Dictionaries :: Espoused

King James Dictionary

Espoused: To Be Asked in Marriage.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was ESPOUSED to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:18)

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

Espoused:

"to fit, join" (from harmos, "a joint, joining;" the root ar--, signifying "to fit," is in evidence in various languages; cp. arthron, "a joint," arithmos, "a number," etc.), is used in the Middle Voice, of marrying or giving in marriage; in 2Cr 11:2 it is rendered "espoused," metaphorically of the relationship established between Christ and the local church, through the Apostle's instrumentality. The thought may be that of "fitting" or "joining" to one husband, the Middle Voice expressing the Apostle's interest or desire in doing so.

Espoused:

"to woo and win, to espouse or promise in marriage," is used in the Passive Voice in Mat 1:18; Luk 1:27; 2:5, all with reference to the Virgin Mary, RV, "betrothed," for AV, "espoused," in each case.
See BETROTH.