S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Widows are women whose husbands have died, and orphans are children whose parents, for whatever reason, are not in the child's life. In biblical times, the main cause of a child being orphaned is t...

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November 12 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible say about orphans and widows?

The Bible repeatedly emphasises God's command to protect and care for widows and orphans (often called the fatherless), highlighting them as vulnerable groups under divine protection. Key verses include James 1:27, Psalm 68:5, and Exodus 22:22, which define true religion as helping others and warn against their oppression. 

Isaiah 1:17 (NIV): "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."

Zechariah 7:10 (NIV): "Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other."

Active Compassion: "Visiting" or "looking after" orphans and widows implies intentional, action-oriented care for the most vulnerable and marginalised in society.

Many translations emphasise that genuine faith is validated by practical, selfless love for others combined with personal moral integrity. 

One of the identifying marks of real Christianity is its consideration for those bereaved by the loss of a husband or parents. The disciple James writes to Christians in James 1:27 ESV: "Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

We should show active concern for them by performing positive works. 

There is no doubt that many older adults experience such distress. Some are lonely. Others are depressed over the limitations that come with age.

One meaning of the Greek verb translated "to look after" is "to visit." (Acts 15:36) And how the elderly appreciate our visits! While imprisoned in Rome about 65 C.E., the "aged man" Paul found himself practically alone. He longed to see his fellow worker, Timothy, and wrote, "Do your utmost to come to me shortly."

Caring for the physical and spiritual needs of widows and orphans has always been an integral part of worshipping God. When harvesting their grain or fruits, the Israelites were not to gather what remained in the field, gleaning after themselves. The gleanings were to be left" for the alien resident, for the fatherless boy and for the widow" (Deuteronomy 24:19-21). The Law of Moses specified: "You people must not afflict any widow or fatherless boy." (Exodus 22:22, 23) 

The account of the activities of the Christian congregation shortly after its establishment noted: "There was not one in need among them... In turn, distribution would be made to each one, just as he would have the need." (Acts 4:34, 35) The arrangement established in ancient Israel of caring for orphans, widows, and the destitute was carried over into the Christian congregation.

Psalm 146:7 ESV assures us, "Who executeth justice for the oppressed; Who giveth food to the hungry. Jehovah looseth the prisoners." 

Christians do not 'shut the door of their tender compassions' when they 'behold others having a need, just as Psalm 146:7 highlights.

We all need to remain free of the world's godless conduct so that we may glorify our loving God and be useful in his service.—2 Timothy 2:20-22.

April 30 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report