What Was Sarai's Status in Pharaoh's House?

From Genesis 12:15 - "...the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house."

Sarai was taken to live in Pharaoh's house, but only in a state of semi-betrothal (v19). Apparently, it was a widespread practice for a wealthy man to take his prospective bride into his house--often against her will--as a sort of hostage in order to influence negotiations with her family and to forestall other potential suitors. Other possible reasons for this practice may have been to ensure the bride's purity and to watch for indications of sickness which appear over time. The same practice can be seen in...

1. The similar events at Gerar (Genesis 20:1-18).
2. In the story of Dinah and Shechem (Genesis 34).
3. The betrothal of a captured war bride (Deuteronomy 21:10-14)
4. In the story of Queen Esther (Esther 2:1-18).

There is something similar among some modern polygamous families. A prospective bride might live with the groom and his family for a period of several months to a year so that she can be certain their lifestyle will suit her and so that any personality conflicts with existing wives might become obvious before a binding commitment is made. Close knit communities who worship and work together would eliminate the perceived need for such "trial periods" because everyone would already have a good idea of each other's character and lifestyles.