Bible Verses About Grief
Grief is heavy, and Scripture never asks us to pretend otherwise. What it offers instead is a God who draws near to the brokenhearted and promises that sorrow does not have the final word. These verses are meant to comfort in loss.
The Bible never asks the grieving to pretend they are not hurting; it draws near to them instead. Psalm 34:18 says the LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and Matthew 5:4 blesses those who mourn with the promise that they shall be comforted. Verses like Psalm 147:3, Revelation 21:4, and Psalm 23:4 point to a God who binds up wounds, wipes away tears, and walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death. The verses below are King James Version, gathered for comfort, prayer, and quiet reassurance in loss.
Read these slowly and let the words settle. When one speaks to you, carry it into a daily verse habit, turn it into a shareable graphic, or fold it into a reading plan. You can also browse every topic or look up an unfamiliar word in the glossary.
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Psalm 147:3
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
Revelation 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Psalm 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Psalm 30:5
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
John 11:25
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Common Questions
What does the Bible say about grief and loss?
Scripture treats grief honestly and answers it with the nearness of God. Psalm 34:18 says the LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit, while Matthew 5:4 promises, Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
What is a comforting Bible verse for the loss of a loved one?
Many hold to Revelation 21:4, which promises that God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. John 11:25 brings hope beyond death, where Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
Does the Bible say it is okay to cry and mourn?
Yes. Matthew 5:4 blesses those who mourn, and Psalm 30:5 acknowledges that weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Grief is met with honesty in Scripture, not rebuke.
What does the Bible say about God's comfort in sorrow?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 calls God the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation. Psalm 147:3 adds that he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
How can I use these verses while grieving?
Read gently and let one settle before moving to the next. When a verse brings comfort, carry it into a daily verse habit, turn it into a shareable graphic, or fold it into a reading plan so it stays near you through the days ahead.