feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of χάσμα through the idea of deficiency; a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively:--widow.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word χήρα (chḗra, `{{G5503}}`) primarily denotes a "widow," a woman whose husband has died. Its etymological root is often linked to χάσμα (chasma), suggesting a "chasm" or "gulf," thereby implying a state of deficiency, lack, or emptiness resulting from the loss of a spouse. While the base definition allows for a "figurative" sense, in biblical usage, χήρα almost exclusively refers to a literal widow. The core meaning emphasizes the profound void and vulnerability experienced by a woman in this state, particularly within the social and economic structures of the ancient world where a husband was often the primary provider and protector.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term χήρα appears approximately 26 times in the New Testament, consistently highlighting the social and spiritual significance of widows.
* **Jesus' Ministry:** Our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated profound compassion for widows. The raising of the son of the widow of Nain ([[Luke 7:11-17]]) vividly portrays His power over death and His deep empathy for the bereaved. The parable of the persistent widow ([[Luke 18:1-8]]) illustrates the importance of unceasing prayer and God's readiness to grant justice to His elect. Perhaps most famously, the story of the widow's mite ([[Mark 12:41-44]]; [[Luke 21:1-4]]) serves as a powerful testament to true sacrificial giving, where her two small coins, though financially insignificant, represented her entire livelihood and were thus of immense spiritual value in God's eyes.
* **Early Church Practice:** The nascent Christian community, inheriting the Old Testament's concern for the vulnerable, immediately recognized the need to care for widows.
* In [[Acts 6:1-6]], a dispute arose concerning the daily distribution of food to Hellenistic widows, leading to the appointment of the first deacons. This event underscores the early church's commitment to equitable care and the practical challenges of ministering to a growing community, particularly its most vulnerable members.
* The Pastoral Epistles provide detailed instructions regarding the church's responsibility towards widows. In [[1 Timothy 5:3-16]], Paul distinguishes between "true widows" (those genuinely destitute, without family support, and devoted to God) who should be supported by the church, and younger widows who are encouraged to remarry. This passage reveals a structured approach to welfare, emphasizing family responsibility first, then communal support for those truly in need, and even a potential order of older widows dedicated to prayer and service.
* **Ethical Imperative:** James unequivocally declares that "pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" ([[James 1:27]]). This statement elevates the care for χήρα to a foundational ethical principle of Christian faith, echoing the consistent Old Testament commands (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 10:18]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Old Testament Parallel:** The Hebrew equivalent to χήρα is אַלְמָנָה (almanah, `{{H490}}`), which carries the same core meaning and is similarly associated with vulnerability and divine protection throughout the Tanakh. The Law of Moses repeatedly commands special provisions and protections for almanah, along with the orphan and the sojourner (e.g., [[Exodus 22:22]], [[Deuteronomy 24:19-21]]).
* **Vulnerability and Justice:** The concept of caring for χήρα is intrinsically linked to the broader biblical themes of social justice, compassion for the marginalized, and the defense of the defenseless. Widows are often grouped with orphans (ὀρφανός, `{{G3737}}`), sojourners (πάροικος, `{{G3940}}`), and the poor (πτωχός, `{{G4434}}`), representing those most susceptible to exploitation and hardship in ancient society.
* **Dependence on God:** The state of widowhood often necessitates a profound dependence, highlighting themes of divine providence and the church's role as God's instrument of care.
* **Faith and Perseverance:** Biblical narratives frequently present widows as exemplars of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity, such as the widow of Zarephath in the Old Testament ([[1 Kings 17:8-16]]) and the New Testament's widow with the mites.
### Theological Significance
* **Divine Character and Compassion:** God is consistently portrayed as the "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows" ([[Psalm 68:5]]). This attribute underscores His profound compassion and His commitment to justice for the most vulnerable. Neglecting widows is thus seen as a direct affront to God's character and a violation of His covenantal demands.
* **The Church's Mandate:** The care for χήρα is not merely an optional act of charity but a theological imperative for the church. It is a tangible demonstration of genuine faith ([[James 1:27]]) and a fulfillment of Christ's example. The early church's organized efforts in [[Acts 6]] and the detailed instructions in [[1 Timothy 5]] establish this as a non-negotiable aspect of Christian community, reflecting God's own heart for the vulnerable.
* **Paradigm of Humble Faith:** The χήρα often serves as a theological archetype for radical dependence on God. The story of the widow's mite, in particular, elevates her seemingly insignificant offering to a profound act of faith, challenging human perceptions of value and emphasizing the heart's disposition over material wealth. Her giving, born out of poverty and trust, becomes a model of devotion that surpasses the ostentatious offerings of the rich.
* **Vulnerability as a Channel for Grace:** The vulnerability inherent in widowhood positions individuals to experience God's grace and the community's sacrificial love in profound ways. It highlights the biblical truth that God's strength is often made perfect in weakness, and that His people are called to be instruments of His comfort and provision.
### Summary
The Greek term χήρα (chḗra, `{{G5503}}`) signifies a "widow," a woman who has suffered the loss of her husband, often resulting in significant social and economic hardship. This word, linked etymologically to a sense of "deficiency," encapsulates the profound void left by such a loss. Throughout the New Testament, χήρα consistently represents a vulnerable segment of society for whom God has a special concern. Jesus' ministry exemplifies divine compassion for widows, while the early church, guided by Old Testament principles (e.g., `{{H490}}`), established structured care for them, as seen in [[Acts 6]] and [[1 Timothy 5]]. Theologically, χήρα underscores God's character as a just and compassionate protector of the marginalized, establishes a core ethical mandate for the church, and serves as a powerful paradigm of humble faith and radical dependence on God's provision. The biblical witness consistently affirms that the care for χήρα is an essential hallmark of true piety and a tangible expression of God's righteousness in the world.
TRV