Lexical Summary chéra: Widow Original Word: χήρα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance widow. Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively -- widow. see GREEK chasma NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a widow NASB Translation widow (13), widows (11), widows' (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5503: χήραχήρα, χήρας, ἡ (feminine of the adjective χῆρος, 'bereft'; akin to χέρσος, sterile, barren, and the Latincareo (but cf. Curtius, § 192)), from Homer, Iliad 6, 408 down, the Sept. for אַלְמָנָה, a widow: Matthew 23:14-13Rec.; Mark 12:40, 42; Luke 2:37; Luke 4:25; Luke 7:12; Luke 18:3, 5; Luke 20:47; Luke 21:2; Acts 6:1; Acts 9:39, 41; 1 Corinthians 7:8; 1 Timothy 5:3-5, 9, 11, 16; James 1:27; with γυνή added (2 Samuel 14:5, and often in the Greek writings from Homer, Iliad 2, 289 down), Luke 4:26; a city stripped of inhabitants and riches is represented under the figure of a widow, Revelation 18:7. Topical Lexicon Core IdeaStrong’s Greek 5503 designates a woman whose husband has died. In Scripture the word becomes a theological and pastoral touch-point for God’s compassion, the Church’s responsibility, and the believer’s call to authentic worship. Old Testament Background Before New Testament times the Law repeatedly placed widows beside orphans and resident foreigners as those requiring covenantal protection (Exodus 22:22–24; Deuteronomy 24:17–22; Psalm 68:5). Prophets denounced Israel when widows were oppressed (Isaiah 1:17, 23). This background stands behind every New Testament use, assuming the Creator’s heart for the vulnerable. New Testament Distribution The term occurs twenty-seven times. Luke–Acts (twelve instances) gives it considerable narrative weight, the Pastoral Epistles (eight instances) provide detailed congregational teaching, and the Gospels, Paul’s correspondence, James and Revelation round out the picture. Portraits of Individual Widows 1. The faithful prophetess – “And there was Anna, a prophetess… and she was a widow of about eighty-four years… she never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:36–37). 2. The bereaved mother – In Nain “a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow” (Luke 7:12). Jesus’ compassion anticipates His victory over death. 3. The persistent petitioner – The parable of the unjust judge features “a widow… pleading, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary’” (Luke 18:3). Her perseverance models believing prayer. 4. The generous worshiper – “Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins” (Mark 12:42; Luke 21:2). Jesus declares that, measured by devotion, she “has put more in than all the others” (Mark 12:43). 5. The objects of legal exploitation – Religious elites “devour widows’ houses” (Matthew 23:14; Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47), revealing counterfeit piety and foretelling divine judgment. 6. The Samaritan and Gentile backdrop – Jesus recalls Elijah being sent “to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon” (Luke 4:26), underlining God’s mercy beyond Israel. Congregational Care and Order (1 Timothy 5) Paul moves from narrative example to organized duty: • Honor widows who are truly alone (5:3). These instructions establish a diaconal framework that protects both genuine need and congregational resources. Community Life in Acts In Jerusalem, Hellenistic widows were “being overlooked in the daily distribution of food” (Acts 6:1). The apostles’ solution—appointing Spirit-filled servants—became the prototype for diaconal ministry. Later, in Joppa, Dorcas is mourned by “all the widows, standing beside him, weeping and showing the tunics and garments that Dorcas had made” (Acts 9:39; cf. 9:41). The passage highlights both charitable work and apostolic power. Ethical Touchstone James distills practical righteousness: “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27). Ministry to widows is therefore inseparable from personal holiness. Eschatological Contrast The counterfeit city boasts, “I sit as queen; I am no widow” (Revelation 18:7). Babylon’s arrogance contrasts sharply with the humble dependence of the true widow and foreshadows swift judgment. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Compassion – God’s immutable character is revealed in His defense of widows; neglect of them is an affront to His justice. Contemporary Ministry Implications • Establish clear benevolence guidelines rooted in 1 Timothy 5, combining material aid with spiritual nurture. In every age the presence of widows in the assembly tests authenticity of faith and displays the heart of the Savior who “looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He also saw a poor widow…” (Luke 21:1–2). How the Church responds continues to be a litmus of obedience to the Lord of compassion and truth. Forms and Transliterations εχήρευσεν χηρα χήρα χηραι χήραι χήραί χῆραι χηραις χήραις χηραν χήραν χηρας χήρας χηρεία χηρείας χηρεύσεως χηρων χηρών χηρῶν chera chēra chḗra cherai chêrai chērai chē̂rai cherais chērais chḗrais cheran chēran chḗran cheras chēras chḗras cheron cherôn chērōn chērō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 23:14 Noun-GFPGRK: οἰκίας τῶν χηρῶν καὶ προφάσει KJV: for ye devour widows' houses, and INT: houses of widows and as a pretext Mark 12:40 N-GFP Mark 12:42 N-NFS Mark 12:43 N-NFS Luke 2:37 N-NFS Luke 4:25 N-NFP Luke 4:26 N-AFS Luke 7:12 N-NFS Luke 18:3 N-NFS Luke 18:5 N-AFS Luke 20:47 N-GFP Luke 21:2 N-AFS Luke 21:3 N-NFS Acts 6:1 N-NFP Acts 9:39 N-NFP Acts 9:41 N-AFP 1 Corinthians 7:8 N-DFP 1 Timothy 5:3 N-AFP 1 Timothy 5:3 N-AFP 1 Timothy 5:4 N-NFS 1 Timothy 5:5 N-NFS 1 Timothy 5:9 N-NFS 1 Timothy 5:11 N-AFP 1 Timothy 5:16 N-AFP 1 Timothy 5:16 N-DFP Strong's Greek 5503 |
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