Topical Encyclopedia The term "bereaved" refers to those who have lost a loved one, often through death, and are experiencing the deep sorrow and mourning associated with such a loss. In the Bible, bereavement is a common human experience, and Scripture provides numerous examples and teachings on how to navigate this profound grief.Biblical Examples of Bereavement 1. Job: One of the most poignant examples of bereavement in the Bible is found in the account of Job. Job experienced the loss of his children, wealth, and health. Despite his immense suffering, Job remained steadfast in his faith. Job 1:21 records his response: "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." 2. Naomi: In the Book of Ruth, Naomi is another figure who experiences bereavement. She loses her husband and two sons while living in Moab. Her grief is profound, and she expresses it openly, saying, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me" (Ruth 1:20). Despite her sorrow, Naomi's account is one of redemption and hope, as God provides for her through her daughter-in-law Ruth. 3. David: King David also faced bereavement, notably in the loss of his son with Bathsheba. His grief is recorded in 2 Samuel 12:22-23 , where he says, "While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." Teachings on Bereavement 1. Comfort in Mourning: The Bible acknowledges the pain of bereavement but also offers comfort. Matthew 5:4 states, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." This beatitude assures believers that God is present in their sorrow and will provide solace. 2. Hope in Resurrection: For Christians, the hope of resurrection provides comfort in times of bereavement. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 encourages believers not to grieve like those without hope, "For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him." 3. God’s Presence: Psalm 34:18 offers reassurance of God’s nearness to the bereaved: "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." This verse highlights God’s compassion and readiness to support those who are grieving. 4. Community Support: The Bible emphasizes the importance of community in times of bereavement. Romans 12:15 instructs believers to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." This call to empathy and shared sorrow underscores the role of the Christian community in providing support and comfort. Practical Responses to Bereavement 1. Prayer and Lament: The Psalms provide a model for expressing grief through prayer and lament. Psalm 13 is an example of a lament that transitions from sorrow to trust in God’s unfailing love. 2. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Bereavement challenges believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, even when His purposes are not immediately clear. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages trust in the Lord with all one’s heart, acknowledging Him in all ways. 3. Eternal Perspective: Focusing on the eternal promises of God can provide comfort. Revelation 21:4 offers a vision of a future without death or mourning: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." Bereavement, while deeply painful, is addressed in Scripture with compassion and hope, offering believers a framework for understanding and navigating their grief in the light of God’s promises. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Bereave.Greek 642. aporphanizo -- to be bereaved ... to be bereaved. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: aporphanizo Phonetic Spelling: (ap-or-fan-id'-zo) Short Definition: I separate from some one, bereave ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/642.htm - 7k 3737. orphanos -- an orphan 5565. choris -- separately, separate from Strong's Hebrew 7921. shakol -- to be bereaved... shakol or shakal. 7922 . to be bereaved. Transliteration: shakol or shakal Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-kole') Short Definition: bereave. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7921.htm - 6k 7909b. shakul -- bereaved, robbed of offspring 7909. shakkuwl -- childless 7923. shikkulim -- bereavement, childlessness 7909a. shakul -- childless 3490. yathom -- an orphan Library The Mourner's Comfort. The Weeping Saviour. The Mystical Union with Immanuel. Epistle xv. To Scholasticus, Judge. Chapter xliii Observations on the Words of John the Baptist John I. ... "Lazarus, Come Forth" The Bereavements of the Christian Home. [A] But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light... Though He were Dead Thesaurus Bereaved (20 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Bereave. Multi-Version Concordance Bereaved (20 Occurrences). John 14:18 I will not leave you bereaved: I am coming to you. (WEY YLT). ... /b/bereaved.htm - 12k Bereave (10 Occurrences) Bereft (9 Occurrences) Bereavement (4 Occurrences) Orphan (25 Occurrences) Faileth (26 Occurrences) Forming (27 Occurrences) Twins (9 Occurrences) Twin (9 Occurrences) Ewes (7 Occurrences) Resources What is thanatology? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome grieving the loss of a pet? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible say anything about grandparents? | GotQuestions.org Bereaved: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bereaved (20 Occurrences)John 14:18 1 Thessalonians 2:17 Genesis 27:45 Genesis 42:36 Genesis 43:14 Leviticus 26:22 Ruth 1:5 1 Samuel 15:33 2 Samuel 17:8 Proverbs 17:12 Song of Songs 4:2 Song of Songs 6:6 Isaiah 49:20 Isaiah 49:21 Jeremiah 15:7 Jeremiah 18:21 Ezekiel 5:17 Ezekiel 14:15 Ezekiel 36:13 Hosea 13:8 Subtopics Related Terms |