Orphans, those who have lost one or both parents, are a vulnerable and often overlooked group in society. Throughout the Bible, God expresses deep concern for the orphaned, showing His heart of compassion for the fatherless and marginalized. In Scripture, God not only calls His people to care for orphans but also reveals His role as the ultimate protector and provider for those without earthly parents.
In both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible teaches us that God identifies with the weak, the vulnerable, and the helpless, including orphans. In fact, the Bible repeatedly emphasizes that God Himself is a “Father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5), a title that not only reveals God’s nature but also His desire for His followers to care for those in need. Caring for orphans is one of the clearest expressions of God’s love and justice, and it is a reflection of His heart for humanity.
This article explores 25 Bible verses about orphans, highlighting the Lord’s compassion for them and the call for His people to love, protect, and care for the fatherless. Through these verses, we see God’s promise to be a refuge for the orphaned and the responsibility He places on His people to mirror His love in a broken world.
1. Psalm 68:5 – God as a Father to the Fatherless
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” (NIV)
This verse directly affirms that God is a Father to the fatherless. He is not distant but personally engaged with those who are orphaned, providing for them and offering them the security of His fatherly love.
2. Exodus 22:22-24 – Protecting the Orphan and Widow
“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. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.” (NIV)
In the law given to Israel, God demands that His people protect orphans and widows. If anyone exploits or mistreats these vulnerable individuals, God promises judgment. This shows the seriousness with which God views the protection of orphans.
3. James 1:27 – True Religion and Caring for Orphans
“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.” (NIV)
James makes it clear that true religion involves actively caring for orphans and widows. This isn’t just about religious rituals or external actions but about demonstrating God’s love in practical ways to those who need it most.
4. Deuteronomy 10:18 – God’s Justice for the Orphan
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” (NIV)
God is a defender of the orphan, ensuring that they receive justice and care. He also commands His people to reflect this same justice by caring for orphans, widows, and foreigners.
5. Psalm 82:3 – Justice for the Orphan
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” (NIV)
This verse calls God’s people to take up the cause of the orphan and the oppressed. It is a call for justice—acting on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves.
6. Isaiah 1:17 – Learn to Do Right
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” (NIV)
God commands His people to seek justice by defending the fatherless. This involves actively taking action to protect orphans and ensure they are treated fairly.
7. Deuteronomy 24:19-21 – Provision for the Orphan
“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.” (NIV)
In the laws of Israel, God instructed farmers to leave some of their harvest for the fatherless and widows. This act of generosity ensured that orphans had enough to eat and were provided for.
8. Jeremiah 49:11 – God’s Promise to the Orphan
“Leave your orphans; I will protect their lives. Your widows too can trust in me.” (NIV)
God promises to protect the lives of orphans. Even when earthly protectors fail, the orphan can trust in God’s ultimate care and protection.
9. Hosea 14:3 – God as a Protector
“Assyria will not save us; we will not mount war-horses. We will never again say ‘Our gods’ to what our own hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion.” (NIV)
God alone is the source of compassion and hope for the fatherless. The orphan finds true comfort and care in Him.
10. Isaiah 54:5 – God as the Husband of the Widow
“For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.” (NIV)
While this verse speaks specifically to widows, it also reflects God’s role as the protector and provider of the fatherless, as He is also their “husband” in the sense that He cares for them with love and commitment.
11. Zechariah 7:10 – Do Not Oppress the Orphan
“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.” (NIV)
This verse reinforces God’s command to His people to treat orphans with justice and kindness. They must not be oppressed or mistreated.
12. Matthew 18:5 – Welcoming the Little Ones
“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (NIV)
Jesus’ words remind us that God values children, including orphans, and that showing kindness and love to them is the same as welcoming Christ Himself.
13. Psalm 10:14 – God’s Care for the Orphan
“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.” (NIV)
God sees the pain and suffering of orphans. He is the helper of the fatherless, offering His care and protection.
14. Romans 8:15 – Adoption as Sons and Daughters
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” (NIV)
Through adoption into God’s family, we become His sons and daughters. This verse reminds us of God’s heart for orphans—not only for their physical well-being but for their spiritual adoption into His eternal family.
15. Psalm 146:9 – The Lord Watches Over the Orphan
“The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” (NIV)
God watches over the orphan, ensuring they are provided for and protected. This verse assures us that God will never leave or forsake the fatherless.
16. Luke 7:13 – Jesus’ Compassion for the Widow and Orphan
“When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’” (NIV)
When Jesus encountered a widow who had lost her son, His heart went out to her. This shows the compassion Jesus had for the vulnerable, including orphans.
17. Proverbs 23:10-11 – Do Not Exploit the Orphan
“Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.” (NIV)
God promises to defend the cause of the orphan, warning that those who exploit or harm them will face His judgment.
18. 1 Timothy 5:8 – Responsibility for Family
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (NIV)
This verse underscores the importance of caring for family members, which includes the orphaned. Those who are in positions to care for orphans must do so as part of their Christian responsibility.
19. Proverbs 14:31 – Kindness to the Poor and Fatherless
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” (NIV)
Kindness to the poor, including orphans, is a way to honor God. It demonstrates His heart of compassion for those in need.
20. Psalm 27:10 – A Promise for the Orphaned
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” (NIV)
Even if an orphan has been abandoned by their earthly parents, God promises to receive them with open arms. He is their Father forever.
21. Matthew 19:14 – Let the Little Children Come
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” (NIV)
Jesus’ invitation to the children reflects God’s special care for the vulnerable, including orphans.
22. Isaiah 9:6 – The Promised Messiah
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NIV)
Jesus is referred to as the “Everlasting Father,” which emphasizes His care and compassion for the orphaned. He is the eternal Father who brings peace and hope to the fatherless.
23. Luke 18:16 – Jesus Blesses the Children
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” (NIV)
Jesus, in His earthly ministry, demonstrated special care and love for children, signaling that God’s kingdom includes and values the orphaned.
24. 2 Corinthians 6:18 – God as a Father to the Orphan
“And I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (NIV)
This verse reminds us that God promises to be a Father to His people, including orphans. He adopts them into His family, offering the love and security of a perfect Father.
25. 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting Our Cares on God
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (NIV)
This verse assures us that God cares deeply for every individual, including orphans. They can cast their anxieties upon Him because He is a loving and faithful Father.
Conclusion
The Bible’s message about orphans is clear: God cares deeply for the fatherless, and His people are called to mirror His compassion. From providing protection and justice to offering adoption into His family, God demonstrates His heart for orphans in both tangible and spiritual ways. As believers, we are invited to join God in His work of caring for orphans by providing for their physical needs, offering emotional support, and advocating for their rights.
Caring for orphans isn’t just about meeting their immediate needs; it’s about reflecting the love of God and being His hands and feet in a broken world. As we follow God’s example, we bring hope and healing to those who need it most, and in doing so, we glorify God.
You Might Be Interested In:
- 30 Bible Verses About Waiting Patiently in Faith
- 25 Bible Verses About Pastors as Shepherds
- 21 Bible Verses About Mothers’ Prayers: Strength & Blessings