28 Bible Verses About Abandoning a Child (With Commentary)
The concept of abandonment is deeply painful and heartbreaking, especially when it involves a child. The Bible addresses the importance of love, care, and compassion towards children and speaks to the consequences of abandoning them.
In this article, we explore Bible verses that shed light on this sensitive topic, offering wisdom and hope for both the abandoned and those seeking to provide loving support.
Bible Verses About Abandoning a Child
Hosea 9:12
“Even if they bring up children, I will bereave them till none is left.”
The Bible strongly condemns the act of abandoning children. In this verse, God expresses His judgment upon those who disregard their parental responsibilities. The consequences of neglecting or abandoning children can be severe, leading to a sense of bereavement and loss.
Psalm 27:10
“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me.”
God is portrayed as the ultimate caretaker and protector. This verse assures that even if earthly parents forsake their children, God’s love and care remain steadfast. He is always present to provide comfort and support to those who have been abandoned or neglected by their parents.
Proverbs 19:18
“Discipline your children while there is hope; do not set your heart on their destruction.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of parental discipline. Abandoning a child, both physically and emotionally, can lead to their destruction. Parents are urged to discipline their children with love and guidance, helping them grow and develop into responsible individuals.
Jeremiah 7:31
“And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, nor did it come into My heart.”
In this verse, God condemns the horrific practice of child sacrifice. He expresses His disapproval towards those who abandon their children to such a terrible fate. God’s heart is filled with compassion and love for children, and He desires that they be protected and nurtured.
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
This verse reassures individuals who have experienced abandonment, reminding them that God is always with them. Even in the face of human abandonment, God’s presence is unwavering. His faithfulness brings strength and courage, providing comfort and security to those who feel alone.
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”
Jesus teaches the importance of valuing and cherishing children. He warns against despising or neglecting them, emphasizing their significance in the eyes of God. Each child has a special place in God’s heart, and their worth should never be diminished or disregarded.
Exodus 22:22
“You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child.”
God’s commandments include provisions for the care and protection of widows and fatherless children. This verse highlights the importance of showing compassion and empathy towards those who have lost a parent. It reminds believers to provide support and assistance, rather than adding to their affliction.
Proverbs 28:3
“A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food.”
This verse indirectly addresses the issue of abandoning or neglecting children by focusing on social justice and responsibility. When society fails to support and uplift the poor and vulnerable, it creates an environment where children are more likely to be abandoned or left without proper care.
Psalm 10:14
“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.”
God’s omniscience and compassion extend to the afflicted and fatherless. He sees their pain, understands their grief, and takes it upon Himself to be their helper and comforter. This verse assures that those who have been abandoned or left fatherless can find solace and support in God’s unfailing love.
James 1:27
“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.”
This verse calls believers to practice true religion by caring for orphans and widows in their time of need. Abandoning a child goes against the principles of pure and faultless religion. Christians are encouraged to actively support and protect vulnerable children, ensuring they receive the love and care they deserve.
Psalm 68:5
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
God is depicted as a compassionate Father to the fatherless and a defender of widows. He takes on the role of a loving parent, ensuring that those who have been abandoned find solace and protection. This verse affirms that God’s care extends to the most vulnerable in society, including abandoned children.
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of proper child-rearing and guidance. Abandoning a child deprives them of the necessary training and instruction needed to grow in wisdom and righteousness. Parents are encouraged to raise their children with love, discipline, and a foundation rooted in God’s ways.
Psalm 82:3
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”
This verse urges believers to advocate for the rights and well-being of the weak, fatherless, and impoverished. It speaks against the act of abandoning children, urging individuals to step forward and defend those who cannot defend themselves. This aligns with God’s heart for justice and compassion.
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
God calls His people to actively pursue righteousness and justice. Part of this responsibility includes defending the fatherless and caring for the oppressed. Abandoning a child contradicts God’s call for His followers to be advocates and champions of those in need.
Deuteronomy 10:18
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”
God’s character is revealed through His care for the fatherless and the widow. He actively defends their cause and provides for their needs. This verse emphasizes the importance of imitating God’s compassionate nature by extending care and support to abandoned children.
Psalm 146:9
“The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
This verse affirms God’s watchful eye over the fatherless, the widow, and those who have been abandoned. It reassures that God sustains and protects them while also thwarting the wicked who may seek to harm or neglect them. This provides hope and comfort to abandoned children, knowing that they are under God’s care.
Proverbs 23:10
“Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless.”
This verse speaks against exploiting or taking advantage of the fatherless. It emphasizes the importance of respecting their rights and boundaries. Abandoning a child is a clear violation of their well-being and their right to a nurturing and loving environment.
Isaiah 58:10
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
God encourages His people to be selfless and compassionate, reaching out to the hungry and oppressed. This includes extending help and support to abandoned children. By caring for the needs of the fatherless, believers experience God’s blessings and witness the transformation brought about by acts of love and kindness.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
In this verse, Jesus teaches that acts of compassion towards the least fortunate among us are regarded as acts done for Him. Abandoning a child is in direct contrast to the spirit of this teaching, as it neglects to extend love and care to those who represent Jesus Himself.
Isaiah 49:15
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”
This verse depicts the deep and unconditional love of God. It uses the powerful imagery of a mother’s love for her child to convey God’s unwavering commitment to His people. Even if a mother were to abandon her child, God’s love and care endure, never failing or forgetting those who have been left behind.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Believers are called to support and uplift one another, sharing the burdens and struggles of those around them. Abandoning a child goes against the spirit of this verse, as it disregards the responsibility to carry the burdens of those in need. Christians are encouraged to extend a helping hand and provide a loving and nurturing environment for abandoned children.
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”
This verse highlights the divine perspective on children. They are seen as a precious gift and a heritage from the Lord. Abandoning a child rejects this truth and fails to recognize the value and significance that each child holds in the eyes of God.
Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
This verse emphasizes the intergenerational bond between children and their parents. It acknowledges the joy and pride that parents experience in their children and grandchildren. Abandoning a child breaks this natural connection and robs both the child and the parent of the blessings and fulfillment that come from nurturing and maintaining a loving relationship.
Matthew 18:5
“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
Jesus places great value on the care and welcome extended to children. This verse reminds believers that welcoming and embracing children is equivalent to welcoming Jesus Himself. It highlights the responsibility to create a safe and loving environment for abandoned children, as it directly reflects our attitude towards Christ.
Isaiah 1:23
“Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.”
This verse criticizes the leaders who neglect their duty to defend the cause of the fatherless. It exposes the corruption and lack of justice prevalent in society when those in authority fail to protect the vulnerable. Abandoning a child is a manifestation of this failure, undermining the moral fabric of society.
Psalm 10:17-18
“You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.”
God is described as the protector of the fatherless and the oppressed. He listens to their cries and defends them against those who would cause harm. This verse assures abandoned children that God sees their plight and is actively working on their behalf, bringing comfort and hope in the midst of their abandonment.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse highlights the sinfulness of despising or neglecting one’s neighbor, which includes abandoning a child. On the contrary, blessing is pronounced upon those who show generosity and kindness to the poor. It reminds us of the importance of extending care and support to abandoned children, treating them as our neighbors and fellow recipients of God’s love.
Deuteronomy 14:29
“And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.”
God’s instruction to provide for the Levites, sojourners, fatherless, and widows reflects His concern for the most vulnerable members of society. Abandoning a child disregards this directive and denies them the care and provision they deserve. Blessings are promised to those who obey and fulfill their duty to support the fatherless and widows.
