What Does the Bible Say About Depression? 8 Verses and What Each One Means
The main Bible verses about depression are Psalms 34:17-18, Psalms 40:1-2, Isaiah 41:10 and Matthew 11:28. Psalms 34:17-18 says that "Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart". Psalms 40:1-2 describes a slow way out, with the image of being lifted "out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay". Isaiah 41:10 promises presence and support in the middle of fear. Matthew 11:28 is the invitation to rest for those who "labor and are heavily burdened". This page collects 8 Bible verses about depression with the full text, the reference and a one-line explanation for each — none of them replaces treatment or promises a cure.
Depression is not weak faith or a lack of gratitude; it is a health condition, and the Bible has room for it. Elijah, after the greatest victory of his life, lies down under a bush and asks to die — and God does not scold him: He sends an angel with bread and water, lets him sleep and only later talks. Psalm 40 describes someone lifted out of a miry pit and set on a rock; Psalm 143 asks for a quick answer because the spirit is failing. The verses on this page are company for the days when getting out of bed is already a victory. They walk alongside treatment, not in its place: if you are depressed, see a doctor or therapist and tell someone you trust. If you are thinking of ending your life, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US) now — it is free and open 24 hours.
The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Psalms 34:17-18I waited patiently for Yahweh. He turned to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand.
Psalms 40:1-2Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God.
Psalms 42:11For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39Hurry to answer me, Yahweh. My spirit fails. Don’t hide your face from me, so that I don’t become like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.
Psalms 143:7-8He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.
Psalms 147:3
Frequently asked questions
Does the Bible talk about depression?
It does not use the word, but it describes similar states: Elijah (1 Kings 19), Job, Jeremiah and several psalms speak of deep discouragement, sleeplessness, loss of the will to live — without condemning those who feel it.
Does prayer cure depression?
Prayer helps and sustains, but depression is a health condition that needs medical or psychological evaluation. Faith and treatment go together; seeking help is not a lack of faith.
Where can I get help?
In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, free, 24/7), see your doctor or a therapist. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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.