The Bible makes it crystal clear: God cares deeply for orphans and widows. Throughout Scripture, He calls His people to be their defenders, protectors, and providers. Taking care of the most vulnerable isn’t just a nice thing to do — it’s a direct reflection of God’s love and compassion.
By caring for widows and orphans, we step into God’s work of healing, justice, and mercy.
In this post, we’ll dive into 35 powerful take care of orphans and widows bible verse passages that show just how important this calling really is.
Key Takeaways:
- God identifies Himself as the defender of the fatherless and widow.
- Helping orphans and widows is an act of pure and undefiled religion.
- True faith is demonstrated by how we treat the vulnerable.
35 Bible Verses About Caring for Orphans and Widows
1. James 1:27
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.”
Explanation: True faith shines brightest when we care for those most in need.
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 personally fights for the rights of the vulnerable.
3. Psalm 68:5
“A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.”
Explanation: God stands as a loving parent and protector for the helpless.
4. Exodus 22:22
“Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.”
Explanation: Mistreating the vulnerable is a serious offense to God.
5. Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
Explanation: Acting justly includes defending orphans and widows.
6. Psalm 146:9
“The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow.”
Explanation: God’s care for the vulnerable is active and constant.
7. Deuteronomy 24:19
“When thou cuttest down thine harvest… it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.”
Explanation: God commands practical ways to provide for the needy.
8. Proverbs 31:9
“Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
Explanation: Speaking up for those who cannot defend themselves is a godly duty.
9. Zechariah 7:10
“And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless.”
Explanation: Justice requires protecting, not oppressing, the vulnerable.
10. Psalm 82:3
“Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.”
Explanation: Defending orphans and the poor is part of living out God’s justice.
11. Job 29:12
“Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.”
Explanation: Job describes righteousness through helping those in need.
12. Malachi 3:5
“I will be a swift witness against those that oppress the widow and the fatherless.”
Explanation: God promises judgment against those who harm the vulnerable.
13. Deuteronomy 26:12
“Thou shalt give it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.”
Explanation: God’s people were commanded to set aside provisions for the needy.
14. Jeremiah 7:6
“If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.”
Explanation: Compassion toward the vulnerable is tied to God’s blessing.
15. Deuteronomy 14:29
“That the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand.”
Explanation: God blesses those who care for the fatherless and widow.
16. Psalm 10:14
“The poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.”
Explanation: God Himself helps and defends orphans.
17. Proverbs 23:10-11
“Enter not into the fields of the fatherless: For their redeemer is mighty.”
Explanation: God personally defends the property and rights of orphans.
18. Deuteronomy 27:19
“Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow.”
Explanation: Mistreating the vulnerable brings God’s judgment, not His blessing.
19. Job 24:3
“They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow’s ox for a pledge.”
Explanation: Exploiting the vulnerable is condemned in Scripture.
20. Isaiah 10:1-2
“Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees… to take away the right from the poor.”
Explanation: Unjust systems that hurt orphans and widows are an offense to God.
21. 1 Timothy 5:3
“Honour widows that are widows indeed.”
Explanation: The church is called to support widows genuinely in need.
22. Jeremiah 22:3
“Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor.”
Explanation: Justice includes rescuing the vulnerable from abuse.
23. Exodus 22:23
“If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry.”
Explanation: God hears the cries of orphans and widows and acts on their behalf.
24. Psalm 72:12
“For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.”
Explanation: God’s heart is tender toward those without earthly help.
25. Isaiah 1:23
“They judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.”
Explanation: Neglecting the vulnerable is a sign of a corrupt society.
26. Zechariah 7:9
“Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother.”
Explanation: Mercy and compassion are key to righteous living.
27. Psalm 94:6
“They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.”
Explanation: Violence against the vulnerable is condemned in the strongest terms.
28. Job 6:27
“Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless.”
Explanation: Even harsh words or treatment toward the vulnerable is a serious matter.
29. Deuteronomy 16:11
“Thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God… thou, and the widow, and the fatherless.”
Explanation: God’s celebrations were meant to include everyone, especially the needy.
30. Ruth 2:8-9
“Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens.”
Explanation: Boaz showed kindness to Ruth, a widow, by providing and protecting her.
31. Luke 7:12-15
“When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.”
Explanation: Jesus showed compassion by restoring a widow’s son to life.
32. Acts 6:1
“There arose a murmuring… because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.”
Explanation: Early believers organized to care properly for widows.
33. 2 Kings 4:1
“Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord.”
Explanation: God’s prophets intervened to help widows in their distress.
34. Deuteronomy 24:20
“When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.”
Explanation: God’s laws made sure that orphans and widows were provided for.
35. Job 31:21
“If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless.”
Explanation: Job defends his righteousness by pointing out his care for orphans.
Final Thoughts: Reflecting God’s Heart by Caring for Widows and Orphans
Taking care of the vulnerable is close to God’s heart. These take care of orphans and widows bible verse passages show us that true faith is not just in words but in actions of love, protection, and service. When we care for orphans and widows, we are living out the gospel in one of its purest forms.
Now it’s your turn!
Which Bible verse inspired you the most today?
Have you had experiences where you’ve seen or been part of caring for orphans and widows?
Share your favorite verses or personal stories in the comments — we would love to hear from you!