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).