How long to wait to date after wife dies?

However, those rules have loosened over time. When you feel ready to date, you will know it. That said, make no important decisions or commitments for one year after the funeral -- and that includes remarrying to avoid being lonely.

What does widow mean in the Bible?

Biblical Period. The Hebrew substantive almanah, usually translated widow, often does not simply denote a woman whose husband is dead, but rather a once-married woman who has no means of financial support, and is therefore in need of special legal protection.