Throughout Scripture, God shows deep compassion for the most vulnerable in society—widows and orphans. In biblical times, these individuals often had no social or economic protection, and God made it clear that His people were to care for them. Today, these verses still challenge us to extend love, justice, and support to those in need.
In this post, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses about taking care of widows and orphans, each revealing God’s heart and our responsibility as believers to stand up for and serve those who may be forgotten by others.
Key Takeaways Before We Begin
- God commands His people to protect and provide for widows and orphans.
- True faith includes caring for those who cannot repay us.
- Caring for the vulnerable reflects God’s justice, mercy, and love.
- These verses are not just suggestions—they are divine instructions.
15 Bible Verses About Caring for 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 distress, like widows and orphans, and living a life of integrity.
2. Psalm 68:5
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
Explanation:
God personally identifies as a protector of orphans and widows. His very nature is one of justice and care for the defenseless.
3. 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 doesn’t just care in word—He acts. This verse reveals His commitment to justice and provision for the vulnerable.
4. Exodus 22:22
Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
Explanation:
This is a clear command from God. He warns against mistreating the defenseless, holding His people accountable for their actions.
5. Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Explanation:
Caring for orphans and widows is part of living righteously. This verse calls us to actively defend and support them.
6. Deuteronomy 27:19
Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Explanation:
God curses injustice toward the vulnerable. This verse shows how seriously He takes their protection.
7. Proverbs 31:8-9
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
Explanation:
This call to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves includes widows and orphans. God expects His people to use their voice for justice.
8. Job 29:12
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
Explanation:
Job defends his righteousness by showing how he cared for the fatherless. His compassion was proof of his faithfulness to God.
9. Psalm 82:3
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Explanation:
This verse is a direct command to act justly. It reminds us that defending the vulnerable is our duty, not an optional act of kindness.
10. Jeremiah 22:3
Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow…
Explanation:
Justice includes protecting the powerless from exploitation and harm. God expects leaders and individuals alike to uphold this.
11. 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:
Oppressing the vulnerable grieves God’s heart. This verse calls for compassion and integrity in how we treat others.
12. Deuteronomy 14:29
And the Levite… and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied…
Explanation:
God built provision for the vulnerable into Israel’s law. They were to be fed and cared for through the community’s offerings.
13. Ruth 2:8-10
Then said Boaz unto Ruth… go not to glean in another field… have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee?
Explanation:
Boaz models godly care for a widowed woman, Ruth. His protection and kindness reflect God’s own heart toward widows.
14. Lamentations 5:3
We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers are as widows.
Explanation:
This verse gives voice to suffering, reminding us of how deeply felt the loss of protection and provision is for widows and orphans.
15. 1 Timothy 5:3
Honour widows that are widows indeed.
Explanation:
The early church was instructed to respect and care for widows, showing that this responsibility continues into the New Testament.
Final Thoughts: A Faith That Defends and Provides
These Bible verses about taking care of widows and orphans reflect a major theme in God’s Word—He defends the defenseless, and He expects His people to do the same. Whether through financial support, advocacy, or relational care, every believer is called to stand up for those in need.
How Are You Living This Out?
Do any of these verses challenge or inspire you to do more for the vulnerable around you?
Share your thoughts or favorite verse in the comments. Let’s commit to living out God’s love in action.