Lexical Summary almanuth: Widowhood Original Word: אַלְמָנוּת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance widow, widowhood Feminine of 'alman; concrete, a widow; abstract, widowhood -- widow, widowhood. see HEBREW 'alman NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of alman Definition widowhood NASB Translation widow's (2), widowhood (1), widows (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אַלְמָנוּת] noun feminine widowhood (Mishna id., Phoenician אלמת) suffix בִּגְדֵי אַלְמְנוּתָהּ her widow's garments Genesis 38:14,19; construct אַלְמְנוּת חַיּוּת 2 Samuel 20:3 (of David's imprisoned concubines; but text impossible; ᵐ5 We אַלְמָנוֺת חַיּוֺת, compare Dr; Klo thinks gloss); figurative of Jerusalem Isaiah 54:4 אַלְמְנוּתַיִח. Topical Lexicon Definition and Conceptual Scope אַלְמָנוּת denotes the state of widowhood—life after the loss of a husband, with all its social, economic, and emotional implications. The term speaks not only to personal bereavement but also to a vulnerable legal status that demands covenantal protection and divine compassion. Occurrences and Narrative Contexts • Genesis 38:14 and Genesis 38:19 present Tamar in “widow’s garments,” emphasizing the public visibility of widowhood and the obligations Judah’s family failed to meet. Legal and Covenant Protections While אַלְמָנוּת itself appears only four times, the Mosaic Law is saturated with directives safeguarding widows (Exodus 22:22, Deuteronomy 24:17–22). The required levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5–10) is the very backdrop of Tamar’s story, underscoring God’s insistence that widowhood not lead to extinction of lineage or loss of inheritance. Symbolic and Prophetic Dimensions Isaiah 54:4 elevates widowhood from a social condition to a prophetic sign. Israel, once spiritually barren and bereft, will be remarried to her covenant Lord. The reproach of widowhood is lifted, revealing the steadfast love of God who “will call you back as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit” (Isaiah 54:6). The symbol anticipates the New Covenant picture of the Church as the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–32). Historical and Cultural Insights 1. Economic Vulnerability: In agrarian Israel a widow lacked the manpower to farm land and the legal clout to defend property rights. Hence God places Himself as her legal guardian (Psalm 68:5). Ministry Implications 1. Advocacy: The biblical witness requires proactive care for widows (Acts 6:1–6, 1 Timothy 5:3–16). Theological Reflection Widowhood lays bare human frailty and societal limitations, making God’s covenant faithfulness shine. From Tamar’s vindication to Zion’s restoration, Scripture turns the sorrow of אַלְמָנוּת into a canvas for divine justice, mercy, and hope—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who welcomes the widow into the family of God and promises an eternal home where no reproach remains. Forms and Transliterations אַלְמְנ֥וּת אַלְמְנוּתַ֖יִךְ אַלְמְנוּתָ֜הּ אַלְמְנוּתָֽהּ׃ אלמנות אלמנותה אלמנותה׃ אלמנותיך ’al·mə·nū·ṯa·yiḵ ’al·mə·nū·ṯāh ’al·mə·nūṯ ’almənūṯ ’almənūṯāh ’almənūṯayiḵ almeNut almenuTah almenuTayichLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 38:14 HEB: וַתָּסַר֩ בִּגְדֵ֨י אַלְמְנוּתָ֜הּ מֵֽעָלֶ֗יהָ וַתְּכַ֤ס NAS: So she removed her widow's garments KJV: And she put her widow's garments off INT: removed garments her widow's and and covered Genesis 38:19 2 Samuel 20:3 Isaiah 54:4 4 Occurrences |