MARY, JOSEPH, AND KIDDUSHIN

David Stern comments, "The Hebrew/Aramaic word for betrothal is "kiddushin," which signifies "sanctification, separation," i.e., the setting aside and separating of a particular woman for a particular man. According to the Mishna, adultery during the betrothal period is a more serious sin than adultery after marriage." [Source: Jewish New Testament Commentary, p. 3)