In the Bible, a widow is typically defined as a woman whose husband has died. The Hebrew term for widow is "אַלְמָנָה" (almānāh), which appears frequently in the Old Testament, notably in passages like Deuteronomy 10:18, where God is described as one who defends the cause of the widow. Widows in biblical times were often vulnerable and faced socioeconomic hardships due to their lack of protection and support, particularly in a patriarchal society. As a result, the care and protection of widows were emphasized in the law and prophetic literature, with specific commandments given to ensure they were not neglected (Exodus 22:22-24; Isaiah 1:17).In the New Testament, widows continue to hold a significant place, reflecting the church's responsibility to care for the marginalized. Jesus highlighted the faith of a poor widow in Mark 12:41-44, who gave all she had to live on, demonstrating true devotion. The early church also established guidelines for the care of widows, as seen in 1 Timothy 5, which outlines qualifications for those enrolled for support. Overall, the biblical portrayal of widows underscores themes of vulnerability, divine care, and the communal responsibility to support those in need.