The
Book of Deuteronomy introduces the concept of erusin. This holds the couple accountable to the law against
adultery, which is punishable by death, while not fully considering them as married in Deuteronomy 22:23 An untraditional view is that the betrothal was effected simply by purchasing the girl from her father (or guardian) (i.e., paying a
bride price to the bride and her father). The price paid for her is known by the Hebrew term (). It was customary in
biblical times for the bride and her father to be given parts of the
mohar. Gradually, it lost its original meaning. The custom arose of giving the
mohar entirely to the bride rather than her father. The traditional commentators do not necessarily explain
mohar this way.
Rashi understands as a form of
ketubah (an agreement to pay a certain amount upon divorce), and
Nachmanides understands it as
sovlanut, a sort of
dowry or engagement present. Rashi understands Rachel and Leah's complaint to Jacob ("we are considered strangers to him for he has sold us") as saying that it was not normal for a father to sell his daughters—at least not without also giving them a dowry. Consent from a betrothed woman is not explicitly mentioned as a requirement in the Bible, but permission to forgo consent is not explicitly permitted either. That said, after encountering
Rebekah (
Genesis 24:15-16), Abraham's servant sought permission from her family for her to accompany him and become the wife of Isaac (Genesis 24:58). == In the Talmud ==