Widows are given special consideration in the Bible, and the subject of tithing applies to them as well. Scripture emphasizes generosity from all, regardless of status, but also highlights the need for the community to support widows, ensuring their well-being.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About The Dead Coming Back
What Does The Bible Say About Widows Tithing
1 Kings 17:12
She said, “As surely as the Lord your God lives, I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son so that we may eat it—and die.”
This verse depicts the dire situation of a widow who had very little left and was preparing to make her last meal. It highlights the vulnerability and financial struggles faced by widows.
Despite her desperate situation, the widow exhibited an act of faith by offering her meager resources to the prophet Elijah. This teaches us about the importance of trusting God and being generous, even when it seems impossible or impractical.
Mark 12:41-44
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
This passage narrates an instance when Jesus observed people making offerings in the temple. While wealthy individuals contributed large sums of money, it was the small offering of a poor widow that caught Jesus’ attention.
Jesus commended the widow for her sacrificial giving, emphasizing that she had given all she had, whereas others gave out of their abundance. This demonstrates the significance of a widow’s tithing, regardless of the amount, as it reflects a willing heart and complete trust in God’s provision.
1 Timothy 5:3-5
Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.
In this verse, the apostle Paul addresses the responsibility of caring for widows. He encourages believers to prioritize supporting widows who are genuinely in need, recognizing their vulnerable state and the challenges they face.
Paul also highlights the importance of family members taking care of widows, particularly children and grandchildren. By fulfilling this duty, they live out their faith and honor God. The verse reassures widows that they can place their hope in God, who hears their prayers and provides assistance.
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.
This verse emphasizes the essence of true and sincere faith in God. James states that genuine religion involves actively caring for orphans and widows during their times of hardship.
This extends beyond just providing material support but also encompasses emotional encouragement, companionship, and spiritual guidance. Additionally, it involves maintaining personal holiness by avoiding worldly influences that can hinder one’s ability to serve and support widows in need.
Deuteronomy 14:28-29
At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
Deuteronomy provides instructions on the practice of tithing and highlights the inclusion of widows in the community’s provision. Every three years, the people were instructed to gather their tithes in the towns for the benefit of the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows residing among them.
This practice serves as a reminder to support and take care of widows through the collective giving of the community. It emphasizes the principle of sharing resources to ensure that the vulnerable members of society are provided for and blessed by God.
Psalm 68:5
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.
This verse affirms God’s character as a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows. It showcases His love and compassion for those who lack the earthly support and protection of a spouse or family.
Widows can find comfort in knowing that God watches over them and actively cares for their needs. It reinforces the truth that God is their ultimate source of provision, guidance, and protection.
Ruth 2:11-12
Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
In this passage, Boaz acknowledges Ruth’s loyalty and selflessness towards her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth made significant sacrifices to care for Naomi, leaving behind her own family and homeland.
Boaz prays for God’s blessings and rewards upon her, recognizing that Ruth had taken refuge under the wings of the Lord. This highlights the significance of a widow’s faithfulness and selflessness in finding protection and favor in the eyes of God.
Psalm 146:9
The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow but frustrates the ways of the wicked.
This verse emphasizes God’s continuous care for widows and their well-being. It assures widows that the Lord is vigilant in watching over them, addressing their needs, and providing for them.
Furthermore, the verse highlights God’s opposition to the wicked, indicating that those who mistreat or neglect widows will face frustration and divine judgment.
Malachi 3:5
“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty.
This verse warns against the mistreatment and oppression of widows. God declares that He will testify against those who exploit and disregard the rights of widows, along with sorcerers, adulterers, and other wrongdoers.
It serves as a reminder that God’s judgment is certain and that He stands as a protector and vindicator of widows, assuring them that their cries for justice and fairness do not go unnoticed.
Acts 6:1-4
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So, the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
This passage tells of a situation where certain widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The apostles recognized the importance of ensuring fair treatment for widows, but they also acknowledged that their primary duty was to proclaim God’s Word and lead the early church.
They appointed individuals known for their wisdom and spirituality to specifically address the needs of widows, highlighting the significance of dedicated care and attention within the Christian community.
1 Timothy 5:9-10
No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
In this verse, Paul outlines criteria for widows to be included in a support list within the church. He emphasizes that these widows should be of a certain age, known for their marital fidelity, and recognized for their exemplary behavior, including good deeds such as raising children, showing hospitality, and providing assistance to those in need.
Paul’s instructions highlight the importance of widows embodying a life characterized by righteousness and service before being given financial assistance or support from the church.
Psalms 94:6-7
They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless. They say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice.”
This verse exposes the heartlessness of those who oppress widows and commit violence against them. It describes a situation where widows and foreigners are subject to mistreatment, and the perpetrators arrogantly claim that God does not see their actions or take notice.
The verse serves as a reminder that God actively observes and cares about the plight of widows. It portrays His indignation towards those who exploit and harm them unjustly.
Proverbs 15:25
The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
Proverbs emphasizes that God opposes the prideful, but He ensures justice and protection for widows. This proverbial saying illustrates how the Lord establishes and safeguards the widow’s rightful possessions and inheritance.
God’s provision and preservation for widows are founded on His righteous nature, offering them stability and security even in times of vulnerability.
Exodus 22:22-24
“Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.
In this passage, God commands His people not to exploit or mistreat widows or fatherless children. He warns of the severe consequences that will befall those who disregard this directive.
The verse exhibits God’s deep concern and protection for widows, assuring them that He will hear their cries for justice and vengeance against their oppressors.
Psalm 68:6
God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
This verse affirms that God places the lonely within the framework of families. Widows, who often experience a sense of solitude and loss, can find solace in the knowledge that God brings them into communities that provide support and companionship.
It underscores God’s ability to restore and uplift those who feel isolated, contrasting against the consequences faced by the rebellious who dwell in desolate conditions.
Job 29:12-13
Because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them. The one who was dying blessed me; I made the widow’s heart sing.
Job recounts his past deeds of compassion, highlighting his involvement in supporting the poor, aiding fatherless individuals, and bringing joy to the hearts of widows.
Job’s example serves as model for believers to actively engage in acts of mercy, showing love and kindness to widows in need. It demonstrates how such acts can significantly impact their lives, sparking hope and giving them joy.
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.
Isaiah urges God’s people to pursue righteousness and justice, actively standing up for the oppressed, fatherless, and widows. The verse emphasizes the importance of advocating for the rights and well-being of widows.
It encourages believers to address any injustices widows face, ensuring their voices are heard and that they receive fair treatment within society.
1 Corinthians 7:8
Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.
In this verse, Paul addresses the issue of marriage for widows and advises them to remain unmarried, as he himself was.
While not an explicit directive, Paul suggests that unmarried widows may have certain advantages in serving God and being wholly dedicated to His work without the responsibilities of marriage. It affirms the value of singleness and offers widows the option to devote themselves to a life of service to the Lord.
Psalm 146:9
The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow but frustrates the ways of the wicked.
This verse emphasizes God’s continuous care for widows and their well-being. It assures widows that the Lord is vigilant in watching over them, addressing their needs, and providing for them.
Furthermore, the verse highlights God’s opposition to the wicked, indicating that those who mistreat or neglect widows will face frustration and divine judgment.
Acts 6:1-4
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So, the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
This passage tells of a situation where certain widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The apostles recognized the importance of ensuring fair treatment for widows, but they also acknowledged that their primary duty was to proclaim God’s Word and lead the early church.
They appointed individuals known for their wisdom and spirituality to specifically address the needs of widows, highlighting the significance of dedicated care and attention within the Christian community.
1 Timothy 5:9-10
No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
In this verse, Paul outlines criteria for widows to be included in a support list within the church. He emphasizes that these widows should be of a certain age, known for their marital fidelity, and recognized for their exemplary behavior, including good deeds such as raising children, showing hospitality, and providing assistance to those in need.
Paul’s instructions highlight the importance of widows embodying a life characterized by righteousness and service before being given financial assistance or support from the church.
Psalms 94:6-7
They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless. They say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice.”
This verse exposes the heartlessness of those who oppress widows and commit violence against them. It describes a situation where widows and foreigners are subject to mistreatment, and the perpetrators arrogantly claim that God does not see their actions or take notice.
The verse serves as a reminder that God actively observes and cares about the plight of widows. It portrays His indignation towards those who exploit and harm them unjustly.
Proverbs 15:25
The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.
Proverbs emphasizes that God opposes the prideful, but He ensures justice and protection for widows. This proverbial saying illustrates how the Lord establishes and safeguards the widow’s rightful possessions and inheritance.
God’s provision and preservation for widows are founded on His righteous nature, offering them stability and security even in times of vulnerability.
Exodus 22:22-24
“Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.
In this passage, God commands His people not to exploit or mistreat widows or fatherless children. He warns of the severe consequences that will befall those who disregard this directive.
The verse exhibits God’s deep concern and protection for widows, assuring them that He will hear their cries for justice and vengeance against their oppressors.
Psalm 68:6
God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
This verse affirms that God places the lonely within the framework of families. Widows, who often experience a sense of solitude and loss, can find solace in the knowledge that God brings them into communities that provide support and companionship.
It underscores God’s ability to restore and uplift those who feel isolated, contrasting against the consequences faced by the rebellious who dwell in desolate conditions.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah conveys God’s expectations for His people, directing them to act justly, show mercy, and walk humbly with Him. These principles apply to how widows should be treated.
Believers are called to extend fairness, compassion, and humility to widows, practicing love and kindness in their interactions and ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect.
1 Timothy 5:16
If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.
Paul urges believers who have widows under their care to continue providing for them, relieving the burden on the church. This speaks to the importance of individual responsibility in supporting widows within the family and personal network.
By fulfilling this duty, believers ensure that the church’s resources can be directed towards widows who lack immediate family support and are genuinely in need.
John 19:26-27
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
As Jesus hung on the cross, He saw His mother, Mary, and entrusted her care to one of His disciples. This act of compassion and concern highlights the importance Jesus placed on caring for widows, ensuring their needs were met even in times of personal suffering.
Believers are encouraged to follow this example, extending support and aid to widows within their own communities and families.
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
1 Peter encourages believers to humble themselves under God’s authority, trusting Him to exalt and provide for them at the appropriate time.
Widows can find strength and hope in this verse, knowing that they can place their confidence in God’s timing and intervention in their lives. It serves as a reminder that their humble dependence on God does not go unnoticed, and they can trust Him to fulfill their needs.