^a Gr. μνηστεύω, distinct from γαμέω (to receive in marriage) and γαμίζω (to give in marriage). On betrothal, the Jewish Encyclopedia says: When the agreement [for marriage] had been entered into, it was definite and binding upon both groom and bride, who were considered as man and wife in all legal and religious aspects, except that of actual cohabitation.... The betrothal is equivalent to an actual [though incomplete] marriage and only to be dissolved by a formal divorce. In Lk 2:5, while still technically betrothed, Joseph is free to take Mary with him to Bethlehem as his wife (she is referred to as his having-been-betrothed-to-him wife).

^a Gr. μνηστεύω, distinct from γαμέω (to receive in marriage) and γαμίζω (to give in marriage). On betrothal, the Jewish Encyclopedia says: When the agreement [for marriage] had been entered into, it was definite and binding upon both groom and bride, who were considered as man and wife in all legal and religious aspects, except that of actual cohabitation.... The betrothal is equivalent to an actual [though incomplete] marriage and only to be dissolved by a formal divorce. In Lk 2:5, while still technically betrothed, Joseph is free to take Mary with him to Bethlehem as his wife (she is referred to as his having-been-betrothed-to-him wife).