אַלְמָנוּת

The Hebrew word אַלְמָנוּת, transliterated as al.ma.nut, is defined as "widowhood." This term falls within the semantic domain of Kinship & Family, suggesting that it is closely tied to relationships and social identity within a family or community structure. The word appears four times in the Bible, a relatively rare frequency compared to other Hebrew words. This scarcity implies that אַלְמָנוּת is a specific concept that has particular importance in certain contexts. Its range of usage is likely focused on situations where the well-being and security of widows are at issue, such as in social, economic, or emotional contexts. Given its definition and limited frequency of occurrence, the significance of אַלְמָנוּת lies in its ability to highlight specific concerns and vulnerabilities related to widowhood. By using this term, the authors of the Bible may be drawing attention to the unique challenges and circumstances faced by widows in ancient societies.