In the context of the Bible, the term "bereaver" refers to one who causes bereavement, which is the state of loss or deprivation, particularly through the death of a loved one. The concept of bereavement is deeply woven into the fabric of biblical narratives, reflecting the human experience of loss and the divine response to it.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently addresses themes of loss and mourning, often attributing the role of a bereaver to God as part of His divine judgment or as a consequence of sin. In the prophetic literature, God is sometimes depicted as a bereaver, bringing about loss as a means of correction or punishment. For example, in Jeremiah 15:7, God declares, "I will winnow them with a winnowing fork at the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people, since they did not return from their ways."

The experience of bereavement is poignantly illustrated in the account of Job, who suffers the loss of his children and possessions. Job's lamentation and struggle with understanding God's role in his suffering highlight the tension between divine sovereignty and human grief. 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."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from God as a bereaver to God as a comforter in times of bereavement. The teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles emphasize God's compassion and the hope of resurrection. Jesus Himself experienced bereavement, as seen in John 11:35, where "Jesus wept" at the death of Lazarus, demonstrating His empathy and shared sorrow with humanity.

The apostle Paul addresses the topic of bereavement in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, offering hope to believers: "Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him."

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of a bereaver in the Bible underscores the reality of sin and its consequences, while also pointing to God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. The Bible acknowledges the pain of loss but consistently offers hope through the promise of eternal life and the resurrection of the dead. This duality reflects the Christian belief in a God who is both just and merciful, allowing for the experience of bereavement while providing comfort and hope for the future.

Practical Application

For believers, understanding the role of a bereaver in the biblical narrative can provide insight into the nature of suffering and the character of God. It encourages Christians to trust in God's sovereignty and to find solace in His promises during times of loss. The church community is called to support those who are bereaved, offering compassion and the assurance of God's presence and love.

In summary, the concept of a bereaver in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing themes of judgment, empathy, and hope. It invites believers to grapple with the complexities of loss while resting in the assurance of God's ultimate plan for redemption.(n.) One who bereaves.BEREAVE; BEREAVER; BEREFT

be-rev', be-rev'-er, be-reft': Bereave is frequently used in the Old Testament in the (now almost obsolete) meaning of "to deprive," "to take away," especially with reference to loss of children. The Hebrew word used here is shakhol, "to be childless," or in the Piel "to make childless" (compare Genesis 42:36 et al.). In the King James Version Ecclesiastes 4:8 (from the Hebrew chacer, "to lack") we read "and bereave my soul of good" (the Revised Version (British and American) "deprive"), and in Ezekiel 36:14 (from Hebrew kashal, "to stumble"), "neither bereave thy nations any more" (the Revised Version, margin "cause to stumble").

Bereaver, otherwise very rare, is found the Revised Version (British and American) Ezekiel 36:13 (from Hebrew shakhol "to be childless"), "a bereaver of thy nation" (the King James Version "hast bereaved").

Bereft is found in 1 Timothy 6:5 (from the Greek apostereo, "to rob") "bereft of the truth" (the King James Version "destitute"). The expression bereavement (the Revised Version (British and American) Isaiah 49:20) in the phrase "the children of thy bereft" means "the children born to thee in the time when God had afflicted thee."

A. L. Breslich

Bereaver (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who bereaves. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BEREAVE; BEREAVER; BEREFT. ... Multi-Version Concordance Bereaver (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/bereaver.htm - 8k

Bereave (10 Occurrences)
... their father. 2. (vt) To take away from. 3. (vt) To take away. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. BEREAVE; BEREAVER; BEREFT. be-rev ...
/b/bereave.htm - 11k

Bereft (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (pp) of Bereave. 2. (v.) imp. & pp of Bereave.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BEREAVE; BEREAVER; BEREFT. ...
/b/bereft.htm - 10k

Devourer (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 36:13 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because they say to you, You are a devourer
of men, and have been a bereaver of your nation; (WEB JPS ASV YLT NAS). ...
/d/devourer.htm - 7k

Deprive (17 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ezekiel 36:13 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because they say to you, You
are a devourer of men, and have been a bereaver of your nation; (See NIV). ...
/d/deprive.htm - 11k

Bereaves (1 Occurrence)

/b/bereaves.htm - 6k

Bereavement (4 Occurrences)

/b/bereavement.htm - 7k

Devour (118 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 36:13 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because they say to you, You are a devourer
of men, and have been a bereaver of your nation; (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV ...
/d/devour.htm - 37k

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