How People Got Married Long Before Governments Invented Marriage Licenses

The Bible does show how people got married long before governments invented marriage licenses.
 

In fact, marriage licenses are a modern invention (1800s–1900s).
 

Biblical marriage was based on covenant, family, witnesses, and consummation, not paperwork.

Here is a clear breakdown of how people got married in the Bible, with direct Scripture examples (all KJV, which is public domain).

📜 1. Marriage Was a Family Agreement — Not a Government Contract

In the Bible, marriage was formed by:

• family involvement,

• vows or agreements,

• exchange of bride-price or gifts,

• witnesses,

• and covenant commitment.

There was no such thing as a state‑issued license.

Example: Abraham & Rebekah (Genesis 24)

Abraham’s servant negotiated with Rebekah’s family.
The family agreed, and Rebekah consented.
Then:

 

“And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, … and she became his wife.” (Genesis 24:67)

No license.
Family consent + covenant + consummation = marriage.

📜 2. A Marriage Was Formed Through a Betrothal Covenant

Betrothal in Scripture was legally binding—more serious than modern engagement.

Example: Mary & Joseph (Matthew 1:18–20)

They were betrothed but not yet living together.
Joseph is called “her husband” even before the wedding ceremony.

Betrothal = covenant marriage awaiting consummation.

📜 3. A Bride-Price or Dowry Often Sealed the Agreement

This was called mohar, a customary gift to the bride’s family.

Jacob & Rachel/Leah (Genesis 29:20–30)

Jacob worked seven years as the bride-price for Rachel.

This work was part of the marriage contract.

📜 4. Marriage Was Publicly Witnessed

Biblical marriages always involved family, witnesses, and community recognition — not government registration.

Example: Boaz & Ruth (Ruth 4)

Boaz married Ruth by:

1. Assembling elders and witnesses,

2. Making a public declaration,

3. Completing the redemption agreement.

The elders replied:

“We are witnesses.” (Ruth 4:11)

Then Ruth became his wife.
A legal covenant — but no state paperwork.

📜 5. Consummation Completed the Marriage

The physical union established the covenant fully.

Example: Jacob & Leah (Genesis 29:23)

“He went in unto her.”

The act of consummation sealed the marriage.

📜 6. God Himself Was Seen as a Witness

Malachi 2:14 calls marriage a covenant with God as a witness.

Again, covenant — not government paperwork.

📜 7. Jesus Affirmed the Original Model (No License, Just Covenant)

Jesus said marriage is formed by:

• a man,

• a woman,

• a covenant,

• becoming “one flesh.” (Matthew 19:4–6)

He never mentions state involvement.

✨ SUMMARY: How People Married Before Government Licenses

Marriage in the Bible required:

• Family agreement (Genesis 24)

• Public witnesses (Ruth 4)

• Covenant vows (Malachi 2:14)

• Bride-price or dowry (Genesis 29)

• Betrothal commitment (Matthew 1)

• Consummation (Genesis 29)

Marriage did not require:

• Paperwork

• A license

• Government registration

Biblical marriage was fundamentally a covenant before God and witnesses, not a state-issued contract.

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