The Bible is filled with commands and encouragement to care for the most vulnerable people in society, particularly widows and orphans. These groups often lacked protection and provision in ancient times, and God’s word repeatedly calls His people to act with compassion, justice, and mercy toward them.
When we take care of widows and orphans, we mirror the character of God, who describes Himself as their defender. These verses remind us of our spiritual duty and encourage a life of kindness, service, and love.
Let’s explore 35 Bible verses that show God’s heart for widows and orphans and how we are called to care for them.
1. James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Explanation:
This verse defines true religion as caring for widows and orphans, showing that faith must be lived out in love and service.
2. Psalm 68:5
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.
Explanation:
God takes a personal role in defending those without protection, revealing His deep care and justice.
3. Deuteronomy 10:18
He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.
Explanation:
God’s justice is active—He provides for and protects the helpless, setting an example for us to follow.
4. Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Explanation:
This call to action tells us that righteousness includes standing up for widows and orphans.
5. Exodus 22:22
Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless.
Explanation:
God clearly commands against exploiting the vulnerable, warning us to treat them with fairness and dignity.
6. Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Explanation:
We are called to be the voice for those who are silenced—especially orphans and widows.
7. Zechariah 7:10
Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.
Explanation:
This verse lists categories of people often ignored by society and reminds us to show them compassion.
8. Deuteronomy 27:19
Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.
Explanation:
Denying justice to the vulnerable goes against God’s commands and brings serious spiritual consequences.
9. Job 29:12
Because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them.
Explanation:
Job recounts his righteous acts, highlighting care for orphans as part of living a blameless life.
10. Psalm 82:3
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Explanation:
God expects His people to step up and protect those who cannot protect themselves.
11. Jeremiah 22:3
Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed.
Explanation:
Justice includes defending the rights of those who are mistreated, including widows and orphans.
12. Ruth 2:8-10
So Boaz said to Ruth… “Stay here with the women who work for me…”
Explanation:
Boaz cared for Ruth, a widowed foreigner, showing kindness and providing protection—an example of godly character.
13. Malachi 3:5
I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against those who oppress the widows and the fatherless.
Explanation:
God takes injustice seriously and will hold people accountable for how they treat the vulnerable.
14. Job 31:16-18
If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary…
Explanation:
Job reflects on his integrity by recalling his support of widows and orphans, showing its importance.
15. Psalm 146:9
The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow.
Explanation:
God is ever watchful, sustaining those who have no one else to care for them.
16. Lamentations 5:3
We have become fatherless, our mothers are widows.
Explanation:
This cry reflects the deep loss and vulnerability of those left without support, calling for compassion.
17. Proverbs 15:25
The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
Explanation:
God protects widows and secures their place, while opposing those who exalt themselves.
18. Deuteronomy 14:29
So that the Levites, the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows… may come and eat and be satisfied.
Explanation:
God’s provision plan included regular support for widows and orphans, showing intentional care.
19. 1 Timothy 5:3
Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.
Explanation:
Paul urges the church to care for widows as part of their responsibility as believers.
20. Job 6:27
You would even cast lots for the fatherless and barter away your friend.
Explanation:
Job rebukes those who would exploit orphans, condemning their selfishness.
21. Psalm 10:14
But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand.
Explanation:
God notices the pain of the oppressed, including widows and orphans, and takes action.
22. Psalm 94:6
They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless.
Explanation:
This verse shows how wickedness often targets the vulnerable, and God will judge it.
23. Isaiah 10:1-2
Woe to those who make unjust laws… depriving the poor of their rights and withholding justice from the widows.
Explanation:
God condemns leaders and systems that harm widows and orphans, calling for justice and reform.
24. Ezekiel 22:7
In you they have treated father and mother with contempt; in you they have oppressed the foreigner and mistreated the fatherless and the widow.
Explanation:
When society breaks down morally, widows and orphans often suffer first—a sign of widespread injustice.
25. Luke 7:12-15
When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”
Explanation:
Jesus showed compassion by raising a widow’s son, reflecting God’s care for grieving mothers.
26. Acts 6:1
The Grecian Jews among them complained… because their widows were being overlooked…
Explanation:
Even in the early church, caring for widows was a high priority that required attention and fairness.
27. Luke 21:2-4
He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.
Explanation:
Jesus honored the faith and generosity of a widow, showing her worth and devotion.
28. Mark 12:40
They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers.
Explanation:
Religious hypocrisy is exposed when leaders exploit widows instead of helping them.
29. Jeremiah 7:6
If you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow…
Explanation:
God calls His people to repentance through justice and care for the vulnerable.
30. Deuteronomy 24:17
Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.
Explanation:
Even small injustices against widows and orphans matter to God—He values their dignity.
31. Deuteronomy 24:19-21
Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow…
Explanation:
God commands leaving part of the harvest to care for those in need—especially widows and orphans.
32. 2 Kings 4:1-7
The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha…
Explanation:
This story shows how God used Elisha to provide miraculously for a desperate widow and her children.
33. Jeremiah 49:11
Leave your orphans; I will protect their lives. Your widows too can trust in me.
Explanation:
God promises to step in as a protector when no one else is there.
34. Isaiah 54:4-5
For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name…
Explanation:
God promises to be a faithful husband to the widow, giving comfort and identity.
35. Psalm 113:7-9
He raises the poor from the dust… He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.
Explanation:
God transforms broken lives and restores dignity, joy, and hope to widows and childless women.
Love in Action: A Call to Care
These verses reveal a powerful truth—God’s heart breaks for the vulnerable, and He calls us to be His hands and feet. Taking care of widows and orphans is not just a kind act; it’s part of what it means to live a life that pleases God.
Which verse inspired you the most today?
Share your thoughts or favorite scripture in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to care deeply, love fully, and live out our faith through action and compassion.