Bible Dictionary
Orphans
Orphans are persons who have lost their fathers or are left without family protection. Scripture uses the term to describe the vulnerable whom God’s people must not neglect.
Definition
Orphans are persons left without a father or without family protection. The term can also describe those who are desolate and without protectors.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses the image of orphans for those lacking protection. Jesus promised not to leave his disciples desolate, and James uses the related term in describing pure religion’s concern for the fatherless.
Historical Background
The supplied material notes that the Hebrew term occurs in Lamentations and that the corresponding Greek word is translated “orphans,” “desolate,” or “fatherless” in different passages.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Lam. 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.