What Does the Bible Say About Orphans?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

The Bible holds a special place for orphans, emphasizing the importance of caring for them with compassion and kindness. It views orphans not just as vulnerable individuals needing support, but also as recipients of God’s particular care and attention. The scripture repeatedly calls on believers to protect and provide for orphans, seeing this as a true expression of one’s faith.

Caring for orphans is portrayed as a direct reflection of God’s character. It’s not just a recommendation; it’s considered a responsibility of the faithful. The Bible’s stance on this issue challenges us to see the care of orphans as a tangible way to live out our faith.

Interested in understanding the Bible’s view on caring for orphans? Keep reading to explore how the scriptures emphasize this responsibility and the impact it has on our spiritual lives.

What Does the Bible Say About Orphans?

In the Bible, the care of orphans is a matter of significant importance. It’s a theme that runs throughout both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting God’s concern for the most vulnerable members of society.

Orphans in biblical times were among the most vulnerable, and the scripture frequently urges believers to take action in supporting and protecting them. This concern is rooted in God’s character as a defender of the oppressed and a father to the fatherless. The Bible presents God as the ultimate caretaker, setting an example for His followers.

The Old Testament law specifically provided guidelines for the treatment of orphans, ensuring their protection and care. For instance, the law prohibited taking advantage of an orphan’s vulnerable position. This demonstrated a societal commitment to upholding justice for those unable to defend themselves.

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In the New Testament, the care of orphans is linked directly to the expression of genuine religious faith. James, for example, describes caring for orphans as a form of “pure and undefiled religion.” This signifies that looking after orphans is not just a charitable act but a central aspect of living out one’s faith.

Jesus’ teachings also reflect this attitude toward the vulnerable, including orphans. His emphasis on loving one’s neighbor and caring for the “least of these” includes a special concern for children and by extension, orphans.

God’s view on orphans, as presented in the Bible, is clear. They are to be treated with compassion, justice, and care. Providing for orphans is not merely an act of kindness but a reflection of God’s love and a vital expression of the Christian faith.

Caring for orphans is also seen as a way to combat sin and injustice. It is a direct way to put faith into action, following God’s example of love and protection for the vulnerable.

In summary, the Bible’s teachings about orphans are clear and emphatic. They are a call to action for believers, emphasizing the importance of providing care, justice, and protection for orphans as an essential part of living out one’s faith.

Bible Verses About Orphans

  1. James 1:27 – “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and undefiled is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” This verse directly links the care of orphans with genuine faith.
  2. Psalm 68:5 – “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” This portrays God’s character as a protector of orphans.
  3. 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.” This Old Testament law emphasizes God’s concern for orphans.
  4. Deuteronomy 10:18 – “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow…” Again, this verse highlights God’s role as a defender of orphans.
  5. Proverbs 23:10 – “Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless.” This advises against exploiting orphans.
  6. Jeremiah 22:3 – “Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow…” This is a call for justice for orphans.
  7. Job 29:12 – “Because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them.” Job speaks of his care for orphans as a righteous act.
  8. Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless…” This calls for active involvement in supporting orphans.
  9. Matthew 18:5 – “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” While not specifically about orphans, this teaching of Jesus emphasizes the importance of caring for children.
  10. Psalm 82:3 – “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” This is another call to action to defend and care for orphans.
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In conclusion, the Bible’s message about orphans is clear and compelling. It not only urges us to provide for their needs but also to treat them with justice, compassion, and dignity. Caring for orphans is presented as a fundamental aspect of expressing true faith, reflecting God’s heart for the vulnerable. This biblical perspective challenges us to see the care of orphans as a responsibility and a privilege, an opportunity to demonstrate God’s love in practical and impactful ways. By embracing this call, believers can make a significant difference in the lives of orphans, embodying the compassionate and protective nature of God in a world that often overlooks the most vulnerable.