μνηστεύω (mnēsteuō)
mnēsteuō
to betroth
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb mnēsteuō describes the act of betrothing, specifically when a man woos and wins a woman for marriage. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, all within the infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke. It captures the formal promise to marry, a binding commitment that held significant social and legal weight in first-century Jewish culture.
The sources note that this term is used in the passive voice when referring to the woman’s status, as seen when Mary is described as being betrothed to Joseph (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:27). This usage highlights the mutual agreement and public recognition required for the union, distinguishing it from a simple romantic engagement. The word underscores the seriousness of the covenant before the couple even lived together.
Its root connects to remembrance or memory, suggesting that betrothal was a memorable, enduring pledge rather than a casual arrangement. Translators typically render it as "betrothed," which preserves the distinction from modern dating practices. This term anchors the narrative in the historical reality of marriage customs, showing how Jesus’ birth entered the world through a legally recognized family bond.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mnēsteuō points to betrothal, a formal and binding promise of marriage in first-century Jewish culture. It was far more serious than modern engagement, creating a legal covenant before the couple lived together or consummated the union. This term anchors the story of Jesus’ birth in historical reality, showing that He entered the world through a recognized family bond.
In Matthew 1:18 and Luke 1:27, we see Mary described as being betrothed to Joseph. This status meant she was legally bound to him, even though they had not yet come together as husband and wife. The seriousness of this pledge highlights the trust and obedience required in God’s plan. It reminds us that faithfulness is not just a feeling but a committed action.
Understanding this word helps us appreciate the humility and courage of Mary and Joseph. They navigated a complex social situation with integrity, trusting God’s promise above human expectation. Their story invites us to consider how we keep our own commitments, whether in marriage or other relationships. It shows that God works through ordinary, faithful people who honor their word.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- betrothed2×
- At the pledging1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμνηστευμένῃ1×
- ἐμνηστευμένην1×
- μνηστευθείσης1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
This verse establishes the legal status of Mary as betrothed to Joseph before the Holy Spirit’s intervention, highlighting the seriousness of her commitment.
-
Luke 1:27
to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Here, the term identifies Mary as a virgin pledged to Joseph, emphasizing the formal covenant that preceded Jesus’ birth.
-
Luke 2:5
to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.
This occurrence shows Joseph taking Mary, who was pledged to him, to Bethlehem, reflecting the social and legal reality of their betrothal.