King James Bible Dictionary

To promise "by one's truth." Men and women were betrothed when they were engaged to be married. This usually took place a year or more before marriage. From the time of betrothal the woman was regarded as the lawful wife of the man to whom she was betrothed (Deuteronomy 28:30; Judges 14:2, 8; Matthew 1:18-21). The term is figuratively employed of the spiritual connection between God and his people (Hosea 2:19, 20).

BETROTH', verb transitive [be and troth, truth, faith. See Truth, and Troth.]

1. To contract to any one, in order to a future marriage; to promise or pledge one to be the future spouse of another; to affiance; used of either sex. 'The father betroths his daughter.'

2. To contract with one for a future spouse; to espouse; as, a man betroths a lady.

3. To nominate to a bishopric, in order to consecration.

Of Jacob
Genesis 29:18-30

Exempts from military duty
Deuteronomy 20:7

A quasi marriage
Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:27

Figurative
Isaiah 62:4; Hosea 2:19-20; 2 Corinthians 11:2
Marriage

BETROTH'ED, participle passive Contracted for future marriage.

[MARRIAGE.1]

BETROTH'ING, participle present tense Contracting to any one, in order to a future marriage, as the father or guardian; contracting with one for a future wife, as the intended husband; espousing.

BETROTH'MENT, noun A mutual promise or contract between two parties, for a future marriage between the persons betrothed; espousals.