Throughout Scripture, God shows a deep concern for the vulnerable—especially widows and orphans. In biblical times, these groups were among the most defenseless in society, and even today, many still face hardship and lack support.
God’s Word calls His people to care for them, not just through words, but through action, compassion, and generosity.
In this post, we’ll explore 15 powerful Bible verses about giving to widows and orphans. These scriptures highlight God’s heart for justice, mercy, and community care, reminding us that true faith is lived out by helping those in need.
Key Takeaways Before We Begin
- God commands His people to defend and care for widows and orphans.
- Giving to the vulnerable reflects God’s character and builds true community.
- Compassion isn’t optional—it’s an act of worship and obedience.
- Scripture connects generosity with blessing, protection, and spiritual integrity.
15 Bible Verses About Giving to Widows and Orphans
1. 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.
Explanation:
This verse defines what true faith looks like—caring for those in need, especially orphans and widows. It’s not about empty religion, but active love.
2. Deuteronomy 10:18
He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
Explanation:
God Himself steps in to protect widows and orphans. When we give to them, we reflect His justice and love in real, tangible ways.
3. Psalm 68:5
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
Explanation:
God takes on the role of provider and protector for the vulnerable. This verse shows His special concern for orphans and widows.
4. Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Explanation:
God calls His people to stand up for justice. Helping widows and orphans isn’t a side task—it’s part of being righteous.
5. Deuteronomy 14:29
And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied.
Explanation:
God instructs His people to use part of their harvest to feed the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. It’s a built-in system of care and generosity.
6. Exodus 22:22-23
Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry.
Explanation:
Mistreating the vulnerable brings God’s anger. He takes it personally when widows and orphans are oppressed or ignored.
7. Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Explanation:
Giving to those in need, including widows and orphans, is like lending to God Himself. He sees it and promises to reward that generosity.
8. Deuteronomy 24:19
When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.
Explanation:
God’s law ensured provision for the poor. This verse teaches us to leave behind some of our “plenty” for those in need.
9. Zechariah 7:10
And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
Explanation:
God links injustice toward widows and orphans with broader sin. Caring for others starts with a heart of compassion and fairness.
10. Job 29:12
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
Explanation:
Job reflects on his integrity and righteousness by highlighting how he helped orphans and the helpless. It’s a mark of godly character.
11. Psalm 146:9
The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
Explanation:
God lifts up the humble and helps those in need. Widows and orphans are on His heart—and He takes care of them directly.
12. Jeremiah 7:6
If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt.
Explanation:
God connects justice with true worship. Helping the vulnerable is part of walking in righteousness and keeping His commands.
13. Deuteronomy 26:12-13
When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the third year… and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow… then thou shalt say before the Lord thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house.
Explanation:
Giving part of one’s income to support the needy was a command, not a suggestion. It was seen as holy, pleasing to God.
14. Lamentations 5:3
We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers are as widows.
Explanation:
This verse expresses sorrow during a time of judgment. It shows how devastating hardship can be for the most vulnerable—and how much they need care.
15. Acts 6:1
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring… because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Explanation:
Even in the early church, caring for widows was a high priority. When they were overlooked, it became a serious issue the church quickly addressed.
Final Thoughts: True Faith Cares for the Vulnerable
These Bible verses about giving to widows and orphans make it clear—God’s people are called to love through action. Caring for the most vulnerable is not just a good deed, it’s a divine command.
Whether through financial help, meals, emotional support, or simply being present, we honor God when we serve those who often get overlooked.
God’s heart is with the widow and the orphan—and He asks that ours be too.
What About You?
Have you ever had the chance to help someone in need, especially a widow or orphan?
Do any of these verses challenge or encourage you today?
Share your thoughts or favorite scriptures in the comments. Let’s inspire one another to live out compassion and generosity every day.