Does the Bible say anything about how to treat widows?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible has much to say about how God views widows and how His people are to treat them. It emphasizes the importance of treating widows with compassion and respect, viewing them as valuable members of the community. God provided instruction for His people to care for widows, ensuring they were included in community celebrations and protected from mistreatment (Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 146:9). Jesus revealed that God’s heart for widows was not just for the Israelites to emulate. He demonstrated compassion toward widows in His ministry, highlighting their worth and capability for ministry (Luke 2:36–38; 7:13–15). Other places in the New Testament also reiterate the responsibility to care for widows, particularly emphasizing that family members should support them, while also calling the church to ensure their needs are met (1 Timothy 5:4; James 1:27). Overall, the Bible portrays widows not just as vulnerable individuals, but as essential contributors to the community and ministry, deserving of dignity and care.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Deuteronomy 10:18 says, "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner." God, Himself, is concerned with the plight of widows.
• God's people were called to specifically include widows during their feasts and festivals (Deuteronomy 16:11, 14). Believers should value widows and have compassion on them the same way God does.
• Psalm 146:9 says, "The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless."
• In the Old Testament, God used a widow to rescue Elijah when his life was in danger, saying, "Behold, I have commanded a widow there [in Zarephath] to feed you" (1 Kings 17:9).
• In the Old Testament, if a widow had no children, the responsibility was then passed to her brother-in-law to provide for and care for her (Deuteronomy 25:5). A widow's family and extended family are called to look out for her welfare.
• The Bible records not only God's view of widows and His expectations for how His people should care for them, but also the standards for how society in general should treat widows. Widows should not be mistreated (Exodus 22:22) or oppressed (Zechariah 7:10).
• Society is to take up their cause (Isaiah 1:17) and provide justice (Deuteronomy 27:19). People are called to be generous "so that they [the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow] may eat within your towns and be filled" (Deuteronomy 26:12).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In Luke 2:36–38, Anna, a widow, is mentioned. This widow served in the temple, recognized Jesus as the awaited Messiah, and shared that message with the community.
• Luke 7:13–15 records Jesus’s heart for widows: "And when the Lord saw her [a widow], he had compassion on her and said to her, 'Do not weep.' Then he came up and touched the bier... And the dead man sat up...and Jesus gave him to his mother." Jesus saw the widow, was moved by her grief to take action, and remedied the situation by returning her son to her so that she would have someone to care for her.
• Jesus again displayed the value widows hold when He lifted up a widow as an example for His disciples to follow. In Luke 21:2–4, Jesus "saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, 'Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.'" Jesus pointed out that this widow's generosity toward God and complete trust in Him were to be noticed, admired, and imitated.
• God sees these women as valuable people who can be effective in ministry, as positive examples to follow (see also Luke 18:3–5), and as a group worthy of compassion and defense.
• God gave some instructions for how His people should treat widows. The responsibility to care for a widow first falls on her children and/or grandchildren. First Timothy 5:4 says, "if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God."
• James 1:27 makes it clear that all Christians should concern themselves with widows' plight, stating, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
• First Timothy 5:9–16 call for widows in need to be enrolled on a list so that the church "may care for those who are truly widows."

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

God obviously cares deeply for these women who have lost their husbands and may now be alone in the world. He calls us to notice widows and to have compassion on them. Caring for widows today involves providing both emotional and practical support. Regularly checking in with them, offering companionship, and listening to their needs can help alleviate feelings of isolation. We can assist with everyday tasks, like household chores or transportation, especially if they face physical or financial challenges. Including widows in social and church events ensures they remain connected and feel valued by the community. If financial difficulties arise, offering assistance or organizing support through the church can make a significant difference. Widows also have much to offer our congregations, and we should encourage them to find purpose by using their gifts in ministry. Doing this affirms their worth and allows them to continue being a part of something bigger than themselves in a meaningful way.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible calls for compassion and care for widows.
• Both family and the church are responsible for providing support to widows.
• Widows are seen as contributors to ministry and deserving of dignity and protection from mistreatment.

REFLECT

• How can you show compassion to the widows in your community as the Bible instructs?
• How can you or your family help provide practical support to widows in your life?
• How does seeing widows as valuable contributors to the community change your perspective on their role in the church?

ENGAGE

• Why does God place such a strong emphasis on caring for widows throughout both the Old and New Testaments?
• How can the church ensure that widows are not overlooked but supported both emotionally and practically?
• What are some ways we can encourage widows to use their gifts and experience for ministry, as modeled by the Bible?