What Does the Bible Say About Grief and Loss? 8 Verses and What Each One Means
The main Bible verses about grief are Psalms 34:18, Matthew 5:4, Revelation 21:4 and John 11:25-26. Psalms 34:18 is the one most often sent in a note of sympathy: "Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart". Matthew 5:4 calls the mourners blessed, "for they shall be comforted". Revelation 21:4 points to the end of crying and pain. John 11:25-26 carries Jesus' answer spoken at a funeral. This page collects 8 Bible verses about grief with the full text, the reference and a one-line explanation for each.
In the face of death, the Bible does not offer quick explanations. It offers presence. Jesus wept at Lazarus's tomb before doing anything else; Psalm 34 says the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart; Paul writes that we do not grieve as those who have no hope — which does not mean not grieving. Christian hope in the resurrection does not erase the pain, but it sets a horizon in it. The verses on this page are for reading at a funeral, writing in a sympathy message, praying for someone who is grieving or keeping for your own grief, which tends to come in waves. Read them without hurry. If the pain becomes unbearable or goes on for a long time without relief, talk to someone you trust and seek support.
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Psalms 34:18Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more. The first things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25-26Even 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 23:4Blessed 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 1:3-4But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.
Psalms 147:3
Frequently asked questions
Which verse can I send in a sympathy message?
Psalm 34:18 ("Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart") and Matthew 5:4 ("blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted") are short and gentle.
Which verse is read at a funeral?
John 11:25-26, the whole of Psalm 23 and Revelation 21:4 are the most common readings at services and funerals.
Is it wrong to feel anger or doubt in grief?
No. The psalms are full of hard questions asked of God. Bringing anger and doubt into prayer is part of comfort, not an obstacle to it.
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.