43 Powerful Bible Verses About Grief to Uplift Your Spirit [+ free printable]

For many of us, the most profound sense of grief comes from the death of a loved one. But grief is a complex emotion that can be triggered by many different events, such as:

• Job loss or working in a difficult environment
• The death of a pet
• Retirement or loss of identity
• Moving to a new location and leaving friends behind
• Divorce or loss of a friendship
• Losing or selling a home
• Serious illness or chronic health problems
• Change in financial situation
• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Natural disaster
• _________ (You fill in the blank in the comments below.)

No matter what the cause, grief is a real and painful emotion. It can be difficult to cope with, and it can lead to a range of other emotions, such as anger, sadness, guilt, and loneliness.

If you are grieving, it is important to know you are not alone. Grief is a normal human experience, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. What matters most is that you allow yourself to feel your emotions and that you seek support from others.

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible verses are from the NIV translation. To choose your preferred Bible translation, we recommend Bible Gateway.

What Does the Bible Say About Grief and Depression?

Grief and sorrow are a part of life in a fallen world that sadly touch our lives. The Bible says that depression, sorrow, and grief have their destined times, but that joy will return.

It promises that this season is temporary – and no matter how dark this moment seems – the sun will once again rise bringing with it the hope that one day our hope will be restored and our pain will be eased.

Exploring Comfort Through Scripture

Comforting Bible Verses for Death of a Loved One

When we’ve lost a loved one, the grief and pain their absence leaves can be unbearable. In the midst of great loss, we can feel so alone, but even in this place, our Heavenly Father is there.

Grief is a painful companion that can blind us to God’s presence, yet the Bible assures us that He knows our every tear. Let’s look at some of the Bible verses about grief and suffering to bring you comfort in your storm and heartache:

• “He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 25:8
• The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
• He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
• “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8
• My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
• “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
• Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
• “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15
• “For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.” Lamentations 3:31-33
• “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.” Job 19:25-26

Short Bible Verses About Grief

For moments when you need a quick reminder of God’s love and comfort during grief:

• Psalm 18:28: “You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”
• Psalm 30:5: “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
• Psalm 31:9: “Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.”
• Psalm 62:8: “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”

Bible Verses About Grief and Healing

Grief may be a part of our journey, but the Bible assures us of healing and restoration:

• 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
• John 11:25-26: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'”
• Isaiah 57:18-19: “I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the LORD. “And I will heal them.”
• Jeremiah 17:14: “Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”

Free Printable: Finding Comfort in Scripture

Follow this link to download the free printable. No email required.

Scriptures for Grieving

When the weight of grief feels overwhelming, these scriptures offer solace:

• Psalm 9:9: “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
• Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
• Psalm 119:50: “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
• Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
• Psalm 23:1-4: “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Bible Verses on Grief and Hope

Even in our darkest moments of grief, the Bible provides hope:

• 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.”
• 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18: “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
• 1 Peter 1:6-7: “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:54-55: “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?'”

Bible Verse for Comfort and Strength

In times of sorrow, these verses remind us of God’s strength and comfort:

• Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• Psalm 55:22: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
• Psalm 138:7: “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.”
• 2 Thessalonians 3:16: “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

Bible Verse for Unexpected Death

The sudden loss of a loved one can be especially hard. These verses provide solace during unexpected grief:

• Romans 14:8: “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:42-44: “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.”
• Psalm 39:4-5: “Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.”

Verses to Comfort the Grieving

For those seeking solace during times of mourning:

• Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
• Isaiah 54:10: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
• Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
• Revelation 7:17: “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
• Isaiah 61:2-3: “to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

You may also want to read:

• Healing Scriptures for Cancer Can Help You Stand Firm in Faith
• 35 Bible Verses About Worry to Free You from Anxiety
• 18 Strong Bible Verses About Depending on God

How These Bible Verses About Grief Bring You Comfort

Focusing on the hope and promises that these Bible verses about grief can bring much comfort. 

One way to use these verses is simply reading them; try reading them aloud when you are needing relief. Use a journal and write these verses down. 

There is something special about writing down these Bible verses when we are hurting and in desperate need of hope in the midst of a storm.

Practical Application: Embracing Bible Verses About Grief in Daily Life

Grief can be an overwhelming emotion, but the Bible offers a wealth of wisdom and comfort to help us navigate these challenging times. Here are some practical ways to immerse yourself in these comforting verses and find solace:

1. Daily Meditation: Start or end your day by meditating on a chosen Bible verse about grief. Find a quiet space, read the verse aloud, and reflect on its meaning. Allow its words to resonate with you, bringing peace and understanding.
2. Verse Journaling: Maintain a journal dedicated to the Bible verses about grief. Write down the verses that resonate with you the most. Next to each verse, jot down your feelings, thoughts, or personal reflections. Over time, this journal can become a source of comfort and a testament to your healing journey.
3. Scripture Memorization: Memorizing Bible verses can be a source of instant comfort during moments of distress. Choose a few key verses and commit them to memory. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, recite them to yourself as a reminder of God’s love and promises. I write the scriptures I want to memorize on sticky notes and place them in key places around my house.
4. Create Art: If you’re artistically inclined, use the verses as inspiration to create art. This could be in the form of paintings, drawings, or even crafts. Visual representations of these comforting words can serve as daily reminders of hope.
5. Prayer: Incorporate the verses into your daily prayers. Ask God for strength, understanding, and healing, using the verses as a foundation for your conversation with Him.
6. Share with Others: If you know someone else going through a tough time, share these verses with them. It could be in the form of a handwritten note, a text message, or even a spoken word. Sharing God’s promises can be a source of mutual comfort.
7. Music and Song: Many contemporary Christian songs are based on scriptures. Find songs that resonate with the verses about grief and listen to them. The combination of music and scripture can be profoundly healing.

By actively incorporating these Bible verses about grief into your daily routines and practices, you allow their comforting messages to become a foundational part of your healing process.

FAQs: Bible Verses About Grief

1. What is a good Bible verse for grief?

A comforting verse during times of grief is Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This verse assures us of God’s presence and support during our most challenging moments.

2. What is a comforting Bible verse about death?

Revelation 21:4 offers solace: “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.” This verse provides a hopeful vision of a future without sorrow or pain.

3. How to comfort someone who is grieving with Bible verses?

When offering comfort, approach with empathy and kindness. Share verses that highlight God’s love and promise of solace. For instance, Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

4. What is a comforting verse for a widow?

For widows, 1 Timothy 5:5 reads: “The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.” This verse emphasizes God’s unwavering support for those in need.

5. What prayer to say for someone who lost a loved one?

A heartfelt prayer could be: “Heavenly Father, we turn to You for comfort and strength for those mourning the loss of a dear one. May they find peace in Your promises and sense Your loving embrace. Guide them through this time of sorrow, reminding them they are never alone. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Final Thoughts

As we navigate the tumultuous waters of grief, these Scripture verses stand as a testament to God’s unwavering love and compassion. While the pain of loss is real and profound, the Bible reminds us of a higher truth—that in every season of sorrow, God’s comforting presence remains.

May these verses serve as a balm for your soul, guiding you towards peace and understanding. Remember, the words of the Bible have been a source of comfort for countless souls throughout the ages, and they continue to shine a light in our darkest moments.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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