Bible verses for grief and loss
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When you are grieving, read slowly and one verse at a time. Psalm 34:18, Psalm 23:4 and Matthew 5:4 speak of God being near to the brokenhearted and comforting those who mourn. You do not have to read a lot. One verse, read twice, is enough for a hard day.
God near to the brokenhearted
Psalm 34:18 (KJV): “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
The verse does not say the pain goes away. It says God is close to people who are hurting.
Walking through the valley
Psalm 23:4 (KJV): “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.”
The psalm talks about walking through the valley, not staying in it.
Mourning and comfort
Matthew 5:4 (KJV): “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
John 11:35 (KJV): “Jesus wept.”
The shortest verse in the KJV shows Jesus grieving at the grave of a friend.
A promise about the end of tears
Revelation 21:4 (KJV): “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.”
If it feels too heavy
Grief can be heavy enough that a verse is not enough. Please talk to someone you trust, a pastor, a counselor or a doctor. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 in the US.
Frequently asked questions
What Bible verse helps with grief?
Psalm 34:18, Psalm 23:4 and Matthew 5:4 are often read after a loss.
What is the shortest verse in the Bible?
In the KJV it is John 11:35: "Jesus wept."
How should I read these verses?
Slowly, one at a time, and out loud if that helps. You can stop whenever you need to.
Does BibleScroll explain a verse in plain English?
Yes. Tap a verse for a plain-English explanation. The verse text stays KJV.
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