Helping the widows and orphans is not just a good deed — it’s a calling deeply rooted in the heart of God. Throughout the Bible, God shows a deep concern for those who are vulnerable and without protection.
The Scriptures repeatedly emphasize that true faith is demonstrated through action, especially when it comes to caring for those who cannot care for themselves.
In this post, we will explore 35 Bible verses about helping the widows and orphans, offering encouragement and practical reminders of our responsibility. Each verse will guide us in understanding God’s heart for compassion, justice, and mercy.
35 Bible Verses About Helping the 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:
True faith is shown by caring for the vulnerable and living a pure life.
2. Exodus 22:22
Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
Explanation:
God commands His people not to mistreat widows and orphans, showing His protection over them.
3. Psalm 68:5
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
Explanation:
God Himself steps in as a father and protector for those without.
4. Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Explanation:
Helping the oppressed, fatherless, and widows is part of living righteously.
5. 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 defends and provides for the fatherless and the widow, and we are called to do the same.
6. Zechariah 7:10
And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor.
Explanation:
God clearly tells His people to treat all vulnerable people with justice and kindness.
7. Deuteronomy 24:19
When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf… thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow.
Explanation:
Even in daily work, provisions should be made for those in need.
8. Job 29:12
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
Explanation:
Job describes righteous living as rescuing the poor and fatherless.
9. Proverbs 23:10-11
Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless.
Explanation:
God warns against taking advantage of orphans, showing their special place under His care.
10. Psalm 146:9
The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow.
Explanation:
God’s loving protection over the vulnerable is highlighted here.
11. Deuteronomy 27:19
Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow.
Explanation:
Mistreating widows and orphans brings a strong warning of God’s judgment.
12. Jeremiah 22:3
Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor.
Explanation:
God calls His people to defend the cause of the oppressed, including the fatherless.
13. Malachi 3:5
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against those that oppress the widow, and the fatherless.
Explanation:
God personally opposes those who oppress widows and orphans.
14. Psalm 82:3
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Explanation:
We are commanded to defend and advocate for the most vulnerable.
15. 1 Timothy 5:3
Honour widows that are widows indeed.
Explanation:
The church is instructed to honor and care for widows who are truly in need.
16. Proverbs 31:8-9
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
Explanation:
We are called to speak up for those who cannot defend themselves.
17. Job 31:16
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail.
Explanation:
Job emphasizes that neglecting widows and the needy would be sinful.
18. 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:
Sharing blessings with the needy was part of God’s law.
19. Psalm 10:14
Thou art the helper of the fatherless.
Explanation:
God is personally described as the one who helps orphans.
20. Isaiah 10:1-2
Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees… to turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people.
Explanation:
God condemns unjust leaders who harm the poor and vulnerable.
21. Lamentations 5:3
We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers are as widows.
Explanation:
This verse reflects the pain of being unprotected and in need.
22. Psalm 82:4
Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
Explanation:
God calls us to rescue those trapped in injustice.
23. Job 22:9
Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.
Explanation:
This describes wrongdoing toward widows and orphans, which God condemns.
24. Deuteronomy 26:12
When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes… thou shalt give it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.
Explanation:
Offerings were meant to support the vulnerable.
25. Psalm 94:6
They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.
Explanation:
God notes the great evil of harming those who are helpless.
26. Job 24:3
They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow’s ox for a pledge.
Explanation:
Taking advantage of the helpless is listed among serious sins.
27. Isaiah 1:23
They judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.
Explanation:
A corrupt society ignores the rights of widows and orphans.
28. Proverbs 15:25
The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
Explanation:
God stands against the proud but secures justice for widows.
29. Deuteronomy 24:17
Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow’s raiment to pledge.
Explanation:
Justice must be protected, especially for those who are vulnerable.
30. Job 6:27
Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
Explanation:
Mistreatment of the fatherless is condemned sharply.
31. Jeremiah 7:6
If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow… then will I cause you to dwell in this place.
Explanation:
Blessings follow obedience in caring for the vulnerable.
32. Ezekiel 22:7
In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.
Explanation:
Oppression of widows and orphans is seen as a sign of societal corruption.
33. Psalm 10:18
To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.
Explanation:
God ensures justice for the oppressed.
34. Zechariah 7:9
Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother.
Explanation:
Mercy and justice are key traits for believers.
35. Luke 20:47
Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.
Explanation:
Jesus condemns hypocrisy, especially the exploitation of widows.
Also Read:
35+ Powerful Bible Verses About Take Care Of Orphans And Widows
35+ Powerful Bible Verses About Give To The Widows And Orphans
Conclusion
Caring for widows and orphans isn’t just a suggestion—it’s at the very core of living out genuine faith. These Bible verses about helping the widows and orphans remind us that true religion involves compassion, justice, and practical love.
In a world full of need, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out with care and generosity.
Which verse spoke most to you today?
Share your favorite verse or your experiences with serving others in the comments — let’s encourage one another to continue this important work!