Widow
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Widow in the Bible?
In the Old Testament, widows are considered to be under the special care of Yahweh and sympathetic regard for them comes to be viewed as a mark of true religion. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of caring for poor and elderly widows.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the status of widows clarifies the biblical emphasis on protecting vulnerable populations and defines the ethical obligations of the community toward those without male guardianship.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Widow reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Widow in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Widow clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Widow." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/widow/