Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, widows are women whose husbands have died, leaving them without the traditional male protector and provider. The Scriptures address the status and treatment of widows extensively, reflecting the social and economic vulnerabilities they faced in ancient times. The Bible emphasizes the importance of caring for widows, highlighting God's compassion and justice.Old Testament The Old Testament law provided specific instructions for the care of widows, recognizing their potential plight. In Exodus 22:22-24 , God commands, "You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children fatherless." The Book of Deuteronomy further underscores this concern, instructing the Israelites to include widows in their community celebrations and to provide for them through the gleaning laws. Deuteronomy 24:19 states, "When you reap the harvest in your field and forget a sheaf there, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands." The account of Ruth is a poignant narrative involving a widow. Ruth, a Moabite widow, remains loyal to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, also a widow. Their account illustrates God's providence and the community's role in supporting widows, as Boaz, a relative, redeems Ruth, ensuring her and Naomi's security. New Testament The New Testament continues the theme of caring for widows, with Jesus and the apostles emphasizing their importance. In the Gospels, Jesus condemns those who exploit widows, as seen in Mark 12:40 : "They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation." The early church took the responsibility of caring for widows seriously. Acts 6:1 describes a situation where the Hellenistic Jewish widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, leading to the appointment of deacons to ensure fair treatment. This reflects the church's commitment to social justice and care for the vulnerable. Paul's epistles provide further guidance on the treatment of widows. In 1 Timothy 5:3-4 , Paul instructs, "Honor the widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to show godliness to their own household and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." Paul outlines criteria for widows to be supported by the church, emphasizing the importance of family responsibility and the church's role in supporting those without family. Theological Significance Widows in the Bible symbolize the vulnerable and marginalized whom God calls His people to protect and support. The consistent biblical mandate to care for widows reflects God's character as a defender of the oppressed and a provider for those in need. The treatment of widows serves as a measure of the community's righteousness and faithfulness to God's commands. Throughout Scripture, the care for widows is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of divine justice and mercy. The biblical narrative calls believers to emulate God's compassion, ensuring that widows and other vulnerable individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Easton's Bible Dictionary To be treated with kindness (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 14:29; 16:11, 14; 24:17, 19-21; 26:12; 27:19, etc.). In the New Testament the same tender regard for them is inculcated (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 5:3-16) and exhibited. Greek 5503. chera -- a widow ... widow. Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a widow NASB Word Usage widow (13), widows (11), widows' (3). widow. Feminine ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5503.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 490. almanah -- a widow... Word Origin fem. of alman Definition a widow NASB Word Usage fortified (2), widow (37), widow's (5), widowed (1), widows (11). desolate house palace, widow. ... /hebrew/490.htm - 6k 491. almanuth -- widowhood Library The Property of Widows or of all the Faithful... Concerning Widows. The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed. Paul an Example to Widows, and to those who do not Live with their ... Care of Widows and Orphans. The Double Altar, Widows and virgins; Gold the Symbol of virginity ... Though Many Other Widows came Near to Judith in virtue... Bishops, Presbyters, Deacons, and Widows Ordained at Tripolis. That all Widows that are Approved are to be Held in Honour. After Having Written About virgins, it Seemed Needful to Say ... Thesaurus Widows (33 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Widows (33 Occurrences). Matthew ... hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. ... /w/widows.htm - 17k Orphans (12 Occurrences) Widow (71 Occurrences) Pretense (9 Occurrences) Condemnation (30 Occurrences) Fatherless (44 Occurrences) Greater (219 Occurrences) Pretence (5 Occurrences) Abundant (124 Occurrences) Real (26 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about how widows are to be treated? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about orphans and widows? | GotQuestions.org What is pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Widows (33 Occurrences)Matthew 23:13 Matthew 23:14 Mark 12:40 Luke 4:25 Luke 20:47 Acts 6:1 Acts 9:39 Acts 9:41 1 Corinthians 7:8 1 Timothy 5:3 1 Timothy 5:9 1 Timothy 5:11 1 Timothy 5:14 1 Timothy 5:16 James 1:27 Exodus 22:24 Deuteronomy 14:29 Deuteronomy 16:14 2 Samuel 20:3 Job 22:9 Job 27:15 Psalms 68:5 Psalms 78:64 Isaiah 9:17 Isaiah 10:2 Jeremiah 15:8 Jeremiah 18:21 Jeremiah 49:11 Lamentations 5:3 Ezekiel 19:7 Ezekiel 22:25 Ezekiel 44:22 Malachi 3:5 Subtopics Widows were Clothed in Mourning After the Decease of Husbands Widows were Frequently Oppressed and Persecuted Widows were Released from all Obligation to Former Husbands Widows were Under the Special Protection of God Widows: A Type of Zion in Affliction Widows: Allowed to Marry Again Widows: Blessings on Those Who Relieve Widows: Curse for Perverting Judgment of Widows: Exhorted to Trust in God Widows: God: Establishes the Border of Widows: God: Surely Hears the Cry of Widows: God: Will Witness Against Oppressors of Widows: Increase of, Threatened As a Punishment Widows: Intermarrying With, of Kings Considered Treason Widows: Laws Respecting: Bound to Perform Their Vows Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to be Oppressed Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to Intermarry With Priests Widows: Laws Respecting: Raiment of, not to be Taken in Pledge by Creditors Widows: Laws Respecting: To be Allowed to Glean in Fields and Vineyards Widows: Laws Respecting: To Have a Share of the Triennial Tithe Widows: Laws Respecting: To Share in Public Rejoicings Widows: Laws Respecting: when Daughters of Priests and Childless to Partake of The Widows: Laws Respecting: when Left Childless, to be Married by Their Husband's Widows: Not to be Deplored By, Considered a Great Calamity Widows: Often Devoted Themselves Entirely to God's Service Widows: Reproach Connected With Widows: Saints: Disappoint Not Widows: should be Allowed to Share in Our Blessings Widows: should be Honored, If Widows Indeed Widows: should be Relieved by the Church Widows: should be Relieved by Their Friends Widows: should be Visited in Affliction Widows: should not Be: Afflicted Widows: should not Be: Deprived of Raiment in Pledge Widows: should not Be: Oppressed Widows: should not Be: Treated With Violence Widows: Specially Taken Care of by the Church Widows: The Wicked: do No Good To Widows: The Wicked: Make a Prey of Widows: The Wicked: Reject the Cause of Widows: The Wicked: Send, Away Empty Widows: The Wicked: Take Pledges From Widows: Though Poor, May be Liberal Widows: when Young, Exposed to May Temptations Widows: Woe to Those Who Oppress Related Terms |
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