orphans Summary and Overview

(Lam. 5:3), i.e., desolate and without protectors. The word occurs only here. In John 14:18 the word there rendered "comfortless" (R.V., "desolate;" marg., "orphans") properly means "orphans." The same Greek word is rendered "fatherless" in James 1:27.

OR'PHANS . Special privileges were accorded to them by the Mosaic Law, as well as to the widow and stranger, Deut 14:21, and special kindness and leniency enjoined toward them. Deut 24:17. Job adduced it as one of his merits that he had helped the fatherless. Job 29:12, etc. James, Jas 1:27, classes the visitation of orphans amongst the acts of pure and undefiled religion. The word, John 14:18 translated "comfortless" is "orphans" in the Greek.