Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. New Living Translation Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy. English Standard Version Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. Berean Standard Bible A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation. King James Bible A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. New King James Version A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation. New American Standard Bible A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy dwelling. NASB 1995 A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. NASB 1977 A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. Legacy Standard Bible A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. Amplified Bible A father of the fatherless and a judge and protector of the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. Christian Standard Bible God in his holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows. Holman Christian Standard Bible God in His holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a champion of widows. American Standard Version A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, Is God in his holy habitation. Contemporary English Version Our God, from your sacred home you take care of orphans and protect widows. English Revised Version A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. GOD'S WORD® Translation The God who is in his holy dwelling place is the father of the fatherless and the defender of widows. Good News Translation God, who lives in his sacred Temple, cares for orphans and protects widows. International Standard Version A father to orphans and an advocate for widows is God in his holy dwelling place. NET Bible He is a father to the fatherless and an advocate for widows. God rules from his holy palace. New Heart English Bible A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Webster's Bible Translation A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleA father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation. World English Bible A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFather of the fatherless, and judge of the widows, "" [Is] God in His holy habitation. Young's Literal Translation Father of the fatherless, and judge of the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. Smith's Literal Translation A father of orphans and a judge of widows, God in his holy habitation. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims Biblewho is the father of orphans, and the judge of widows. God in his holy place: Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Father of the fatherless, defender of widows — God in his holy abode, New Revised Standard Version Father of orphans and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA father of the fatherless and a judge of widows is God in his holy habitation. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Who is the father of the orphans and the judge of widows; God in his holy dwelling! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. Brenton Septuagint Translation who is the father of the orphans, and judge of the widows: such is God in his holy place. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God's Enemies Are Scattered…4Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds—His name is the LORD—and rejoice before Him. 5A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in His holy habitation. 6God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.… Cross References James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” Deuteronomy 10:18 He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. Jeremiah 49:11 Abandon your orphans; I will preserve their lives. Let your widows trust in Me.” Exodus 22:22-24 You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. / If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. / My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Hosea 14:3 Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.” Job 29:12-13 because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. / The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. Matthew 6:9 So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 2 Corinthians 6:18 And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Psalm 146:9 The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates. Proverbs 23:10-11 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, / for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you. Treasury of Scripture A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. A father Psalm 10:14,18 Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless… Psalm 82:3,4 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy… Psalm 146:9 The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. a judge Psalm 72:2,4 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment… Deuteronomy 10:18 He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Job 29:12,13 Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him… in his Psalm 33:14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. 2 Chronicles 6:2 But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever. 2 Chronicles 30:27 Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven. Jump to Previous Defender Dwelling Fatherless Habitation Holy Judge Protector WidowsJump to Next Defender Dwelling Fatherless Habitation Holy Judge Protector WidowsPsalm 68 1. A prayer at the removing of the ark4. An exhortation to praise God for his mercies 7. for his care of the church 19. for his great works A father of the fatherless This phrase highlights God's compassionate nature and His special concern for those who are vulnerable and marginalized. In ancient Israel, orphans were among the most defenseless members of society, lacking the protection and provision of a family. The concept of God as a father to the fatherless is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing His role as a protector and provider. This is seen in passages like Deuteronomy 10:18, where God is described as executing justice for the fatherless. It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God as our Heavenly Father, as seen in Matthew 6:9. and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure in this verse, depicted as a compassionate and protective deity who cares for the vulnerable. 2. Fatherless Refers to orphans or those without a paternal figure, highlighting a group in need of care and protection. 3. Widows Women who have lost their husbands, often representing a vulnerable demographic in ancient societies. 4. Holy Habitation Symbolizes God's dwelling place, emphasizing His divine authority and purity. Teaching Points God's Character of CompassionGod is portrayed as a loving and protective Father, emphasizing His deep compassion for those who are vulnerable and marginalized. Call to Imitate God As believers, we are called to reflect God's character by caring for the fatherless and widows in our communities, demonstrating His love through our actions. Understanding God's Justice God's justice is not just about punishment but about providing protection and support for those who cannot defend themselves. The Church's Role The church is called to be a sanctuary for the vulnerable, actively seeking ways to support and uplift those in need, following the example set by God. Living Out True Religion True religion involves practical acts of kindness and justice, aligning our lives with God's heart for the fatherless and widows. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 68:5?2. How does Psalm 68:5 describe God's role for the fatherless and widows? 3. What actions can we take to reflect God's care for the vulnerable? 4. How does Psalm 68:5 connect with James 1:27 about pure religion? 5. In what ways can your church support orphans and widows today? 6. Why is it important to trust God as a "Father to the fatherless"? 7. How does Psalm 68:5 depict God's role as a father to the fatherless? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 68:5? 9. How does Psalm 68:5 align with the overall theme of divine justice in the Bible? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 68? 11. How does God comfort the lonely? 12. How should we care for orphans according to scripture? 13. What does "God as father to the fatherless" mean? 14. How can single parents find advice and support? What Does Psalm 68:5 Mean A father of the fatherlessThe psalmist opens with a tender picture: God steps into the empty place left when an earthly father is absent. • Identity – The orphan gains a name and heritage in Him (Deuteronomy 10:18, “He executes justice for the fatherless…”). • Security – He watches over the vulnerable (Psalm 146:9, “The LORD…sustains the fatherless…”). • Provision – He meets daily needs (Psalm 10:14, “You are the helper of the fatherless”). • Ongoing care – He calls His people to mirror His heart (James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion…is this: to care for orphans…”). When the world withholds a father’s love, the Lord personally supplies it, proving His nearness and compassion. and a defender of widows Widows in ancient Israel had no legal standing or steady income, yet God pledges to plead their cause. • Legal advocacy – He forbids mistreatment (Exodus 22:22). • Active protection – “Defend the fatherless, plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17). • Sustaining grace – He “sustains the…widow” (Psalm 146:9). The word “defender” pictures both a courtroom advocate and a battlefield protector. Whether injustice or hardship threatens, the Lord rises to shield those who cannot shield themselves. is God The verse centers all comfort on God’s very being. These merciful works are not occasional acts; they flow from His nature. • “God is love” (1 John 4:8); therefore He fathers the orphan. • “The LORD is righteous in all His ways” (Psalm 145:17); thus He defends the widow with perfect justice. Because “I AM” never changes, His care is constant, dependable, and personal. in His holy habitation God rules from an unshakably holy throne, yet His transcendence never dulls His concern. • “The LORD is in His holy temple” (Psalm 11:4); His authority guarantees that His promises reach earth. • From that exalted place He “looks down from Your holy dwelling place” to bless (Deuteronomy 26:15). • Habakkuk 2:20 reminds us that all the earth should stand in awe before this holy King who stoops to help the lowly. Holiness and compassion meet without conflict in Him; His throne is the fountain of both justice and mercy. summary Psalm 68:5 assures us that the Almighty, reigning from His holy throne, personally becomes a faithful Father to orphans and a steadfast Defender to widows. He does not outsource this work; it springs from His own character. The verse invites every believer to rest in His intimate care and to reflect His heart toward the vulnerable in our own lives. (5) The LXX. and Vulg. prefix to this verse, "They shall be troubled by the face of Him who is," &c, which seems to indicate that the abrupt introduction of this description of God is due to some loss in the text.A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows.--These epithets of God seem to have become at a very early period almost proverbial. Verse 5. - A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God. A defender, i.e., of the oppressed and downtrodden (comp. Isaiah 1:17). In his holy habitation. The heavenly and not the earthly dwelling place - whether tabernacle or temple - seems to be intended. God from his holy seat in the highest heaven pours clown his grace and mercy, his defence and protection, on all those who specially need his aid.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew A fatherאֲבִ֣י (’ă·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1: Father of the fatherless, יְ֭תוֹמִים (yə·ṯō·w·mîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3490: A bereaved person and a defender וְדַיַּ֣ן (wə·ḏay·yan) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1781: A judge, advocate of the widows, אַלְמָנ֑וֹת (’al·mā·nō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 490: A widow, a desolate place [is] God אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative in His holy קָדְשֽׁוֹ׃ (qā·ḏə·šōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity habitation. בִּמְע֥וֹן (bim·‘ō·wn) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4583: An abode, of God, men, animals, a retreat Links Psalm 68:5 NIVPsalm 68:5 NLT Psalm 68:5 ESV Psalm 68:5 NASB Psalm 68:5 KJV Psalm 68:5 BibleApps.com Psalm 68:5 Biblia Paralela Psalm 68:5 Chinese Bible Psalm 68:5 French Bible Psalm 68:5 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 68:5 A father of the fatherless (Psalm Ps Psa.) |