Originally a Ketubah (כתובה in Hebrew) was a prenuptial agreement in the Jewish faith. Two witnesses signed it, money was exchanged, and a bride was bought.

The translated Hebrew text of a traditional Ketubah reads:

“Be my wife according to the law of Moses and Israel. I will work honor, feed and support you in the custom of Jewish men, who work, honor, feed, and support their wives faithfully. I will give you the settlement of […] silver zuzim, which is due you according to […] law, as well as your food, clothing, necessities of life, and conjugal needs, according to the universal custom.”

…

[The] bridegroom made this declaration: “The obligation of this marriage contract (ketubah), this dowry, and this additional amount, I accept upon myself and upon my heirs after me. It can be paid from the entire best part of the property and possessions that I own under all the heavens, whether I own [this property] already, or will own it in the future. [It includes] both mortgageable property and non-mortgageable property. All of it shall be mortgaged and bound as security to pay this marriage contract, this dowry, and this additional amount. [it can be taken] from me, even from the shirt on my back, during my lifetime, and after my lifetime, from this day and forever.”

 

Just like today, it was important to read the fine print!