Bible Verses About Grief

Jesus Wept – John 11:35

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. – Psalm 73:26

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. – John 14:1

Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record? – Psalm 56:8

The last enemy to be destroyed is death. – 1 Corinthians 15:26

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18

God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble. – Psalm 46:1

The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. – Zephaniah 3:17

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

You are my protection, my place of safety in times of trouble. – Psalm 59:16 .

Bible Verses About Grief
Scriptures For Healing Grief
Bible Verses For Comfort In Grief
Helpful Mourning Bible Verses About Grief
Grief Caused By Loss Bible Verses
Bible Verses About Grieving Death
Bible Verses Supporting the 5 Stages of Grief
   Stage 1 - Bible Verses About Denial & Isolation
   Stage 2 - Bible Verses About Anger
   Stage 3 - Bible Verses About Bargaining
   Stage 4 - Bible Verses About Depression
   Stage 5 - Bible Verses About Acceptance

At some stage in our lives, we will all face loss and grief. Sometimes it is expected, but many times it comes as a sudden and shattering shock. We will all face the devastation of our elderly parents passing on and, no matter what age we are, this is a dramatic and difficult experience.

Many of us will unfortunately face more traumatic experiences of losing children, a spouse, a loved one, friends or acquaintances.

As hard as these phases of life are, we can always turn to God and the Bible to help us find comfort and strength during the grieving process. Below you will find a carefully selected compilation of verses that will help you cope during a time of loss and grieving.

The grieving process has been carefully studied and is known to be divided into 5 stages. (Kübler-Ross Model)

Stage 1 - Denial and Isolation
Stage 2 - Anger
Stage 3 - Bargaining
Stage 4 - Depression
Stage 5 - Acceptance

Impossible as it seems, working through these 5 stages will bring you to a point of acceptance and peace of mind. The Bible offers many beautiful and meaningful scriptures relevant to each stage that will help you along the path. Let these scriptures comfort your soul and guide you towards recovery.

Grief can come to us at any time. Certainly, during or after a funeral it is most felt in its rawest and most hurtful form. But, we can grieve for loved ones for years after. These feelings can be triggered by personal memory, an event or even a special song. Most often, they come when we are feeling down, vulnerable and alone. Knowing that we can always rely on God’s power and wisdom to understand our pain, will help us to cope and recover.

Life after death is a powerful concept, giving us the freedom and comfort to feel that our loved ones are safe and secure in the arms of the Lord and that we may meet up again.

There are scriptures to deal with our darkest days and our most desperate feelings. Friends and family can help, but God has an all-powerful presence through the Scriptures to guide one. These ancient Scriptures are still as meaningful today as they were in ancient times. Read, meditate and know that the Lord’s help is always there for you.

Scriptures For Healing Grief

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise. – Jeremiah 17:14
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds – Psalm 147:3
O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone! – Jeremiah 17:14
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. –1 Peter 2:24
Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. – Jeremiah 33:6
“My wayward children,” says the Lord, “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.” – Jeremiah 3:22
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-29
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

As a child of God, you can look to the Bible for help with healing. Perhaps you are emotionally bereft after the loss of a parent, loved one, child or friend. Perhaps you are dealing with a physical illness or emotional breakdown. Bad news or relationship struggles can devastate your day to day life. The power of the Lord is immense and will help the healing process.

Our Lord is able to provide both physical and spiritual healing. These words guide you to recover from a loss and help you to overcome physical pain and illness. In despair, you may ask – what does the healing process look like? In essence – your future is filled with hope and promise. Your life takes on a greater meaning as you step out of the darkness into the light.

These Bible verses on healing will provide encouragement, comfort and strength as you focus on God's healing power.
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Bible Verses For Comfort In Grief

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. – Matthew 5:4
Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. – Psalm 119:76
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, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Even 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. – Psalm 23:4
But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. – Job 16:5
You will increase my honor and comfort me once more. – Psalm 71:21
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. – Isaiah 40:1
My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” – Psalm 119:82
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” – Isaiah 66:13
I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. – Psalm 119:52

When you are in the depth of despair, a comforting word or gesture from someone can make a world of difference. Did you know that the Scriptures are filled with words from God, offering help and comfort?

Some people may find it difficult to express their feelings when they are emotionally damaged, filled with grief or dealing with a personal problem. When you talk to God, you have no reason to feel embarrassed, shy or self-conscious. God always listens and never judges.

Take comfort in the fact that God exists and cares for each one of us. Look deeper and you will find that the Bible offers meaningful and relevant words of comfort, no matter what type of hurt or pain you are experiencing.

Spend time and read our collection of verses on comfort. They will give you hope, guidance and strength to move forward.
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Helpful Mourning Bible Verses About Grief

All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said, “I will continue to mourn until I join my son in the grave.” So his father wept for him. – Genesis 37:35
Their father Ephraim mourned for them many days, and his relatives came to comfort him. – 1 Chronicles 7:22
It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. – Ecclesiastes 7:2
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. – Revelation 21:4
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18
Sigh, but not aloud; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban, and put your shoes on your feet; do not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men.” – Ezekiel 24:17
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. – Psalm 30:5
Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. – 1 Samuel 30:4
Jesus wept. – John 11:35

Nothing in life prepares us for a sudden and devastating loss. The process overwhelms and can destroy us. Who do you turn to? Who do speak with? Mourning is a natural and necessary process. People may feel embarrassed and self-conscious – sometimes even being told to ‘get on with it’.

God always understands. Mourning does not have a time limit or can be packaged and done with. It is a vital part of the healing process and often returns just when you think you cured and over the pain and anguish.

The Bible is filled with beautiful and comforting words to help those who mourn. Getting on with everyday life while trying to contain these feelings can be overwhelming. Don’t lose hope, read these beautiful words, knowing that the light will shine again for you.
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Grief Caused By Loss Bible Verses

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” – Luke 23:43
A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. – Ecclesiastes 7:1
Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 5:8
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. – Psalm 34:17
"He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds." – Psalm 147:3
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9
For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. – Romans 14:8
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans – Romans 6:23
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:1
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; – Ecclesiastes 3:2

Sustaining a loss of a loved one, a parent, a child, friend or even a pet can cause untold emotional and traumatic damage to the strongest of people. We are never prepared for loss and it takes us unawares and at a time that is never convenient.

Surviving loss is something that needs strength and guidance. Family support and help goes a long way, but God has the final say. The Bible is filled with meaningful passages about loss and how to deal with it. Read them, knowing that each is a small step that helps the grieving process and takes you closer to the place of regaining a life filled with hope and joy. These words can also be offered to a loved one or friend who is experiencing a loss in their life. Choose to give them a card, sympathy letter or a gift, together with a verse.
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Bible Verses About Grieving Death

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” – Luke 23:43
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39
And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. – Ecclesiastes 12:7
For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. – 1 Thessalonians 4:14
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. – Philippians 1:21
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” – Revelation 14:13
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. – 2 Corinthians 4:18
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. – 1 Peter 5:10
He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” – Genesis 28:17
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. – Psalm 73:26

As much as Death is a topic that most people prefer to avoid – it is unavoidable. Whether it is the death of a loved one, friend or pet each and every one of us will have to face this traumatic and devastating experience at some time. Many of us fear our own death, especially if we are sick and know that the end is near.

Turning to God for comfort is the way to help get over the fear, grief and trauma of death. God’s promise is to care and protect us and gather us to his side after death. Get comfort from reading these short Scriptures on death and how to deal with it. They give strength to the weak and hope to the hopeless. Believe that there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel.
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Bible Verses Supporting the 5 Stages of Grief

After the devastating loss or news of a terrible illness, we feel disorientated and struck with grief. We often don’t know how to express our feelings or who to turn to. The study of grief has been clearly documented and although it does not lessen the pain, it is helpful to understand what the mind and emotions go through.

Stage 1 – Denial
Denial is the first reaction – we simply do not want to believe that what we are hearing. It is a conscious self-preservation mechanism to cling to a hope that this is false.

Stage 2 – Anger
Following denial comes the anger and the obvious question of Why. Why is my life suddenly turned upside down through no fault of my own. Once again, there are no easy answers.

Stage 3 – Bargaining
Bargaining is related to news about an illness. The mind wants to seek compromise in exchange for doing the right thing to make things better.

Stage 4 – Depression
Depression is a very real emotion that is not always connected with death. Death and illness lead to greater and more advanced stages of depression. Feeling useless is the most common with the mindset of “I cannot go on”.

Stage 5 – Acceptance
The final stage – often a time of peace and acceptance as you prepare for your last days. Reading the Bible and the words of God bring comfort during this difficult time.

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Stage 1 - Bible Verses About Denial & Isolation

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. – Proverbs 18:1
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:25
The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. – Proverbs 14:15
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. – 1 Corinthians 12:27
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. – Psalm – 34:17-20
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” – Matthew 21:22
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” – Genesis 2:18
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. – James 5:13
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. – 2 Timothy 1:7
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” – Genesis 2:18

Denial and Isolation are the first stages of grief. Our most basic thoughts are to not believe what we are being told. The loss of a loved one, a friend, a parent or even a pet, will trigger off these thoughts. Terrible news about an illness also conjures up thoughts of denial.

Coming to terms with the occurrence is the hardest, traumatic and most challenging part of a terrible experience. Our first thought is to cling to the past when all was well. We want to wind back the clock and somehow hope that we are imaging the whole episode.

Many people become isolated and unable to express their feelings when everyone around them is going about their everyday life. Here is a collection of wonderful Bible verses that will help to overcome the denial stage and move you towards the healing process.
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Stage 2 - Bible Verses About Anger

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, – Ephesians 4:26
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, – Galatians 5:22
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! – Psalm 34:8
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! – Psalm 27:13
I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. – Romans 15:14
What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me? – Psalm 116:12
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; – 2 Peter 1:5

Anger is the second stage of the grieving process. You want to lash out and blame the world for your despair and trauma. It is quite natural. Questions like “Why me?” and “How can this happen?” are commonly asked. There are often no answers, making the situation worse. God says it is allowable to be angry and vent your feelings but do not sin or cause harm.

Managing anger in times of high stress can be extremely difficult. Take time to read the Scriptures and learn how to take control of your feelings. Nothing is fixed overnight and you will need to work through these overwhelming emotions. Be strong, knowing that God is there for you, cares and understands your pain and your loss.
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Stage 3 - Bible Verses About Bargaining

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. – Ephesians 5:17
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. – Ecclesiastes 3:8
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” – Lamentations 3:24
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. – 1 John 5:13
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2
Saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” – Luke 22:42
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. – 1 Peter 4:19
If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. – John 7:17

Stage 3 of the grieving process involves a desire to bargain and try to get a reprieve from the dreadful news you have received. This is mostly found in people who have been given terrible news of terminal illness in themselves or a loved one. Trying to bargain by saying ‘I will live a better life’ or ‘Please forgive my sins’ are common ways that people hope to set things right.

The hard truth is that God does not bargain. The end comes to all of us in some form or another. Coming to terms with this is the way forward. The Scriptures offer comfort and help when you feel total despair and are begging for a way out. They will help you heal emotionally and spiritually and give you the strength you need to continue.
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Stage 4 - Bible Verses About Depression

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. – Psalm 34:17
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:11
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6
Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. – Psalm 143:7-8
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. – Psalm 9:9
Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. – Psalm 32:10
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:6–7
But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. – Psalm 3:3
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. – Romans 15:13
They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.” – Jeremiah 1:19

Depression is the fourth stage of the grieving process. This often leads to people becoming emotionally and physically removed from their families, peers and friends. You cannot face the day to day life and choose to remain isolated or appear to move around in a ‘no-mans land’. Common thoughts revolve around ideas like “What is the point” and “I have nothing left to live for.”

Depression can be helped by the love and comfort of people close by. Severe depression can be dealt with via medical intervention. Simply sitting and listening to a depressed person can be of immense and valuable help.

Read the words of God on how to deal with and fight depression. These ancient words will help clear your mind and show you a way out of the dark maze of despair that you find yourself trapped in.
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Stage 5 - Bible Verses About Acceptance

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; – Luke 2:29
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. – Romans 15:7
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. – Romans 8:18
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. – John 6:37
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. – 1 Peter 5:10
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, – Psalm 30:11
That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, – Philippians 3:10
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, – Romans 5:3-4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. – Psalm 34:4-5

However hard as this seems, at some stage, one accepts the concept of death and starts to move on with life. God always offers hope, comfort and guidance.

In many cases, a terminally ill person accepts their fate earlier than their loved ones do. They take on an aura of calmness, peace and acceptance. Getting to the fifth stage of grief, the acceptance stage, means that you are on your way to healing.

No one ever totally gets over the loss of a loved one and there will be days when grief returns in its most raw and bitter form. Take solace in these verses of God’s word from the Bible. They will offer comfort to you and your loved ones in these dark times and help with the healing process of overcoming grief.
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