“Widow and orphan” is a biblical shorthand for people who are especially vulnerable and in need of justice, protection, and care. Scripture presents concern for them as a clear expression of God’s righteous character and a duty of His people.
“Widow and orphan” is a biblical shorthand for people who are especially vulnerable and in need of justice, protection, and care. Scripture presents concern for them as a clear expression of God’s righteous character and a duty of His people.
“Widow and orphan” is a recurring biblical expression for persons who are especially exposed to hardship because they lack ordinary family support and social security. In both Testaments, God reveals His concern for such people and condemns those who exploit or neglect them. The phrase is not merely a social category but a moral and theological marker: it shows that true righteousness includes justice, mercy, and concrete care for the weak. While Scripture also mentions other vulnerable groups, widows and orphans stand as a prominent example of those whom God’s people must protect, provide for, and treat with compassion, reflecting the Lord’s own character.
