The Bible speaks compassionately about widows and widowers, encouraging the church to support and care for those who have lost their spouses. Scripture highlights God’s concern for the lonely and grieving, offering hope and comfort to widowers. In this post, we’ll see what the Bible says about caring for those who are mourning the loss of a spouse.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Shifting
What Does The Bible Say About Widowers
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.”
This verse reminds us that God has a special concern for widows. He is a protector and provider for those who have lost their spouses. He commands us to show love and compassion towards widows, ensuring that they are cared for and not left vulnerable.
Psalm 68:5
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
God is described as a father to those who have lost their husbands, comforting and caring for them. He takes on the role of a defender, ensuring that widows are not left defenseless or alone. This verse reassures widows that God is with them and will provide for their needs.
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.”
True religion, according to James, involves caring for those in need, including widows. It is not just about our personal relationship with God, but also about showing love and compassion to those who are vulnerable. This verse emphasizes the importance of practical acts of kindness towards widows.
1 Timothy 5:3
“Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.”
In the early Christian community, Paul exhorted Timothy to give special attention to widows who were truly in need. This verse encourages us to recognize and prioritize the support and care of widows who are facing financial and emotional struggles.
1 Timothy 5:5
“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.”
This verse highlights the resilience and faith of widows who trust in God despite their challenging circumstances. It reminds us of the importance of supporting widows in their spiritual journey and walking alongside them in prayer and encouragement.
Ruth 1:5
“Both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.”
The story of Naomi in the book of Ruth portrays the devastating loss of a widow who has not only lost her husband but also her sons. This verse serves as a reminder that widows face immense grief and loss, and they need our compassion and support during such difficult times.
Ruth 1:20-21
“’Don’t call me Naomi,’ she told them. ‘Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.’”
Naomi’s words express the deep pain and sorrow that widows can experience. It is essential for us to empathize with their grief and provide comfort and understanding. This verse reminds us to be sensitive to the emotional struggles that widows may face.
1 Kings 17:7-16
“Some time later, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him: ‘Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.’ So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, ‘Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?’ As she was going to get it, he called, ‘And bring me, please, a piece of bread.’ ‘As surely as the Lord your God lives,’ she replied, ‘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, that we may eat it—and die.’ Elijah said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’’ She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.”
This remarkable story showcases God’s provision for a widow and her son, even in the midst of a severe drought. It demonstrates that widows who trust in God can experience His miraculous intervention in their lives, providing for their needs in unexpected ways.
Luke 2:37
“And then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.”
The story of Anna, the widow who devoted her life to worship and prayer, exemplifies the faithfulness and devotion of widows. It is an encouragement for widows to continue seeking God and finding solace in His presence, knowing that He sees and values their commitment.
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 powerful story highlights the sacrificial giving of a poor widow who offered everything she had. It teaches us that widows, regardless of their financial status, can be incredibly generous and demonstrate remarkable faith and trust in God’s provision.
Luke 7:12-15
“As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’ Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, get up!’ The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.”
This touching account portrays Jesus’ compassion for widows and His ability to restore life and hope. It brings comfort to widows, assuring them that Jesus sees their pain and is willing to intervene in their lives with His miraculous power and love.
Acts 9:36-42
“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, ‘Please come at once!’ Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.”
The story of Tabitha (Dorcas) showcases the impact that a widow can have on her community through acts of kindness and service. It also demonstrates the benevolence of the early Christian community towards widows and the power of God to bring forth resurrection and restoration.
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.”
God’s warning in this verse serves as a stern reminder to treat widows and orphans with justice and compassion. Exploiting or neglecting them will provoke His anger and bring severe consequences. It urges us to be mindful of how we treat and support widows in our midst.
Psalm 146:9
“The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
God’s watchful care extends to widows, assuring them that He sees their struggles and sustains them in their time of need. This verse gives widows the confidence and assurance that they are never forgotten or abandoned by their Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 15:25
“The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.”
God’s justice is contrasted with the destructive consequences that pride brings. Instead of tearing down widows, the Lord ensures their security and stability, symbolized by the setting of their boundary stones. This verse reinforces the idea that God is their protector and defender.
Proverbs 23:10-11
“Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights and possessions of the fatherless and widows. God is portrayed as their mighty defender, promising to intervene and fight for them if their rights are violated. It serves as a warning against exploiting or taking advantage of widows.
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’s exhortation calls for believers to actively seek justice and defend the rights of widows. It encourages us to be advocates for widows, standing alongside them and speaking up on their behalf. This verse reminds us that caring for widows is not just an option but a responsibility.
Zechariah 7:10
“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.”
This verse is a commandment against oppressing widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. It serves as a reminder that God desires His people to treat widows with kindness and fairness, ensuring that they are not taken advantage of or oppressed. It emphasizes the importance of social justice for the vulnerable in society.
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
These verses encourage us to use our voices and influence to advocate for the rights and well-being of widows. It calls us to take a stand against injustice and to actively defend and support those who are in need. Widows, as some of the most vulnerable members of society, deserve our unwavering support.
Job 29:13-15
“The one who was dying blessed me; I made the widow’s heart sing. I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban. I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.”
Job’s description of his righteous actions includes bringing joy to widows, demonstrating his compassion and care for them. It serves as an example of how we should strive to bring comfort and encouragement to widows by being attentive to their needs and extending practical support.
Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes remind widows that they are not alone in their grief. He promises comfort to those who mourn, assuring widows that God sees their pain and is present to bring healing and solace. This verse offers hope and consolation to the hearts of widows.
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 speaks of God’s ability to bring companionship and community to the lonely, including widows. It portrays His desire to bring comfort and support to those who have lost their spouses, reminding widows that they are not alone but part of God’s family.
Isaiah 54:4-5
“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.”
This powerful passage assures widows that God is their ultimate source of comfort and provision. It promises that He will remove their shame and bring restoration, highlighting the intimate relationship He desires to have with them as their heavenly husband and redeemer.
Psalm 119:116
“Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.”
Widows can find comfort and strength in this verse as it calls upon God to fulfill His promises and sustain them. It acknowledges their need for His continuous grace and faithfulness, reminding them to place their hope and trust in Him for their future.
Isaiah 66:13
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”
This verse illustrates God’s tender and nurturing nature, comparing His comfort for widows to that of a mother comforting her child. It assures widows that God deeply cares for them and will provide the love and consolation that they need during their time of loss and grief.