Losing a spouse can be a difficult and overwhelming experience for anyone. In times of grief and sorrow, turning to the words of the Bible can bring comfort and strength.
There are numerous verses in the Bible that offer guidance and support for widows, reminding them that they are not alone and that God is with them during this difficult time. Let’s take a look at some of these verses and the powerful messages they hold for widows.
Also Read: 22 Bible Verses About Equality (With Commentary)
Bible Verses About Widows
Exodus 22:22
“You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.”
This verse from Exodus emphasizes the importance of treating widows with kindness and respect. In ancient times, widows were vulnerable members of society, lacking the protection and provision of a husband. God commands His people to show compassion and care towards widows, ensuring they are not taken advantage of or mistreated.
Deuteronomy 10:18
“He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.”
God’s heart for widows is revealed in this verse. He is not only concerned with their well-being but actively works to provide justice, love, and sustenance for them. Just as God cares for widows, we are also called to demonstrate His love and compassion towards them, ensuring they have their needs met and are treated with dignity.
Psalms 68:5
“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy dwelling.”
This verse highlights God’s role as the Father and Protector of widows. It reassures the widows that they are not alone, for they have a Heavenly Father who looks after them. As believers, we have the privilege of representing God’s love and care by extending our support and care to widows, imitating the Father’s heart towards them.
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
Isaiah admonishes the people of God to actively engage in acts of justice and mercy. One of the specific areas mentioned is advocating for the cause of widows. This verse emphasizes the need for believers to step up and be a voice for the marginalized and vulnerable, ensuring that widows are treated fairly and their needs are met.
James 1:27
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
James reinforces the importance of caring for widows and orphans. He states that true religion, or genuine faith, is characterized by actively reaching out to those in need, including widows. By demonstrating compassion and generosity, we reflect the heart of God and fulfill our calling as followers of Christ.
Deuteronomy 27:19
“Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.” And all the people shall say, “Amen!”
This verse warns against the mistreatment or neglect of widows. God considers it a severe offense to pervert justice or act unjustly towards widows and other vulnerable individuals. The people of God are called to actively oppose any form of injustice, ensuring that the rights and needs of widows are protected.
Proverbs 15:25
“The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow’s boundaries.”
In this proverb, the Lord is portrayed as the One who upholds the boundaries and rights of widows. While the proud are brought down by their arrogance, God ensures that the widows, who often had no one else to advocate for them, are protected and provided for. This verse serves as a reminder that God is intimately concerned with the welfare of widows.
Job 29:13
“The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy “
Job expresses how he became a source of blessing and joy to widows. Throughout the book of Job, we see him embodying compassion and actively helping those in need, including widows. This verse reminds us of the profound impact we can have on widows’ lives when we extend compassion and support to them.
1 Timothy 5:3-4
“Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.”
Paul instructs Timothy on how to care for widows within the church community. He emphasizes the importance of honoring widows who are truly alone and lack sufficient support. At the same time, he encourages family members to fulfill their responsibility in caring for their widowed relatives, recognizing the significance of familial relationships and support.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
The book of Ruth portrays a beautiful example of a widow’s commitment and loyalty. Despite being a widow herself, Ruth remains fiercely devoted to her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi. This story showcases the power of love and selflessness, inspiring us to support and stand with widows in their time of need.
Acts 6:1-4
“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.'”
In the early church, the apostles faced a challenge in ensuring the fair distribution of resources and care to widows. This situation led to the establishment of the role of deacons to address practical needs, allowing the apostles to focus on preaching and teaching. This passage highlights the value and importance of organized care for widows within the church community.
Mark 12:41-44
“And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
This story captures Jesus’ observation of a widow’s sacrificial giving. Despite having very little, she offered all she had as an act of worship and trust in God. It serves as a powerful reminder that God takes delight in the hearts of those who give sacrificially, regardless of the amount. Widows have the capacity to teach us about faith and trust in God’s provision.
Luke 2:36-37
“And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.”
The story of Anna presents a widow who dedicated herself to a life of worship and devotion to God. Despite her status as a widow, she remained faithful and committed to God’s calling, spending her days in the temple, fasting, and praying. Anna’s example inspires us to live lives fully surrendered to God, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Acts 9:36-39
“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days, she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, ‘Please come to us without delay.’ So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.”
The story of Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, exemplifies a widow known for her acts of charity and dedication to helping others. Even after her passing, her impact on the widows she served was evident, as they stood by Peter, mourning and showing him the clothing she had made for them. This account teaches us the extraordinary influence one person can have on the lives of widows through acts of kindness and service.
Luke 7:11-15
“Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.”
A widow and her deceased son encounter Jesus in this narrative. Upon seeing the widow’s deep grief and loss, Jesus is moved with compassion and performs a miraculous resurrection, restoring the son to life. This account showcases Jesus’ ability to bring hope and restoration to the lives of widows, reminding us of His power to comfort and provide for them in their time of need.
1 Kings 17:9-16
“Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, ‘Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.’ And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, ‘Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.’ And she said, ‘As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.’ And Elijah said to her, ‘Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first, make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward, make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.” And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.”
The story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath demonstrates God’s miraculous provision. Although the widow had only a meager amount of food left, she obeyed the prophet’s request and put her trust in God. As a result, her supplies did not run out, providing sustenance for her and her household. This narrative serves as a reminder that God can use widows’ acts of faith and obedience to bring about His miraculous provision in their lives.
Mark 12:38-44
“And in his teaching, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’ And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'”
This passage recounts Jesus’ warning against religious leaders who exploit widows for their gain. He contrasts their hypocritical practices with the sacrificial giving of a poor widow who offers her last two coins to God. Jesus commends the widow’s act of giving, highlighting that it is not the amount but the heart behind the giving that matters to God. This narrative teaches us that even in the midst of challenging circumstances, widows are capable of displaying incredible faith and generosity.
Psalm 146:9
“The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.”
In this psalm, the psalmist declares God’s active care and protection over widows. He proclaims that the Lord upholds them, ensuring their needs are met and that they are not left to fend for themselves. This verse reassures widows of God’s faithfulness and encourages them to put their trust in Him, knowing that He is their ultimate source of security and provision.
Psalm 68:6
“God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.”
This verse highlights God’s tender care for the lonely and vulnerable, including widows. It speaks of Him providing a home and a place of belonging for those who find themselves alone. Widows can take comfort in knowing that God desires to settle them and provide for their emotional and physical well-being.
Isaiah 54:4-5
“Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.”
Isaiah brings a message of hope and restoration to widows. He assures them that God will not allow them to be ashamed or disgraced; instead, He will remove the reproach associated with widowhood. God identifies Himself as the ultimate Husband and Redeemer, affirming that widows’ ultimate source of comfort and provision is found in Him.
1 Timothy 5:16
“If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.”
Paul provides guidelines for the care and support of widows within the church community. He highlights the responsibility of a widow’s close relatives to care for them, ensuring that the church’s resources can be allocated towards widows who lack adequate familial support. This verse underscores the significance of familial and community involvement in meeting the needs of widows.
James 2:15-16
“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
James addresses the practical care of those in need, including widows. He emphasizes that mere words of comfort are not enough; true compassion requires actions that meet tangible needs. As believers, we are called to actively contribute to the well-being of widows, meeting both their physical and emotional needs with genuine care and provision.
Psalm 68:20
“Our God is a God of salvation, and to God, the Lord belongs deliverances from death.”
This psalm acknowledges God as the source of salvation and deliverance. Widows can take comfort in the assurance that their ultimate hope and help rest in God. In times of grief, loneliness, or despair, they can turn to Him, knowing that He is the One who offers true deliverance and healing from the pain associated with widowhood.
What Does the Bible Say About Widows?
In the Bible, the treatment of widows is a subject that demonstrates God’s concern for those who have lost their spouses and are vulnerable in society. Throughout various passages, both in the Old and New Testaments, God commands His people to care for widows and to ensure they receive compassion, support, and justice.
The Old Testament contains numerous references urging Israelites to care for widows. For instance, in Exodus 22:22-24 and Deuteronomy 10:18, God emphasizes the importance of defending the cause of widows and ensuring they receive justice. Additionally, passages like Isaiah 1:17 emphasize the call to help the oppressed, including widows.
In the New Testament, the apostle James highlights the significance of caring for widows, saying that true religion involves looking after orphans and widows in their distress (James 1:27). Furthermore, the early Christian church prioritized the care of widows, establishing systems of support and assistance within the community (Acts 6:1-6, 1 Timothy 5:3-16).
As a result, the consistent message throughout the Bible is one of compassion and responsibility towards widows. It emphasizes providing for their needs, protecting their rights, and offering them comfort and assistance during their vulnerable state. This instruction serves as a reminder to us all to extend care and support to widows, reflecting God’s heart for the marginalized and vulnerable in society.