Fatherless
Fatherless
father-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 (Exo 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 (Deu 14:28, Deu 14:29; Deu 26:12-14), and that gleanings be left in the cornfield, the olive garden, and the vineyard for the benefit of this class (Deu 24:19-22; compare Lev 19:9 f; Lev 23:22, where, however, the fatherless are not specially mentioned). The Deuteronomist declares that God is on their side (Deu 10:18), and strongly condemns those who would oppress them (Deu 24:17; Deu 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 f; Jer 22:3; Hos 14:3; Zec 7:10; Psa 10:14; Psa 68:5; Psa 82:3; Psa 146:9; compare Pro 23:10). Oppressing the fatherless is frequently mentioned as a typical act of cruelty and injustice (compare Job 6:27; Job 22:9; Job 24:3, Job 24:1; Job 29:12 f; Job 31:16, Job 31:17, Job 31:21; Psa 94:6; Isa 1:23; Isa 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 (Jam 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 Lam 5:3).
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Fatherless
See Orphan
Orphan
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Fatherless
properly, “an orphan,” is rendered “fatherless” in Jam 1:27; “desolate” in Joh 14:18, for AV, “comfortless.” See COMFORTLESS.