Widowed Hearts: χήρα (Strong’s G5503: chēra) Reveals Divine Care for Vulnerable

Strong’s G5503: A feminine noun denoting a widow or bereaved woman, derived from the root meaning “forsaken” or “left empty.” In biblical context, represents those under God’s special protection and care, highlighting both their vulnerability and the community’s responsibility to support them.

U- Unveiling the Word

χήρα carries deep social and theological significance in Scripture, representing both vulnerability and divine protection. In ancient Near Eastern society, widows often faced severe economic hardship and social marginalization. The term emphasizes not just marital status but a broader condition of vulnerability and dependence. God consistently demonstrates special concern for widows throughout Scripture, commanding His people to care for them. This divine mandate shaped early church practice, leading to the establishment of systematic widow care (1 Timothy 5:3-16). Today, χήρα reminds us of God’s heart for the vulnerable and calls believers to practical compassion.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χήρα, chēra, /kʰɛ́ːraː/
• Detailed pronunciation: khay’-rah (with aspiration on initial consonant)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: χῆρος (chēros) meaning “bereft” or “deprived”
• Feminine ending -α indicating female gender
• Related to Indo-European root *ǵʰeh₁- meaning “to leave, abandon”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary widow, bereaved woman
• One deprived of spouse
• One left alone

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• Widow – Most direct equivalent in English
• Bereaved woman – Captures the emotional state
• Destitute woman – Emphasizes social vulnerability

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὀρφανός (orphanos) /orpʰanós/ – orphan, highlights similar vulnerability – See G3737
• μονόω (monoō) /monóō/ – to be left alone – See G3443
• ἀπορφανίζω (aporphanizō) /aporphanízō/ – to be bereaved – See G642

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples:

• Nominative singular: χήρα (the widow)
• Genitive singular: χήρας (of the widow)
• Dative singular: χήρᾳ (to/for the widow)
• Accusative singular: χήραν (direct object)
• Nominative plural: χῆραι (the widows)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons consistently emphasize χήρα’s social and economic vulnerability in ancient society. BDAG highlights its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts, noting its frequent appearance in descriptions of community care. Thayer’s emphasizes the word’s connection to divine protection, while LSJ provides evidence of its use in secular Greek literature. Vine’s notes its relationship to the concept of abandonment or deprivation. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows χήρα appearing in legal documents concerning widow’s rights and property, indicating its significance in ancient social structures. The lexicons collectively paint a picture of a term deeply embedded in both religious and social contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 23:14: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ [χήρων] houses, and for a pretense make long prayers.”

Additional References:
Mark 12:42, Luke 2:37, Luke 7:12, Acts 6:1, 1 Timothy 5:3, James 1:27

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The term χήρα powerfully illustrates God’s special concern for the vulnerable and marginalized in society. Its consistent usage throughout Scripture reveals a divine mandate for community care and protection of widows. This word reminds us that the good news of King Jesus includes practical care for those in need, following His example of bringing hope to the hopeless and comfort to the bereaved. The early church’s systematic care for widows demonstrates how the gospel transforms communities through tangible expressions of love and support.

D – Did You Know?

• The term χήρα appears over 25 times in the New Testament, emphasizing its theological importance
• Early church fathers used χήρα to designate an official order of widows who served the church
• The concept influenced medieval European law regarding widow’s rights and protection

Strong’s G5503: A feminine noun denoting a widow or bereaved woman, derived from the root meaning “forsaken” or “left empty.” In biblical context, represents those under God’s special protection and care, highlighting both their vulnerability and the community’s responsibility to support them.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: widow, bereaved, vulnerable, divine protection, social justice, church ministry, community care, biblical Greek, New Testament studies, pastoral care​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​