μνηστεύω
mnēsteuō
to betroth
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word μνηστεύω (mnēsteuō) with Strong's number G3423 is a verb form that literally means "to betroth." This word is used three times in the Bible, suggesting it holds significant cultural or religious meaning in the context in which it appears. As a verb, μνηστεύω likely connotes a formal agreement or commitment between individuals or families, often with implications of future union or partnership. Given its literal translation, the word μνηστεύō is likely most relevant in discussions surrounding relationships, marriage, and family obligations. Its limited occurrences in the Bible restrict our understanding of this word's nuances and broader implications. However, based on its meaning and usage, it may be inferred that μνηστεύω played a critical role in ancient Greek and Jewish cultures as a formal acknowledgement of relationships and partnerships.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
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.
Luke 1:27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Luke 2:5to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant.