What Does the Bible Say About Comfort? 8 Verses and What Each One Means
The main Bible verses about comfort are 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Psalms 23:4, Matthew 11:28 and Isaiah 40:1. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 explains the circuit: whoever is comforted by God goes on to comfort others. Psalms 23:4 is the one most read at funerals: "for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me". Matthew 11:28 is the invitation to rest. Isaiah 40:1 opens a whole chapter with the command "Comfort, comfort my people". This page collects 8 Bible verses about comfort with the full text, the reference and a one-line explanation for each.
Paul opens 2 Corinthians by calling God "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" and explains the circuit: we are comforted so that we can comfort others. It is one of the most practical ideas in the Bible — the pain we go through becomes the ability to walk with someone else. Psalm 23 takes the reader through the valley of the shadow of death in the shepherd's company; Isaiah 40 begins with "comfort my people"; Jesus invites the weary to rest. The verses on this page are for anyone who needs comfort today and for anyone who wants to comfort without saying the wrong thing: sometimes a verse read slowly says more than advice. If the pain is grief, see also the specific page; if it is persistent sadness, seek help.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalms 23:4“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.
Isaiah 40:1This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me.
Psalms 119:50“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.
John 14:1Sing, heavens, and be joyful, earth! Break out into singing, mountains! For Yahweh has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted.
Isaiah 49:13Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Psalms 34:18
Frequently asked questions
Which verse says God is the God of all comfort?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction".
How do I comfort someone with the Bible?
Be present, listen and offer a short verse without explanations. Psalm 34:18 and Matthew 11:28 are usually well received. Avoid saying "God wanted it this way".
Which psalm is the psalm of comfort?
Psalm 23 is the most read in times of pain; Psalm 34 and Psalm 46 are also called psalms of comfort.
See also
Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.