Bible verses for the sick
Visiting the sick is one of the works Jesus says will be remembered. And what do you say to someone in bed? The Bible gives words that do not over-promise: Psalm 41 says the Lord sustains the sick on their bed; James instructs the community to pray for the ill; Paul receives, instead of the healing he asked for, a grace that is sufficient and a power made perfect in weakness. Psalm 73 confesses that flesh and heart may fail, but God remains the portion. The verses on this page are for reading at the bedside, writing in a card, sending before surgery and praying through a long treatment. Keep following medical guidance: prayer accompanies care, it does not dispense with it.
Yahweh will sustain him on his sickbed, and restore him from his bed of illness.
Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Praise Yahweh, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits, who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases,
Don’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.
He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.”
My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Heal me, O Yahweh, and I will be healed. Save me, and I will be saved; for you are my praise.
Frequently asked questions
Which verse can I send to someone in the hospital?
Psalm 41:3 ("the Lord will sustain him on his sickbed") and Isaiah 41:10. Before surgery, Psalm 91:1-2 and Joshua 1:9 are also common.
What should I say when visiting someone who is sick?
Less than you think: presence, listening and a short verse read calmly. James 5:14-15 shows the community praying for the sick, not making speeches.
How do I pray for someone in a long treatment?
Pray for the person, the medical team, the family caring for them and for everyone's patience. 2 Corinthians 12:9 helps to pray for sufficient grace for each day.
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.