The customary acceptation of the word orphans is well known to be that of "children deprived of their parents;" but the force of the Greek word ὀρφάνους (rendered comfortless in the king James version, John 14:18) implies the case of those who have lost some dear protecting friend; some patron, though not strictly a father: and in this sense it is used, 1 Thessalonians 2:17 : "We also, brethren, being taken away from our care over you," ἀπορφανισθεντες. Corresponding to this import of the word it may be used by Christ in the passage of John's Gospel.

Bibliography Information
McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Orphan'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/o/orphan.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.

Bible Encyclopedias Orphan

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Bible Encyclopedias
Orphan