χήρα (chēra)
chēra
widow
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun chēra denotes a widow, a woman whose husband has died and who typically lacks independent financial support in the ancient world. Its root idea involves deficiency or being left behind, reflecting the social vulnerability that defined her status. In the New Testament, this word appears frequently in the Gospels and pastoral epistles, highlighting Jesus’ concern for marginalized women and the early church’s responsibility toward them.
Scripture uses chēra in both literal and metaphorical senses. Literally, it describes individuals like the widow of Zarephath (Luke 4:26) or the poor widow who gave two small coins (Mark 12:42-43). Metaphorically, Revelation 18:7 applies the term to Babylon, portraying the fallen city as a bereaved woman stripped of her former glory and protection. This figurative usage underscores the depth of loss associated with the word.
Translators consistently render chēra as "widow," preserving its straightforward meaning while allowing the context to reveal its theological weight. The term appears in passages that command care for widows (1 Timothy 5:3-16) and in James’ definition of pure religion (James 1:27), linking social justice directly to spiritual fidelity. By focusing on this vulnerable group, the biblical text emphasizes God’s character as a defender of those without power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word chēra refers to a widow, a woman who has lost her husband and often faces financial insecurity in the ancient world. This term highlights a group that was particularly vulnerable in early society, lacking the protection and provision typically offered by a male head of household. The New Testament frequently mentions widows not just as a demographic detail, but as a central concern for Jesus and the early church.
Jesus’ interaction with the poor widow in Mark 12 shows that God notices those whom society might overlook. Her small offering was valued more than large sums from the wealthy because it came from genuine sacrifice. Similarly, Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy emphasize that caring for widows is a practical expression of faith, not just a charitable act.
For believers today, this word invites us to look beyond surface appearances and consider the vulnerable around us. It reminds us that true religion involves active care for those who have little power or support. By honoring widows, we reflect God’s heart for justice and compassion in our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- widows9×
- widow6×
- a widow2×
- A widow2×
- widows.1×
- widows,1×
- of widows1×
- a widow;1×
- a widow.1×
- [was] a widow1×
- [dependent] widows,1×
- Widows1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χήρα9×
- χήρας4×
- χῆραι3×
- χήραν2×
- χηρῶν2×
- χήρας.1×
- χήρας,1×
- χήραν.1×
- χήραις,1×
- χήραις1×
- χήρα·1×
- χηρῶν,1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 12:43
He called his disciples to himself and said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,
This verse highlights how Jesus values the widow's sacrificial giving over the large contributions of the wealthy, showing that God measures generosity by heart posture rather than amount.
-
James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Here the term defines 'pure religion,' connecting the practical act of visiting widows in their affliction with maintaining personal holiness before God.
-
Luke 4:26
Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.
Jesus points to Elijah being sent to a Sidonian widow to show that God’s mercy often extends beyond Israel to those outside the covenant community who are in need.