Jump to: Topical • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, orphans are often mentioned alongside widows and the poor as vulnerable members of society who require special care and protection. The term "orphan" typically refers to a child who has lost one or both parents. The Bible consistently emphasizes God's compassion for orphans and mandates His people to act justly and mercifully towards them.Old Testament References The Old Testament contains numerous references to orphans, underscoring the importance of justice and provision for them. In the Law, God commands His people to care for orphans. Deuteronomy 10:18 states, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This verse highlights God's direct involvement in the welfare of orphans, portraying Him as their protector and provider. The Mosaic Law further instructs the Israelites to include orphans in their community celebrations and provisions. Deuteronomy 14:29 commands, "Then the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance among you, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your gates, shall come and eat and be satisfied, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands." The prophets also echo this call for justice. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This verse calls for active engagement in defending the rights of orphans, emphasizing the moral responsibility of God's people to uphold justice. New Testament References The New Testament continues the theme of caring for orphans, reflecting the heart of God as revealed in the Old Testament. James 1:27 provides a clear directive: "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." This verse underscores that true faith is demonstrated through acts of compassion and service to those in need, including orphans. While the New Testament does not frequently mention orphans explicitly, the principles of love, charity, and community support found throughout the teachings of Jesus and the apostles implicitly include care for orphans. The early church is depicted as a community that shared resources and supported one another, which would naturally extend to caring for orphans within their midst. Theological Significance The biblical mandate to care for orphans is rooted in the character of God, who is described as a "Father to the fatherless" (Psalm 68:5). This divine attribute reflects God's deep concern for those who are vulnerable and marginalized. The care for orphans is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of God's justice and mercy. In the broader theological context, the care for orphans can be seen as a reflection of the gospel itself. Just as God adopts believers into His family through Christ, Christians are called to extend love and care to orphans, embodying the spirit of adoption and inclusion. Practical Implications The biblical call to care for orphans has practical implications for individuals and communities. It encourages believers to engage in acts of charity, such as adoption, foster care, and support for orphanages and child welfare organizations. Churches are encouraged to create ministries that address the needs of orphans, providing them with physical, emotional, and spiritual support. In summary, the Bible presents a consistent message of compassion and justice for orphans, urging God's people to reflect His character through their care and advocacy for these vulnerable individuals. Topical Bible Verses James 1:27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Topicalbible.org Psalm 82:3 Psalm 68:5 Psalm 10:18 Exodus 22:22-24 Easton's Bible Dictionary (Lamentations 5:3), i.e., desolate and without protectors. The word occurs only here. In John 14:18 the word there rendered "comfortless" (R.V., "desolate;" marg., "orphans") properly means "orphans." The same Greek word is rendered "fatherless" in James 1:27. Greek 3737. orphanos -- an orphan ... fatherless, desolate. Word Origin a prim. word Definition an orphan NASB Word Usage orphans (2). orphaned, fatherless. Of uncertain ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3737.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 2475. chaloph -- a passing away, vanishing... destruction. From chalaph; properly, surviving; by implication (collectively) orphans -- X destruction. see HEBREW chalaph. 2474, 2475. chaloph. 2476 . ... /hebrew/2475.htm - 6k 3490. yathom -- an orphan Library Care of Widows and Orphans. That the Widow and Orphans Ought to be Protected. On Helping the Poor. Appendix C Orphanages. Chapter Iii Precious Answers to Prayer How Antipater is Hated of all Men; and How the King Espouses the ... John xiv. 15-17 Introduction On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield Thesaurus Orphans (12 Occurrences)... In John 14:18 the word there rendered "comfortless" (RV, "desolate;" marg., "orphans") properly means "orphans." The same Greek word is rendered "fatherless ... /o/orphans.htm - 9k Orphan (25 Occurrences) Comfortless (1 Occurrence) Orphan's (1 Occurrence) Onias Poverty (25 Occurrences) Pitieth (7 Occurrences) Pentecost (3 Occurrences) Heliodorus Rejoiceth (39 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about orphans and widows? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about altruism? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Orphans (12 Occurrences)John 14:18 James 1:27 Exodus 22:24 Job 6:27 Job 22:9 Job 24:3 Psalms 94:6 Psalms 109:12 Isaiah 9:17 Isaiah 10:2 Jeremiah 49:11 Lamentations 5:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |