanballat and Manasseh, and the Temple which they Built ...
... mother also, and his wife and children, were taken captives ... army with provisions;
and that what presents he formerly ... the messengers, that he had given his oath ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning sanballat and.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... appoint judges according to the wisdom [given thee] of ... twelve talents by weight;
for these Presents had been ... their wives, and the children which were born of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm

Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee.
... the work which his Father had given him to ... Even the minds of the Samaritans were
prepared to ... The incident comprised in this section presents the expansiveness ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxvi jesus sets out from 2.htm

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Presents: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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