Bible Verses for Grief and Loss

Introduction

The Bible does not rush grief. Abraham mourns Sarah, David weeps for his son, Jesus weeps at the tomb of his friend, and whole books are laments. Genesis 23:2 · 2 Samuel 18:33 · John 11:35

These passages give words for sorrow, the comfort of God’s nearness, and the hope of resurrection. They do not ask you to stop grieving.

Passages to read

What each passage addresses in its own setting, and why it is relevant here. Read the surrounding verses too.

1. John 11:32–36 Narrative example

   What it addresses: Jesus meets Mary after her brother Lazarus has died, and sees her and the mourners weeping.

   Why it is relevant: Jesus weeps, though he is about to raise Lazarus. Grief is not a failure of faith.

2. Psalm 34:18 Central teaching

   What it addresses: A psalm praising God for deliverance from trouble.

   Why it is relevant: “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”

3. 2 Samuel 18:33 Narrative example

   What it addresses: King David learns that his son Absalom has been killed.

   Why it is relevant: “My son Absalom! I wish I had died for you.” Scripture records a father’s raw grief without correcting it.

4. Lamentations 3:19–26 Central teaching

   What it addresses: A lament over the destruction of Jerusalem.

   Why it is relevant: The writer remembers his affliction and still calls to mind God’s mercies: grief and hope held together.

5. Matthew 5:4 Central teaching

   What it addresses: The opening blessings of the Sermon on the Mount.

   Why it is relevant: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

6. 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 Central teaching

   What it addresses: Paul writes to believers grieving members of their church who had died.

   Why it is relevant: They grieve, but not as those who have no hope, because of the resurrection.

7. Revelation 21:3–5 Central teaching

   What it addresses: John’s vision of the new heaven and new earth.

   Why it is relevant: God will wipe away every tear; death, mourning and pain will be no more.

8. Romans 12:15 Supporting passage

   What it addresses: Paul on life together in the church.

   Why it is relevant: For those supporting someone who grieves: weep with those who weep.

Stories to read

Biblical narratives that involve the same experience. They describe what happened to particular people; they are not promises about every situation.

• The Raising of Lazarus

  Jesus weeps with grieving sisters before he acts. John 11:33–35

• Ruth and Naomi

  Naomi names her bitterness after losing her husband and sons. Ruth 1:20–21

People in Scripture who faced this

• Naomi

  Naomi’s grief is told honestly, and she is not left alone. Ruth 1:20–21 · Ruth 4:14–16

• David

  David grieves for Absalom. 2 Samuel 18:33

Connected themes

• Suffering

  Passages for times of grief. Psalm 34:18

• Hope

  Grieving with hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13

• Resurrection

  Grieving with the hope of resurrection. 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14

A short reading plan

1. Day 1: Jesus wept John 11:17–44
2. Day 2: Near to the broken-hearted Psalm 34
3. Day 3: Out of the depths Psalm 130 · Lamentations 3:19–26
4. Day 4: Grieving with hope 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
5. Day 5: Every tear wiped away Revelation 21:1–7

Ticks are kept on this device only.

Related situations

• Loneliness

  Loneliness after a loss. Psalm 34:18

• Hopelessness and Depression

  Grief can turn to despair. Psalm 34:18

• Illness

  Grief that comes with illness. Psalm 34:18

Longer reading plans

• Bible Readings for Difficult Times

  For grief. John 11:35

Study guides

• Studying Psalm 23

  Psalm 23 is often read at funerals. Psalm 23:4–6