Today we will talk about bible verses about the widow woman. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. In these passages we will see how Scripture remembers, defends, and provides for those who have lost a husband and often a household’s main provider. The Bible treats widows not as invisible or disposable, but as people whom God notices and calls us to honor. As we read these verses, let us open our hearts to learn how to help, how to pray, and how to act with mercy. We will move gently through law, poetry, prophecy, narrative, Gospel stories, and pastoral instruction so that we may grasp the breadth of God’s care. As a community, we grow when we pay attention to the vulnerable among us. Let us read with humility, and let these bible verses about the widow woman guide our compassion and our practical obedience.
bible verses about the widow woman
The Heart of True Religion (Key Verse)
In our journey through bible verses about the widow woman, we begin with a guiding truth that shapes how we live out our faith. We know that religion is more than words: it is a life that helps those in need. These verses remind us that caring for the widow is a central sign of a sincere relationship with God. As a community, we want our faith to be alive and practical. We understand that serving widows—those who may be lonely, poor, or vulnerable—is an essential expression of love. By embracing these scriptures, we invite God to form compassion in us, to move our hands to action, and to keep our hearts sensitive to the needs of widows. These bible verses about the widow woman teach us that true religion cares for people in real, everyday ways. Let us hold this truth close as we read and let it shape our choices.
James 1:27
“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.” – James 1:27
Psalm 68:5
“A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.” – Psalm 68:5
Psalm 146:9
“The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.” – Psalm 146:9
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17
Deuteronomy 10:18
“He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, to give him food and raiment.” – Deuteronomy 10:18
God’s Covenant Care for Widows
When we study bible verses about the widow woman, we find that God’s law and his covenant life call for practical provision. The Old Testament gives clear rules so widows will not be cast out or punished for poverty. As a community, we see how the law protected the weakest members of society through provision mechanisms like leaving gleanings in the fields or supporting a Levite who had no land. These instructions show us that caring for widows was not optional but part of daily life—woven into worship, economy, and the rhythm of the year. We notice that God identifies with the widow; when we care for her, we are serving the Lord. Let us, therefore, learn the concrete steps Scripture prescribes and ask how we can apply these practices today, in churches and neighborhoods, to honor widows and keep covenant faithfulness alive.
Exodus 22:22
“Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.” – Exodus 22:22
Deuteronomy 14:29
“And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates; and thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.” – Deuteronomy 14:29
Deuteronomy 24:19
“When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thy hands.” – Deuteronomy 24:19
Deuteronomy 24:17
“Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow’s raiment to pledge.” – Deuteronomy 24:17
Deuteronomy 26:12
“When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithe of thine increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;” – Deuteronomy 26:12
Jesus’ Compassion for the Widow at Nain
As we turn to bible verses about the widow woman in the Gospels, we see Jesus meet grief with mercy. The story of the widow at Nain helps us picture his heart: he sees a mother in public mourning, touched by deep loss, and he responds. For us, this gospel moment is a model of how to be present with suffering—not distant or merely sympathetic, but moved to action. We, together, are reminded that Jesus is close to those who mourn and that his arrival brings life and hope. When we read this passage, we learn to bring God’s presence into places of sorrow. We also gain courage to believe that God notices the small and overlooked people in society, including the widow woman, and works to restore and defend them.
Luke 7:11
“And he came to a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.” – Luke 7:11
Luke 7:12
“Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.” – Luke 7:12
Luke 7:13
“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.” – Luke 7:13
Luke 7:14
“And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.” – Luke 7:14
Luke 7:15
“And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.” – Luke 7:15
The Widow’s Giving: Small Gift, Great Faith
In bible verses about the widow woman, Jesus highlights how sacrificial giving reveals true devotion. The poor widow who gives her two mites teaches us that faithfulness is measured by trust and heart posture, not by the size of the gift. When we read these Gospel scenes together, we are encouraged to see generosity as worship. We learn that God values the willingness to give sacrificially and that sometimes the smallest offerings move him most. As a community, let us ask: how can we honor such faith among the weak and poor? How can we encourage and protect those whose giving is costly? These passages push us to recognize both the widow’s courage and God’s notice of her humble trust.
Mark 12:41
“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.” – Mark 12:41
Mark 12:42
“And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.” – Mark 12:42
Mark 12:43
“And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:” – Mark 12:43
Mark 12:44
“For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” – Mark 12:44
Luke 21:1
“And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.” – Luke 21:1
Widows in the Care of God’s Prophets
Reading bible verses about the widow woman in the narratives of Elijah and Elisha shows us that God meets practical needs through his servants. The widow at Zarephath and the widow of the sons of the prophets experienced miraculous provision when they obeyed and trusted God’s messenger. These stories teach us that God refuses to be blocked by poverty when faith and obedience meet his word. We learn, too, that God sometimes uses his people to multiply resources and relieve debt. As a faith community, we draw courage from these accounts: God is able to provide beyond what we expect, and he often uses simple acts of obedience and hospitality to bring about his provision.
1 Kings 17:9
“Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.” – 1 Kings 17:9
1 Kings 17:12
“And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” – 1 Kings 17:12
1 Kings 17:14
“For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.” – 1 Kings 17:14
2 Kings 4:1
“Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.” – 2 Kings 4:1
2 Kings 4:3
“And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.” – 2 Kings 4:3
The Persistent Widow and the Call for Justice
In bible verses about the widow woman, the parable of the persistent widow teaches us about prayer, perseverance, and God’s justice. We read that a widow repeatedly seeks help from an unjust judge until she gains justice; Jesus uses this to show that persistence matters and that God, unlike the unjust judge, cares deeply for those who cry out. As a people, we are encouraged to continue praying and seeking justice for the vulnerable, confident that God hears. This story also teaches us to advocate persistently for widows and all who suffer wrongs. We must not be discouraged: our continued asking is part of trusting God’s timing and goodness on behalf of the widow woman.
Luke 18:1
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” – Luke 18:1
Luke 18:3
“And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.” – Luke 18:3
Luke 18:4
“And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;” – Luke 18:4
Luke 18:5
“Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” – Luke 18:5
Luke 18:8
“I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” – Luke 18:8
Widows in Story: Ruth, Tabitha, and More
When we study bible verses about the widow woman, we find rich stories that show loyalty, service, and community. Ruth stayed with Naomi after becoming a widow and exemplified loving commitment. Tabitha (Dorcas) was known for good works and helping widows, and when she died the widows mourned and showed the deep bonds of care. These narratives teach us that widows are central to God’s story—not marginal characters, but people who shape community life and faith. As we read, we want to learn how to be like Ruth and Tabitha: loyal, generous, and helpful. We also want to learn how the church can be a family that honors and supports widows in times of need.
Ruth 1:1
“Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.” – Ruth 1:1
Ruth 1:16
“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:” – Ruth 1:16
Ruth 2:2
“And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.” – Ruth 2:2
Acts 9:36
“And at Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” – Acts 9:36
Acts 9:39
“But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.” – Acts 9:39
Church Instruction: How to Care for Widows
As we read bible verses about the widow woman in the pastoral letters, we find wise guidance for how the church should care for widows. Paul gives qualifications and practical steps so the church can be orderly and loving in the way it supports those in need. We see the balance of family responsibility, church support, and community charity. The text helps us avoid laziness or neglect and calls the church to defend and honor widows who are truly without other help. In reading these instructions together, we aim to shape our ministries so they are fair, careful, and full of compassion for the widow woman in our midst.
1 Timothy 5:3
“Honour widows that are widows indeed.” – 1 Timothy 5:3
1 Timothy 5:4
“But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.” – 1 Timothy 5:4
1 Timothy 5:5
“Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.” – 1 Timothy 5:5
1 Timothy 5:10
“If she have been a widow indeed, and have been turns to hospitality, and to washing of saints’ feet, and to relieves of the afflicted, and to willing to distribute, if she be in all good works.” – 1 Timothy 5:10
1 Timothy 5:16
“If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.” – 1 Timothy 5:16
Warnings Against Oppressing Widows
When we study bible verses about the widow woman, we encounter stern warnings against exploiting or neglecting them. Prophets and Jesus both rebuke those who take advantage of vulnerable people, including widows. These texts show us that cruelty toward widows brings grave moral and spiritual consequences. We, as a faith community, are urged to resist greed, to correct unjust systems, and to stand for those whom society pushes aside. These passages call us to examine practices and hearts, to ensure our actions do not harm widows, and to promote justice that honors God’s concern for the defenseless.
Matthew 23:14
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” – Matthew 23:14
Mark 12:40
“Which devour widows’ houses, and for a show make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.” – Mark 12:40
Luke 20:47
“Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.” – Luke 20:47
Ezekiel 22:7
“In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast judged the fatherless, and hast taken a widow’s raiment to pledge: wilt thou dwell in the midst of complainings?” – Ezekiel 22:7
Jeremiah 22:3
“Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.” – Jeremiah 22:3
Justice, Provision, and the Call to Defend Widows
Finally, as we collect bible verses about the widow woman, we are reminded that God’s concern is both spiritual and practical. Psalms, prophets, and wisdom literature call us to defend the weak and rebuke those who exploit them. The Bible pictures God as a defender of the widow and fatherless; his people must follow suit. These passages press us to seek justice in our daily choices, in policy, and in how our community organizes care. We want to be a people known for defending the widow, providing for her needs, and living so that injustice is exposed and healed. Let these verses move us into faithful action and consistent, compassionate care.
Proverbs 15:25
“The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.” – Proverbs 15:25
Psalm 94:6
“They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.” – Psalm 94:6
Job 24:3
“They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow’s ox for a pledge.” – Job 24:3
Isaiah 10:2
“To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!” – Isaiah 10:2
Jeremiah 7:6
“If ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt:” – Jeremiah 7:6
Final Thoughts
I have walked with you through many bible verses about the widow woman, and I am encouraged by how God calls us to care. We have seen laws, stories, sermons, and prayers all pointing to the same truth: widows matter to God and should matter to us.
We, as a community, are invited to live out compassion—through prayer, practical help, justice, and honoring those who have lost a spouse. Let us remember that Scripture measures true religion by how we treat the vulnerable, and let that shape our faith in everyday life.
May we go forward determined to be a people who defend, provide for, and stand beside the widow woman, reflecting the loving heart of God in all we do.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
