Refiner Word Study orphanos (G3737)
G3737  ·  Greek  ·  Strong's Concordance
ὀρφανός
orphanos
2 occurrences in Scripture Greek

"bereaved of parents, orphan, Jas. 1:27; bereaved, desolate, Jn. 14:18"

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Definition and meaning

What does orphanos mean in Greek?

2
Occurrences in Scripture
G3737
Strong's number
Greek
Original language

bereaved of parents, orphan, Jas. 1:27; bereaved, desolate, Jn. 14:18

In the original Greek the word is written: ὀρφανός

Historical context

What was happening when this word was written?

Roman-Occupied Judea (c. 4 BC-AD 30)

John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.

The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.

Scripture references

Top 2 Bible verses with orphanos

These are the most notable occurrences of orphanos (G3737) across the King James Bible.

John 14:18

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

James 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions about orphanos

What does orphanos mean in Greek?

Strong's G3737 (orphanos) is a Greek word that means: bereaved of parents, orphan, Jas. 1:27; bereaved, desolate, Jn. 14:18 It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.

How many times does orphanos appear in the Bible?

The word orphanos (G3737) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.

What is Strong's number G3737?

Strong's G3737 is orphanos, a Greek word defined as: bereaved of parents, orphan, Jas. 1:27; bereaved, desolate, Jn. 14:18. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.

Is orphanos in the Old Testament or New Testament?

orphanos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.