Fatherless:
fa'-ther-les (yathom; orphanos): The fatherless are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, generally in association with the widow and the stranger, as typical instances of the unprotected and necessitous, who are, specially subject to oppression, and also to God's special protection. Great philanthropic regard is bestowed on this class throughout. In early legislation there is a special clause to guard them against affliction (Ex 22:22-24). They have a still more prominent place in the Deuteronomic legislation, which gives instructions that a charitable fund be formed out of the tithe, once every three years, for the relief of the destitute (De 14:28,29; 26:12-14), and that gleanings be left in the cornfield, the olive garden, and the vineyard for the benefit of this class (De 24:19-22; compare Le 19:9 f; 23:22, where, however, the "fatherless" are not specially mentioned). The Deuteronomist declares that God is on their side (De 10:18), and strongly condemns those who would oppress them (De 24:17; 27:19). The prophets and psalmists are equally emphatic in pleading for mercy and justice to the fatherless, and in declaring that God is their special guardian (Isa 1:17; Jer 7:6; 22:3; Ho 14:3; Zec 7:10; Ps 10:14; 68:5; 82:3; 146:9; compare Pr 23:10). Oppressing the fatherless is frequently mentioned as a typical act of cruelty and injustice (compare Job 6:27; 22:9; 24:3,1; 29:12 f; 31:16,17,21; Ps 94:6; Isa 1:23; 10:2; Jer 5:28; Eze 22:7; Mal 3:5). Here we have instances of the prophetic passion for righteousness and compassion for the helpless, inspired by a profound sense of the value of human life. Passages in the Apocrypha reflect the same spirit (2 Esdras 2:20; Ecclesiasticus 4:10).
In the New Testament the word "fatherless" occurs but once, where James declares, in the spirit of the Old Testament prophets, that true religious ritual consists in visitation of the fatherless and widows and in moral purity (Jas 1:27). Here the word for "fatherless" is orphanos ("bereft," "orphaned"), which is the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament yathom. In the New Testament the Greek word is found besides only in Joh 14:18, where it means destitute of a teacher or guide (compare La 5:3).
Written by D. Miall Edwards
Fatherless: Find Mercy in God
Fatherless: God Will
Be a father of
Be a helper of
Hear the cry of
Execute the judgment of
Punish those who oppress
Exd 22:24; Isa 10:1-3; Mal 3:5
Punish those who judge not
Fatherless: Visit in Affliction
Fatherless: Let Them Share in Our Blessings
Fatherless: Wrong Not, in Judgment
Fatherless: Defraud Not
Fatherless: Afflict Not
Fatherless: Oppress Not
Fatherless: Do No Violence To
Fatherless: The Wicked
Rob
Overwhelm
Vex
Oppress
Murder
Judge not for
Fatherless: A Curse on Those Who Oppress
Fatherless: Promises with Respect To
Fatherless: A Type of Zion in Affliction
Fatherless: Exemplified
Lot
Daughters of Zelophehad
Jotham
Mephibosheth
Joash
Esther
1 | Strong's Number: g3737 | Greek: orphanos |
Fatherless:
properly, "an orphan," is rendered "fatherless" in Jam 1:27; "desolate" in Jhn 14:18, for AV, "comfortless."
See COMFORTLESS.
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