Psalm about death of a loved one

Most people experience the worst times of their lives when they lose someone they love. Many individuals turn to Bible passages when they mourn the death of someone they love. These Bible verses are comforting for anyone, whether they’re for Catholic funeral readings or for your own private prayer time. 

Jump ahead to these sections:

• Popular Bible Verses About Grief
• Bible Verses About the Death of a Parent
• Bible Verses About the Death of a Spouse or Partner
• Bible Verses About the Death of a Sibling
• Bible Verses About the Death of a Child
• Bible Verses About the Death of a Friend

Do you need some calming words right now? Here are some verses that will help put your troubles and tribulations into perspective.

Popular Bible Verses About Grief

Do you need some calming words right now? Here are some verses that will help put your troubles and tribulations into perspective.

» Did you know? Caskets can be bought online, without the funeral home markup. Find the perfect casket

1. Psalm 9:9

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”

The book of Psalms is one of the first places you should turn if you are experiencing grief. Psalms are often used in funeral scriptures for that particular reason. 

2. Psalm 18:2

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

How comforting it is to know that God acts as a fortress for all believers.

3. Psalm 23

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

Many people are familiar with these words. The verse is often used in movies, especially when someone is visiting another person on his or her deathbed. 

Have you ever stopped to think about what Psalm 23 means? A shepherd’s sole purpose in life is to care for the defenseless. But this shepherd doesn’t just give you water to drink. The Lord provides the material things in life and also restores your soul.

4. Psalm 27: 4-5

“One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.”

This verse provides comfort in two ways. It reminds you that your loved one is gazing upon the beauty of the Lord in Heaven. It also reminds us that even though we may be experiencing trouble while on Earth, God sets you “high upon a rock” to protect you.

5. John 11:35

This is the shortest verse of the Bible. It says, “Jesus wept.” This means that nobody is promised against sorrow or pain. 

6. Psalm 34:18

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” If you are still and quiet, you may feel the Lord’s presence near you, but you may need to stop and listen for it.

7. Psalm 147:3

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” God heals our broken hearts, even when we lose someone we love. Unfortunately, there is no timetable for grief but you can cling to the promise that God heals broken hearts.

8. Isaiah 25:8

This verse begins with the phrase, “He will swallow up death forever. The sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces.” Christians have taken comfort in knowing that death is not the end. This verse is a promise that God made that was fulfilled in the New Testament.

9. Isaiah 40

One verse in this chapter of Isaiah reads, “They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” The “they” in this passage refers to “those with hope in the Lord.” 

10. John 14:1

Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Later in this passage, Jesus continues by saying, “My father’s house has many rooms.” Those who are grieving may be comforted knowing that their loved one lives in these rooms with Jesus and that there’s a room prepared fr them.

11. Joshua 1:9

Are you feeling weak and sorrowful? Remember God’s command to be “strong and courageous.” Why should we feel strong instead of weak, especially if we lose someone we love? Because “the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

12. Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

You may consider turning to grief support blogs during your time of sadness in addition to seeking solace from the Bible. Some blogs are written from a Christian perspective.

13. Matthew 5:4

This section of the New Testament is known as the Beatitudes. This particular verse says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Jesus says these words to his followers in his sermon on the mount. 

14. Revelation 21:4 

John wrote the book of Revelation, a book of prophecy. In it, Christians are promised, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

15. 1 Peter 5:7

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” 

Sometimes people say that the Bible is too hard to understand, but this verse seems simple. Christians are directed by God not to worry. This reminder is found in numerous places throughout the Bible. 

16. John 3:16

This verse, another of the most famous ones found in the Bible, says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” 

This is one of the most important promises ever written.

17. Nehemiah 8:10 

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Do you know someone who is able to find joy in any situation? Maybe that person has taken this verse to heart. 

Not ready to start your will?

Thank you for subscribing. Expect an email soon!

18. Psalm 86:17

“Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” 

Are you looking for a prayer for healing? Consider using this verse during prayer or meditation.

19. Psalm 30:5

“Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” It may feel as if being able to rejoice is a long way off if you recently lost someone, but this verse can give you hope that you may feel happiness again someday.

20. Psalm 55:22

This verse begins, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.” Some Christians may have a hard time remembering to give their troubles to God, even though there are dozens of verses in the Bible that remind you to do so. 

21. John 16:22

This verse says: “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” 

If you are struggling with the idea of ever finding joy again, you may consider speaking with a minister or a counselor. You may also consider turning to an online support group for assistance. 

22. Psalm 46:10

This verse begins, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

This command to “be still” can be extremely difficult. When death comes to a family member, the others are inundated with things to do. They must inform others, take care of the final arrangements, and make plans to distribute the deceased’s belongings. 

Those who pre-plan their funerals give loved ones the gift of being able to pause and be still during grief. You can’t hear and understand the promises of God if you are always busy taking care of the business of life.

Post-planning tip: If you are the executor for a deceased loved one, the emotional and technical aspects of handling their unfinished business can be overwhelming without a way to organize your process. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of.

Bible Verses About the Death of a Parent

You can turn to the Bible for words of comfort and hope regardless of the situation. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a parent, grandparent, or friend, consider meditating on the following passages.

22. Romans 8:38-39

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

Regardless of the complex emotions you’re experiencing right now, nothing can separate you from the love of God.

23. Genesis 28:15

“I [the Lord] am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.”

You may feel the absence of your earthly father or mother. However, know that your Heavenly Father is watching over you.

24. Matthew 26:38

“Then [Jesus] said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”

Don’t allow others to tell you that you should only feel joy when a fellow Christian dies. Jesus felt sorrow, including in this passage that occurred right before the crucifixion. 

25. John 19: 26-27

“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.”

Jesus cared for his Earthly parents, shown in this interaction as he hung on the cross. 

26. Exodus 20:12

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” 

One of the ten commandments is to honor our parents. 

Bible Verses About the Death of a Spouse or Partner

You may be reeling from the unexpected death of your spouse or partner. Or, you may be experiencing overwhelming grief following your spouse’s death after a long illness. Regardless of the circumstance, we hope these verses give you some comfort. 

27. 1 Corinthians 13:7-8

“[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. Love never fails.” 

You probably have heard this read at a Christian wedding service. Maybe it was read on your own. And even though most articles listing the best Bible verses for funerals never include this passage, we think this passage about unfailing love is incredibly appropriate.

28. Psalm 6:6

“My groaning has worn me out. At night my bed and pillow are soaked with tears.”

It may help you to realize that you’re not alone in your grief. As we read in the sixth chapter of the Book of Psalms, others before you have had a similar experience.

29. Job 3:26

“I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” 

Here is another verse about the pain of grief. While this isn’t a verse that you may typically hear at a funeral, it may help you understand you aren’t alone in having these feelings.

30. Psalm 25: 16-17

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.” 

Use this verse from the Book of Psalms as a prayer. 

31. Isaiah 43: 1-2, 4

“I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you . . . You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.”

These are the words of the Lord. 

Bible Verses About the Death of a Sibling

Whether you’re mourning an Earthly sibling or a brother or sister in Christ, here are some verses to study.

32. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”

This verse describes the promises of the afterlife.

33. John 14:27 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Hang this verse on your mirror to help you remember the peace a relationship with God offers.

34. 1 Corinthians 15:55 

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

This verse is from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.

35. John 11:25-26 

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

These are the words Jesus spoke to Martha following the death of Lazarus. Here is Martha’s answer to the question: “She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.’”

Bible Verses About the Death of a Child

Please accept our deepest condolences if you recently lost a child. We hope the following passages give some comfort.

36. Matthew 19:14

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

You may be familiar with this verse. However, we felt it’d be helpful to read and understand that preceding verse to understand the context.

“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.”

37. Matthew 18:1-4

“At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’

He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”

Here is another verse where Jesus praises the faith of children.

38. Luke 18:17

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

These are the words of Jesus.

39. Luke 23:43

“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”

Jesus spoke these words to the thief dying on the next cross. These words can reassure a parent who has lost an innocent child.  

40. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 

“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” 

These are the words of Hannah, the mother of Samuel.

Bible Verses About the Death of a Friend

Your friend is gone. Though, since you aren’t a member of the immediate family, you may receive few condolences and little sympathy. We hope these words give you comfort, especially if your family and community do little to recognize your grief.

Here are some verses about friendship, death, and grief.

41. John 11:35

“Jesus wept.”

This verse is famous for being the shortest verse in the Bible. Like other passages we have shared, this verse also shows that Jesus felt sorrow and pain. It describes his reaction to the news that his friend had died. 

Please don’t let others tell you that you shouldn’t feel sadness following the death of a Christian friend. Even if you know the person is in a better place, you still miss them as a companion on Earth. Tell those who criticize you that even Jesus wept following this news.

42. Philippians 1: 3-6

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Was your friend a Brother or Sister in Christ? These verses may make you smile — especially the first part of the passage.

43. Proverbs 27:9

“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”

We love this verse about friendship. We hope you do too.

44. Galatians 6:2

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Perhaps you and your friend were close because you carried each other’s burdens. 

Words of Comfort

Consider sharing these words of comfort with someone who recently lost a friend or family member. These words may give relief and ease a troubled heart. These words may also give you the courage and strength to go on with life, even when faced with a difficult situation. 

Remember that some Christians (even those who have faith in the promises of God) experience despair or depression. If you are feeling profound sadness, talk with a member of the clergy and a mental health professional. 

Sources

1. The Bible. www.bible.com/