What Does the Bible Say About Widows?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Losing a spouse is one of the hardest experiences a person can go through.

For widows, life can feel uncertain, lonely, and overwhelming.

In biblical times, being a widow often meant struggling financially, facing social isolation, and having no legal protection.

But the Bible makes it clear that widows are not forgotten by God.

Throughout Scripture, God shows deep care for widows, offering them protection, provision, and hope.

He commands His people to do the same, calling them to look after widows with love and kindness.

What does the Bible say about widows?

How does God provide for them, and what lessons can we learn from their stories?

Let’s explore the powerful truths the Bible reveals about widows and God’s heart for them.

God’s Compassion for Widows

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible speaks of God’s special care for widows.

Psalm 68:5 describes Him as “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”

God does not ignore the pain of widows—He defends them.

He steps in as their provider and protector.

In Deuteronomy 10:18, the Bible says, “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”

This verse shows that God takes special care of those who are vulnerable, including widows.

His love is active, making sure their needs are met.

Throughout the Bible, we see that God does not leave widows to suffer alone.

He is their refuge and their source of strength.

God’s Commands to Care for Widows

Not only does God care for widows, but He also commands His people to do the same.

In the Old Testament, He gave laws to ensure that widows would be cared for and not mistreated.

Exodus 22:22 warns, “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless.”

God’s concern for widows is so great that He warns against anyone trying to harm or exploit them.

In Deuteronomy 24:19, God instructed farmers, “When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.”

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This law ensured that widows could gather food and survive, even if they had no family to provide for them.

God made it clear that His people were responsible for showing kindness to widows.

Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

True faith is shown in how people treat the most vulnerable, and widows are among those closest to God’s heart.

The Story of Ruth: A Widow’s Redemption

One of the most powerful stories about a widow in the Bible is the story of Ruth.

Ruth was a young widow who chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, after both of their husbands had died.

In Ruth 1:16, she famously said, “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”

Despite her loss, Ruth remained faithful and worked hard to provide for herself and Naomi.

She gleaned in the fields, gathering leftover grain, just as God had commanded farmers to allow widows to do.

Eventually, God provided for Ruth through Boaz, a kind and godly man who married her and gave her a new future.

Ruth’s story shows that God sees widows, cares for them, and can bring unexpected blessings even in difficult times.

Her faithfulness led her to become part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.

The Widow of Zarephath: God’s Provision in Hard Times

Another incredible story of a widow in the Bible is found in 1 Kings 17.

During a time of famine, God sent the prophet Elijah to a poor widow in Zarephath.

She had almost nothing left—just a handful of flour and a little oil.

She was preparing to make one last meal for herself and her son before they starved.

But Elijah told her in 1 Kings 17:13, “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.”

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It must have taken great faith for the widow to give Elijah food when she barely had enough for herself.

But because she obeyed, God performed a miracle.

1 Kings 17:16 says, “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.”

God sustained her and her son, proving that He is able to provide for widows even in the hardest situations.

Jesus’ Heart for Widows

Jesus continued God’s tradition of caring for widows.

In Luke 7:11-15, He performed a powerful miracle for a grieving widow.

As He approached the town of Nain, He saw a funeral procession for a widow’s only son.

She had already lost her husband, and now her only child was gone.

Jesus had compassion on her and said, “Don’t cry.”

Then He touched the coffin and said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!”

Immediately, the dead man sat up and began to talk.

Jesus gave him back to his mother.

This miracle shows the deep love Jesus has for widows.

He saw her pain and responded with compassion and power.

Jesus also warned against religious leaders who mistreated widows.

In Mark 12:40, He condemned them, saying, “They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

He made it clear that God does not take lightly the mistreatment of widows.

Instead, He honors them and calls others to do the same.

Widows in the Early Church

The early church took God’s command to care for widows very seriously.

Acts 6:1 describes how the disciples appointed men to ensure that widows were not neglected in the daily distribution of food.

They understood that the church had a responsibility to support those in need.

1 Timothy 5:3-4 says, “Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.”

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Paul encouraged families to take care of their widowed relatives.

But he also made it clear that the church should step in when there was no family support.

James 1:27 sums it up perfectly: “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 faith is demonstrated through acts of kindness, especially toward widows.

Encouragement for Widows Today

If you are a widow, know that God sees you, loves you, and has a plan for your life.

Psalm 146:9 promises, “The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”

God is not finished with you.

Just as He provided for Ruth, the widow of Zarephath, and many others, He will take care of you.

If you know a widow, consider how you can be a blessing to her.

Whether through companionship, practical help, or prayer, you can be the hands and feet of Jesus in her life.

Final Thoughts

The Bible speaks often about widows, revealing God’s deep compassion and concern for them.

From the Old Testament laws that protected widows to Jesus’ miracles that restored their joy, God has always cared for them.

He commands His people to do the same, calling them to show love, generosity, and kindness.

If you are a widow, take comfort in knowing that God is your provider, protector, and closest friend.

You are never alone—He is with you every step of the way.