ORPHAN (Heb. יָתﯴם, H3846, literally “fatherless,” used expressly for boys; rarely if ever for girls). The word does not strictly mean “orphan,” but rather “fatherless,” “bereft,” and has in view the OT concept that a person was without legal standing if not incorporated into the covenant by circumcision or represented by the kinsman-redeemer. Fatherless children of both sexes were to be provided with special three-year tithes. A further provision was the special plots of “gleanings” left in fields for such individuals (Deut 14:29; et al.). The OT repeatedly pleads the case of the two non-covenantal states, the widow and the fatherless (Exod 22:22). Since inheritance was through the male heir, the plight of a widow without sons as in the case of Naomi (Ruth) was esp. tragic. Daughters only inherited in the extreme case of no male heirs surviving (Num 27:7-11).

In the NT the term Gr. ὀρφανός, G4003, “orphaned,” appears frequently and is based upon the OT usage. It represents the highest degree of the ministry of mercy (James 1:27).