Episode 861: Mary was espoused to Joseph

There are two things that could happen before an actual marriage. They girl could be promised to a man or she could be espoused or betrothed to a man.
Difference between a promise and a betrothal. A promise of marriage among the Jews of Bible times might mean an engagement without anything definite. There could be a number of engagements broken off. It was the betrothal that was binding, rather than a mere promise of marriage. The promise might be set aside, but a betrothal entered into was considered as final.