Betroth: 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)