11 Apr Bride Price and Culture
Biblical Meaning, Marriage Honour, and the Groom’s Sacred Responsibility
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Family Bride price, highly symbolic.
Bride price is purely the responsibility of a groom over the bride. It’s been so, even from the days of the Bible.
Genesis 24: 51-53
51 Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has directed.”
52. When Abraham’s servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD.
53. Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother.
It is the man that will look for a woman of his choice. After they have agreed to be joined in holy matrimony, the man who is a groom will offer to the family of the woman as demanded, a token called bride-price.
Showing a commitment that he truly requested for her hands in marriage, and also that he values the woman as a treasure to care for.
It’s also standing as a symbol of covenant between the couple and the two families whom they gave their daughter to and who the groom family received the bride from.
That a man paid the BRIDE-PRICE for the woman he desires to marry is a big pride to the woman.
On no account should a bride either in the open or in the secret be the one to work for the BRIDE-PRICE to be paid on her. She can assist in every other thing, but that of the bride price is solely the obligation of the groom.
That is why the Bible says, Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. Proverbs 18:22
Bride price paid by a groom is a symbol that shows how much he valued the good thing and the favour he obtained from the Lord.
While preparing for the wedding, among the first five things to consider, bride price should either be number one or two.
How to go about bride price.
Bride price plays a significant role in marriage. If you want your wife to-be happy, take her bride price very seriously. That gives her honour and good mouth to speak in her family.
While preparing, among the things that should be ready in a month or 15 days to the wedding is bride price. Show to the family of your wife that you love, respect them, and that you value their daughter.
Do not just target quantity, but quality. Make sure everything you are to present as bride price is of quality. That is what you will leave in their minds for many years, and don’t be surprised, that is what they will always remember you for.
Likewise, if the bride price is defective, each time they see you, they will always remember it. Until you are able to redeem your image, if you care to do so.
Woman! Don’t pay your own bride price; Let him pay it. That is your honour and pride. It makes him a man. The beginning of a proof that he’s responsible.
BRIDE PRICE AND CULTURE: THE DEEPER MEANING BEHIND THE PRACTICE.
1. The Cultural Weight of Bride Price.
Every culture carries a symbolic language, and bride price is one of the most powerful cultural expressions in marriage. It represents:
- Honour to the woman
- Respect to her lineage
- Acceptance of responsibility
- Recognition of the family’s value
- Commitment to a lifelong covenant
In cultural settings, bride price is never about “buying a woman.” It is a gesture of honour, acknowledging that the bride is precious and comes from a respected home.
2. Culture Sees Bride Price as a Seal of Readiness.
In many African communities, a man who cannot present a proper bride price is viewed as:
- Unready
- Unstable
- Irresponsible Or incapable of leading a home
Culture places the responsibility on the groom because leadership begins before the wedding. Bride price becomes the first test of responsibility, and how a man handles it speaks volumes about the future of the marriage.
3. The Role of the Woman in Cultural Honour
Culture gives the bride a position of dignity. A well-presented bride price increases a woman’s honour and esteem in her family. When a bride’s family sees effort and sacrifice the groom put in, even the quality in what he presents, they become confident that their daughter is entering the right home.
A woman who allows a man to honour her with the bride price receives:
- Respect
- Dignity
- Family pride
- Generational honour
This is why culture strongly discourages women from paying their own bride price.
4. Cultural Consequences of Ignoring Bride Price.
When bride price is treated casually or neglected entirely, cultural consequences follow. These may include:
- Disapproval from the woman’s family.
- Strained family relationships.
- Weak recognition of the marriage.
- Lack of honour towards the bride.
- Long-term disrespect from extended relatives.
- Lost opportunities for bonding between families.
Culture believes that marriage without honour loses its strength, and bride price is one of the early pillars of honour.
5. Culture and Christianity: A Harmonious Blend
Some people assume culture and Christianity conflict, but in the matter of bride price, Scripture actually aligns with cultural wisdom. Both systems:
- Respect order.
- Value family honour.
- Recognize the man’s role as the initiator.
- Honour the woman as a treasured gift.
- Promote unity between families.
The biblical stories of Isaac and Jacob reflect both cultural practice and divine pattern, proving that bride price has spiritual and cultural roots working hand-in-hand.
6. The Cultural Legacy of Bride Price.
Bride price is not just about the wedding day; it shapes:
- How families relate afterwards.
- How in-laws handle conflict.
- How the woman is spoken about in her father’s house.
- The respect the man earns in the community
- The foundation of honour for future children.
Culture believes that the way a marriage begins reflects how it will continue. Bride price sets the tone.
7. A Final Cultural Counsel to Men and Women
To Men: Bride price is not a burden; it is an honour. It is an opportunity to prove:
- Responsibility
- Readiness
- Love
- Respect
- Sacrifice
- Do it with joy, not reluctance.
To Women: Allow the man to carry the honour that belongs to him. Culture and Scripture give you dignity when you let your groom take his rightful place.
To Families: Do not commercialize bride price. Keep it honourable, symbolic, and meaningful.
Conclusion
Whether viewed from Scriptural or cultural perspective, bride price reminds us that marriage is not an event but a sacred covenant thay teaches people how to be organised, prepare ahead of occurrence, respect, and to be responsible, even take responsibilities where necessary. When families and couples embrace it with wisdom, humility, and honour, they set the stage for a marriage built on dignity and lasting peace.
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