Lockman - Bible questions and answers

Results 1 - 2 of 2
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse
Results		Verse	Author	ID#
1	Did "betrothed" couples live together?	Matt 1:19	KraZ4myKing	141580
	In Hebrew culture, did a man and woman live together under the same roof during their betrothal period? In other words, were Mary and Joseph living under the same roof before they were officially married? My professor at school believes that they were probably living together, but he also said that betrothed couples weren't allowed to have sex until the marriage was official. This doesn't make sense. The Christian community condemns unmarried couples living together because it encourages sex. However, my professor said that the temptation to have sex back in Mary and Joseph's day was not as relevant because there was no birth control. Thus if you had sex, you got pregnant. I am extremely confused. I don't know about ancient Hebrew culture as well as I should, but is there any evidence for my professor's statement?
2	Did "betrothed" couples live together?	Matt 1:19	MJH	141581
	In the Hebrew culture, of which Joseph and Mary were apart, in the first century, engaged couples did not live together. In short, the engagement occurred between the couple’s father. The girl did have a say in the choice (and I presume the mother as well). After the engagement, the groom-to-be went home to his fathers house and added a room to the fathers household. When the father said that it was time, and not before (the son did not usually know the date or time of the wedding), then the wedding party would depart from the village and go to the brides village (if different) with trumpets and all announcing the wedding day. The girl and family went back to the groom’s home, they married, went together in the room or house, and afterward partied for 7 days. This is the basic idea of a wedding in first century Galilee. There may have been variations and I may have some small points out of place, but the main point for your professor is that they certainly did not live together. Your professor will not just accept my knowledge, so some books to help prove your point: “Life in Biblical Israel” by Philip J King and Lawrence E Stager. “Our Father Abraham”, Marvin R Wilson. “Mishnah” Translated by Darby. “. . . the bride was not to be seen by her intended husband until their entry into the wedding chamber.” Life in Biblical Israel” Page 54 For first century teachings of the Jews about Marriage you can consult the “Mishnah”, translated by Darby. It has a huge amount of the oral teachings about such matters most of which Joseph and family would have been aware of and none I assure you allow for the two to be together before marriage. Don’t forget that Joseph was described as being “devout” in Matt. 1:19. I hope this helps. MJH

Search for your Bible question and answer here:

Support us when shopping at smile.amazon.com