אַלְמָנוּת (al.ma.nut)
al.ma.nut
widowhood
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun almanut denotes the state or condition of being a widow, specifically referring to widowhood itself rather than the individual woman. It appears sparingly in the Old Testament, with occurrences concentrated in Genesis and Isaiah. The term captures the social reality of a woman who has lost her husband, marking a distinct phase in her life defined by that loss.
In its few biblical instances, the word anchors the narrative in the vulnerability associated with this status. For example, Genesis 38:11 mentions Judah’s delay in fulfilling his duty regarding Tamar, highlighting the precarious position of widowhood in ancient Israelite society. Isaiah 54:4 uses the term to encourage Zion, urging her not to fear because she will no longer remember the shame of her youth or the reproach of her widowhood, implying a future restoration and security.
This word underscores the legal and social responsibilities placed on the community and family toward widows. Its presence in prophetic literature often serves as a backdrop for God’s concern for justice and care for those without male protection. The term remains a stark reminder of the societal structures that defined life for women in the ancient Near East.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word almanut points to the specific condition of widowhood, a state marked by loss and vulnerability in ancient society. It reminds us that grief is not just an emotion but a tangible reality that changes one’s place in the community. When Scripture mentions this status, it often highlights how fragile life can become when protection is removed.
Yet, this word also carries a promise of restoration. In Isaiah, God tells Zion to forget the reproach of her widowhood, signaling a future where shame is replaced by security. This offers hope that no season of isolation or loss is final. God sees the pain of those who have lost their partners and promises to bring healing and dignity.
We are called to remember this reality in our own lives. By acknowledging the weight of such losses, we can better support those walking through grief. The Bible invites us to trust in a God who cares for the vulnerable and turns mourning into joy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- widowhood/ her2×
- widowhood/ your1×
- widowhood of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַלְמְנוּתָֽ/הּ\׃1×
- אַלְמְנוּתָ֜/הּ1×
- אַלְמְנוּתַ֖יִ/ךְ1×
- אַלְמְנ֥וּת1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 54:4
“Don’t be afraid, for you will not be ashamed. Don’t be confounded, for you will not be disappointed. For you will forget the shame of your youth. You will remember the reproach of your widowhood no more.
This verse uses the word to promise that God will remove the lasting shame associated with widowhood, pointing to future restoration.
-
Genesis 38:14
She took off the garments of her widowhood, and covered herself with her veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gate of Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown up, and she wasn’t given to him as a wife.
Here, removing garments of widowhood marks a transition from a state of loss back into social participation and hope for family continuity.
-
II Samuel 20:3
David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in custody and provided them with sustenance, but didn’t go in to them. So they were shut up to the day of their death, living in widowhood.
This occurrence illustrates the permanent isolation and sorrow that can accompany widowhood when left without companionship or hope.