Taking care of widows in the Bible is in the biblical narrative and law. In ancient times, widows were among the most vulnerable members of society, often lacking the social and economic support of a husband in a male-dominated culture.
The Bible does not merely recognize their vulnerability; it elevates their care to a matter of divine concern. From the Mosaic Law to the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the early Church, Scripture is replete with mandates and examples that call the faithful to a robust ethic of compassion and justice.
The verses explored herein are not just ancient texts but resonate with timeless principles that challenge individuals and communities to act with integrity and love toward those who have experienced great loss.
Bible Verse About Taking Care of Widows
The Bible repeatedly calls for special care and protection for widows, highlighting the importance of this duty throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Here are 35 verses that encapsulate this divine directive:
Old Testament Teachings
Exodus 22:22
“Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless.”
This commandment is part of the Covenant Code, one of the oldest law codes in the Bible, and reflects a fundamental principle of social justice. It warns against exploiting those who are socially vulnerable due to the loss of a family protector. This law implies that God is particularly concerned with the treatment of widows and orphans, linking their well-being to the community’s covenantal relationship with Him.
Deuteronomy 10:18
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow.”
Here, Moses speaks of God’s character as the defender of those without an advocate. The “cause” indicates legal and social rights, suggesting that God himself takes up their case. This reflects a divine mandate for Israel to imitate God’s justice and mercy in their society.
Deuteronomy 14:29
“The Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled.”
This verse describes the tithing system that provided for those without land or inheritance, including widows. It ensures that they are included in the community’s blessings and that their needs are met through collective responsibility.
Deuteronomy 24:17
“Do not deprive the widow or the fatherless of justice.”
Embedded in a series of laws about fairness and compassion, this commandment highlights the importance of legal equity. It prohibits any manipulation of justice that would harm a widow or an orphan, underscoring that social righteousness is a divine requirement.
Deuteronomy 24:19-21
Instructions to leave gleanings for widows
The law of gleaning allows the vulnerable, including widows, to gather leftover crops after the harvest. This practice served as an early form of social welfare, enshrining the principle of generosity and provision for the needy in the agricultural practices of Israel.
Deuteronomy 26:12
“When you have finished paying all the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.”
This verse reinforces the tithing commandment, indicating that the welfare of widows was not just an individual concern but a community concern with a structured system for support.
Deuteronomy 27:19
“Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.”
As part of the blessings and curses that set forth the consequences of obedience and disobedience, this curse emphasizes how seriously God takes justice and fair treatment of widows. It’s a stark reminder of the social obligations inherent in the covenant.
Ruth 2:9
Boaz offers protection to Ruth, the Moabite widow.
In the story of Ruth, Boaz’s protection of her as a widow and foreigner models righteous behavior. He goes beyond the letter of the law to offer kindness and security, exemplifying the compassionate application of God’s commands.
1 Samuel 2:8
“He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes.”
This verse, part of Hannah’s prayer, praises God for His sovereignty and His care for the downtrodden, including widows. It suggests that God’s concern for the poor can dramatically reverse their fortunes.
Psalm 68:5
“The father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.”
This Psalm portrays God as the ultimate guardian, highlighting His protective nature. It is both a comfort to those who are vulnerable and a call to the community to reflect God’s protective care.
Psalm 146:9
“The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless.”
This psalm celebrates God’s perpetual kingship and his concern for justice. It reassures us that God actively provides for the widow and the orphan, indicating His ongoing presence and protection for those who are frequently overlooked or oppressed.
Proverbs 15:25
“The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow’s boundaries.”
Wisdom literature often contrasts the fates of the righteous and the wicked. This proverb asserts that God dismantles the household of the proud, possibly alluding to those who grow wealthy by exploiting others, but ensures that the rights and properties of the widow are protected.
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do good; seek justice; correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless; plead the widow’s cause.”
Isaiah speaks to a society where moral and religious decay had set in. He calls for a return to genuine piety, which is characterized by social justice actions such as defending the rights of widows and orphans. This verse commands active engagement in society’s transformation through advocacy and righteousness.
Isaiah 10:1-2
“Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees and deprive the needy of justice.”
The prophet Isaiah pronounces woe upon the rulers who enact unjust laws that harm the vulnerable, including widows. This indictment serves as a divine warning against legal and governmental abuse of power, emphasizing that human laws must align with divine justice.
Jeremiah 7:6-7
“If you do not oppress the sojourner, the fatherless, or the widow, then I will let you dwell in this place.”
Through Jeremiah, God sets forth conditions for living in the promised land. These conditions include the just treatment of widows and other vulnerable groups. It implies that social justice is not just an ethical concern but a theological one that impacts the community’s covenant relationship with God.
Jeremiah 22:3
“Do no wrong or violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow.”
This verse is part of a series of commands regarding justice and righteousness. Jeremiah conveys God’s demands for the king to execute justice, highlighting that the moral compass of a society is reflected in how it treats its most vulnerable members.
Zechariah 7:10
“Do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor.”
Zechariah reiterates the consistent message of the prophets regarding the treatment of the disadvantaged. It’s a call to refrain from exploiting those without social power and to embody the justice that characterizes God’s nature.
Malachi 3:5
“I will be quick to testify against those who defraud widows.”
As part of God’s declaration of judgment against unfaithful practices, this verse warns that divine justice will confront those who cheat widows. It serves as a sobering reminder that God is an active witness to injustice and will hold accountable those who exploit the vulnerable.
New Testament Instructions
Matthew 23:14
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses.”
Jesus is condemning the religious leaders for their exploitation of widows. The scribes and Pharisees, who should be the protectors of the vulnerable, are instead taking advantage of them. Jesus’s critique is not just of the act itself but of the systemic injustice that allows such exploitation to occur under the guise of piety.
Luke 2:37
Anna, a widow, never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
Anna, the prophetess, exemplifies a life of devotion. Despite her vulnerability as a widow, she is portrayed as a figure of faithfulness and dedication. Her mention underscores the value and contributions of widows within the community.
Luke 4:25-26
Jesus recalls the time of Elijah when many widows were in Israel, but only to one was Elijah sent.
In this passage, Jesus refers to the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath during a severe famine. The choice of God to send Elijah to a non-Israelite widow signifies that God’s mercy extends beyond the boundaries of Israel. It is a reminder that divine provision often defies human expectations and that faith can be found in unexpected places.
Luke 7:12-15
Jesus raises the son of the widow at Nain.
The story of Jesus raising the widow’s son at Nain goes beyond compassion to a miraculous restoration. Jesus’ intervention here is a profound statement of his power over death and his concern for the social and economic vulnerability of a widow.
Luke 18:3-5
The parable of the persistent widow.
The parable of the persistent widow illustrates the importance of perseverance in seeking justice. It also serves as a critique of those in power who are slow to respond to the needs of the vulnerable, urging them to swift and fair action.
Luke 20:47
“They devour widows’ houses and, for a show, make lengthy prayers.”
Jesus denounces the scribes for their hypocrisy, accusing them of exploiting widows while maintaining a facade of piety. This verse serves as a strong warning against religious pretense that masks exploitation, emphasizing the seriousness with which God views the mistreatment of the vulnerable.
Luke 21:1-4
Jesus observes the widow’s mite.
In contrast to those given out of their abundance, Jesus commends the poor widow who gives two small coins as her offering. Her act of giving everything she had demonstrates a profound level of faith and sacrifice that surpasses the larger contributions of the wealthy. It challenges the value system of measuring generosity not by the amount but by the cost to the giver.
Acts 6:1
The disciples addressed the complaint that widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food.
This verse highlights a tension in the early church regarding the care of widows and leads to the establishment of the diaconate, a dedicated group for the care of those in need. It underscores the importance of organizational integrity and equitable care within the community.
Acts 9:39-41
Peter raises Tabitha, a woman full of good deeds and acts of charity.
Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, was a disciple known for her good works and acts of charity, which likely included caring for widows. Her resurrection by Peter not only affirms the power of God but also underscores the value of her service within the community, highlighting the significant role that women played in the early Church.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9
Paul acknowledges the widows and advises them.
Paul addresses widows directly, providing guidance for their lives post-bereavement. He speaks to their situation with sensitivity and practicality, giving them a choice regarding remarriage based on their ability to remain single and live in accordance with their faith.
1 Timothy 5:3
“Honor widows who are truly widows.”
Paul’s instructions to Timothy present a form of early Christian social welfare. Widows who are destitute and have no family to support them are to be honored and cared for by the church. It sets a precedent for the church’s role in social responsibility.
1 Timothy 5:4
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household.
This instruction places the responsibility of caring for widows on their families, viewing it as a matter of piety and family duty. The verse suggests that caring for one’s relatives is a tangible expression of living out one’s faith.
1 Timothy 5:5
She who is truly a widow left all alone has set her hope on God.
Paul defines a ‘true widow’ as one who is alone and has placed her hope in God. This definition establishes the church’s responsibility to those who are most in need, while also characterizing these widows as models of faithfulness.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Here, Paul emphasizes the gravity of family members caring for their own. He equates the neglect of familial duties with a denial of faith, illustrating that practical care and provision are integral to the Christian witness.
1 Timothy 5:9-10
The qualifications for a widow to be enrolled for support by the church
Paul provides criteria for enrolling a widow in the church’s support list, ensuring that aid is given to those who are most in need and who have been faithful members of the community. These verses demonstrate an early form of a welfare system within the church, with an emphasis on community support for the faithful.
1 Timothy 5:16
If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them.
This verse extends the responsibility of caring for widows to the women in the faith community, not just the men. It encourages members of the church to take personal responsibility for their relatives, thus lightening the collective load and allowing the church to assist those who are truly alone.
James 1:27
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.”
James provides a concise definition of true religion. This verse connects practical acts of mercy with spiritual purity, suggesting that the authenticity of one’s faith is demonstrated through the care of the vulnerable and personal holiness.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the biblical verses concerning widow care, it becomes clear that this is not a peripheral issue but one at the heart of religious practice.
The Bible’s consistent message is that faith is expressed in the care of the widow, the orphan, and the stranger—those who are often marginalized in society.
This biblical mandate transcends time and culture, speaking to us with the same urgency today as it did thousands of years ago. In a world still fraught with inequality and neglect, the call to protect and provide for widows remains a defining mark of a community’s righteousness.
By embracing this call, we not only honor the biblical tradition but also embody the love and justice central to the faith we profess.
FAQS
What does the Bible say about helping widows?
The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of helping widows, portraying it as a demonstration of godliness and righteousness. Passages across both the Old and New Testaments, from Exodus 22:22 to James 1:27, command the faithful to protect, provide for, and advocate for the rights of widows.
What does the KJV Bible say about taking care of widows?
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible mirrors the messages found in other translations, with verses like 1 Timothy 5:3 urging believers to “honor widows that are widows indeed,” indicating a community’s responsibility towards the care of widows. Similarly, James 1:27 states that “pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction,” emphasizing that caring for widows is a hallmark of true religious practice.
What does Proverbs 19:17 say?
Proverbs 19:17 in the KJV says, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD, and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” This verse suggests that showing compassion and giving to the poor, which would include widows in a vulnerable position, is akin to lending to God, who will repay the giver’s kindness. It speaks to the value God places on acts of charity and compassion.
