Losing a spouse is one of the most painful experiences a person can go through.
For widowers, the grief of losing a wife can feel overwhelming.
The person they shared their life with is gone, and adjusting to this new reality can be incredibly difficult.
The Bible does not ignore the struggles of widowers.
In fact, Scripture offers comfort, guidance, and hope for those who have lost a spouse.
What does the Bible say about widowers?
Let’s explore the biblical perspective on grief, healing, and finding purpose after loss.
God Sees and Cares for Widowers
One of the greatest assurances in Scripture is that God sees and cares for those who have lost their spouses.
Psalm 68:5 says,
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
God is deeply concerned for those who are left alone.
He is not distant or indifferent—He is a protector and provider for widows and widowers alike.
In Deuteronomy 10:18, it says,
He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.
God’s heart is with those who mourn, and He provides for their needs.
This means that no widower is truly alone.
Even in the deepest sorrow, God is present.
Grieving Is a Natural and Necessary Process
Losing a spouse leaves an emptiness that cannot be ignored.
The Bible does not rush people through grief but instead acknowledges its weight.
Even strong men in the Bible mourned the loss of their loved ones.
When Abraham’s wife Sarah died, he took time to grieve for her.
Genesis 23:2 says,
And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.
Abraham, a man of great faith, openly wept for his wife.
This shows that grief is not a sign of weakness—it is a natural part of loss.
In John 11:35, Jesus Himself wept when His friend Lazarus died, even though He knew He would raise him from the dead.
God does not expect widowers to suppress their emotions.
He invites them to bring their pain to Him.
Psalm 34:18 offers this comfort,
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Finding Strength in God After Loss
After losing a spouse, it can feel like life has lost its purpose.
The days may seem long, and loneliness can settle in.
But the Bible reminds widowers that God is their source of strength.
Isaiah 41:10 says,
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
God does not abandon those who mourn.
He provides the strength to keep going, even when it feels impossible.
Philippians 4:13 says,
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Even in sorrow, God gives the ability to face each day.
Widowers can find comfort in knowing that God walks with them through their pain.
The Role of the Church in Supporting Widowers
The Bible encourages the church to care for widows, but the same principle applies to widowers.
James 1:27 says,
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
The church is meant to be a source of support for those who are grieving.
Widowers should not have to go through their loss alone.
They can find encouragement, companionship, and help within their church family.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us of the power of community:
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Widowers should not isolate themselves but instead allow others to come alongside them in their journey of healing.
Is It Okay for a Widower to Remarry?
Some widowers wonder if they should ever remarry.
The Bible gives clear guidance on this topic.
Romans 7:2 says,
For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
This means that after a spouse passes away, the surviving spouse is free to remarry.
First Corinthians 7:39 also confirms this, saying,
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
Widowers are allowed to remarry, but they should seek a spouse who shares their faith in Christ.
Paul even encourages marriage for widowers in 1 Corinthians 7:8-9:
I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
If a widower desires companionship again, it is not wrong to seek marriage.
However, remarriage should not be rushed.
Each person needs time to grieve and heal before stepping into a new relationship.
Finding Purpose After Loss
Losing a spouse does not mean life is over.
Widowers still have a purpose in God’s plan.
Psalm 92:14 says,
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.
Even in later years, God still has a mission for each person.
Widowers can use their experiences to encourage others, serve in their church, and deepen their relationship with God.
Second Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us,
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
A widower who has walked through grief can be a source of strength for others who are going through the same pain.
God Promises Joy After Mourning
Grief does not last forever.
Psalm 30:5 offers hope,
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
While sorrow may feel endless, God promises that joy will return.
Isaiah 61:3 speaks of God’s power to heal the brokenhearted:
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
God can bring joy even after great loss.
Widowers can find comfort in knowing that their pain is not permanent.
Through God’s love and grace, healing is possible.
Final Thoughts
The Bible provides great comfort and guidance for widowers.
God sees their pain, understands their grief, and walks with them through their sorrow.
Scripture encourages widowers to lean on God for strength, seek support from the church, and continue living with purpose.
Grief is a journey, but it is not the end of the story.
For those who trust in God, there is hope, healing, and even joy ahead.