The term "Widow's Son" in the Bible primarily refers to two significant accounts in the Old and New Testaments, each illustrating God's compassion and power through His prophets and His Son, Jesus Christ.

1. The Widow's Son of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-24):

The account of the widow's son in Zarephath is found in the Old Testament, during the ministry of the prophet Elijah. Amidst a severe drought and famine, God commanded Elijah to go to Zarephath, where a widow would provide for him. Upon arrival, Elijah encountered the widow gathering sticks and asked her for water and a piece of bread. The widow, in dire straits, explained that she had only a handful of flour and a little oil, enough for a final meal for her and her son before they would succumb to starvation.

Elijah assured her, saying, "Do not be afraid. Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son" (1 Kings 17:13). He promised that the flour and oil would not run out until the Lord sent rain upon the land. The widow obeyed, and indeed, the flour and oil did not run out, sustaining them throughout the famine.

Tragedy struck when the widow's son fell ill and died. In her grief, she questioned Elijah, but he took the boy to his upper room, laid him on his bed, and cried out to the Lord. Elijah stretched himself over the child three times and prayed, "O LORD my God, please let this boy's life return to him!" (1 Kings 17:21). The Lord heard Elijah's plea, and the boy's life returned. Elijah presented the revived son to his mother, affirming the power of God and the truth of His word.

2. The Widow's Son of Nain (Luke 7:11-17):

In the New Testament, the account of the widow's son at Nain is a profound demonstration of Jesus' compassion and divine authority. As Jesus approached the town of Nain, He encountered a funeral procession for the only son of a widow. The loss of her son not only brought personal grief but also left her vulnerable in society, as she had no male protector or provider.

Moved by compassion, Jesus said to her, "Do not weep" (Luke 7:13). He then approached the bier and touched it, causing the bearers to stand still. Jesus commanded, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" (Luke 7:14). The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. This miraculous act not only restored the young man's life but also provided for the widow's future.

The people who witnessed this miracle were filled with awe and glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has appeared among us!" and "God has visited His people!" (Luke 7:16). This event spread the news of Jesus' ministry throughout Judea and the surrounding region, affirming His identity as the Messiah and His power over life and death.

Theological Significance:

Both accounts of the widow's sons highlight God's deep compassion for the vulnerable and His power to restore life. In the Old Testament, Elijah's miracle prefigures the greater works of Jesus, who, in the New Testament, demonstrates His divine authority as the Son of God. These accounts emphasize God's care for widows, a recurring theme in Scripture, and His ability to bring hope and restoration in the midst of despair.