It can be distressing and elicit a range of emotions to learn that a loved one is dying. Below are a few Bible verses that discuss death. Remember that not everything needs to be said at once. It is sometimes preferable to take your time and talk to someone just when you are ready. Psalm 73:26: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Revelation 21:4: “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.”
For inspiration or support along the path, you could simply need a few passages from the Bible, or even just one verse on dying. Remember to always seek out someone close and confide in them about how you are feeling if you are experiencing any form of loss or grief and need assistance getting through it. They may provide you fantastic advise (I am NOT suggesting medication or alcohol)
A collection of Christian funeral and burial verses from the Bible is available in Catholic Biblical Verses Regarding Death. These encouraging words of hope, courage, and consolation are ideal for everyone struggling with the death or impending death of a loved one. Family and friends frequently leave flowers or other thoughtful items on a deceased loved one’s graveyard or at church as a way of sending soothing verses from the Catholic Bible to those who have lost a loved one.
Many people find it extremely difficult to talk about or even consider death. But every day, Christians experience death. Scripture, tradition, and family members who were willing to share their personal experiences have historically been the primary sources for Catholics to learn the Church’s teachings on death. The article Catholic Bible Verses Regarding Death provides a brief summary of some of the important Catholic teachings about death.
Catholic Bible Verses for Death of a Loved One
When we experience the loss of a loved one, it can be a time of profound grief and sadness. During such moments, turning to the Word of God can bring comfort and solace. The Catholic Bible offers a range of verses that speak to the depth of our emotions and provide hope even in the midst of sorrow.
One such verse is found in the Book of Wisdom, “But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them” (Wisdom 3:1). This passage reminds us that our departed loved ones are safe and protected in God’s loving care. It assures us that they are free from pain and suffering, finding eternal rest in the presence of God.
Another verse that offers comfort is from the Gospel of John, where Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). This powerful declaration by Jesus reminds us that death does not have the final word. Through faith in Christ, we have the hope of eternal life, for He Himself conquered death through His resurrection.
As Catholics, we also have the beautiful tradition of praying for the souls of the departed. In 2 Maccabees, we read, ”Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin” (2 Maccabees 12:46). This passage affirms our belief in the power of prayer and the importance of interceding for the souls of those who have died. Through our prayers, we can offer support and aid in the journey of our loved ones towards their eternal reward.
Dealing with the death of a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. As Catholics, we often turn to the Bible for comfort and guidance during times of grief. Here are 12 Bible verses that offer hope and healing in the face of loss:
1. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
2. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
3. John 14:1-3
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
4. Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
5. Revelation 21:4
“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.”
6. Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
7. Lamentations 3:31-33
“For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.”
8. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
9. Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
10. Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
As we navigate the pain of losing a loved one, may these Bible verses bring us comfort and strength in knowing that God is with us, offering His love and peace in our time of need.
Catholic Bible Verses About Death
Loss is a part of life, but knowing that doesn’t make it any easier. The death of loved ones often takes its toll on those left behind, and at times it can feel like grief is never ending. For some, an important part of the healing process comes with Scripture. Whether it’s for private reading and reflection or as a message to include on a sympathy card, the Bible has many meaningful verses to comfort the grieving. And we want to help by providing you a list of some of the most powerful Bible verses about loss.
Jump to:
- How Bible Verses Dealing With Death Can Help With Loss
- Scripture For Loss
- Comforting Bible Verses For Death
- Bible Verse For Passing Of A Loved One
Comforting Bible Verses For Death
- Revelation 21:4. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. …
- Psalm 34:18. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
- Psalm 147:3. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
- John 14:1. …
- Joshua 1:9. …
- Romans 8:28. …
- Matthew 5:4. …
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.
How Bible Verses Dealing With Death Can Help With Loss
If faith is a big part of your life, or the life of your loved one, turning to the Bible’s timeless wisdom can significantly help with the healing process. Biblical verses have been used for millenia as a way of making sense of a tragedy and ultimately helping to heal. Highlighting encouraging verses, discussing comforting Scripture with loved ones, or otherwise getting involved in one’s faith-based practices can be a healthy way of mourning and showing sympathy. For specific examples of Scripture about loss, look to the quotes below. We’ve provided a thoughtful selection of Bible verses about loss below to help you write a meaningful and heartfelt message in your sympathy card, sympathy gifts, or memorial home decor like plaques and photos.
Scripture For Loss
If you’re religious, Scripture about loss is a powerful way to gain strength during hard times. These Bible verses have survived the test of time for good reason – because they can help you understand what it means when you lose someone close to you. The following Scripture addresses the gravity of different types of loss, while reminding believers in the great strength in their faith.
- Matthew 5:1-3
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” - 1 Corinthians 15:42-44
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; and it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 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 5:8
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. - Romans 14:8
If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Comforting Bible Verses For Death
When facing difficult times, the best feeling we can receive is comfort. We hope that the following passages comfort you in your difficult time of grief. Many of these Bible verses can help you feel more strength and know that it does get better even though it always feels hard. And if you’re looking for additional comforting words, please visit our resource on sympathy quotes and messages.
- Revelation 21:4
‘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.” - Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. - John 14:1
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. - Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Romans 8:28
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. - Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. - 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Verses For Passing Of A Loved One
There’s many reasons you may be looking for a Bible quote that specifically addresses the loss of a loved one. It may be an important step to your grieving process. It may be a sweet addition to your tribute photo book. Or maybe you’re searching for the right message to include in your celebration of life invitation wording. Whatever your reason, we hope the verses below are exactly what you’re looking for.
Bible Verses About Grieving The Loss Of A Child
There are no words that can accurately describe losing a child, but Bible verses about the circumstances can help you feel more grounded. The following verses are about what might happen to children to help you feel a type of solace through your grief. If you know someone who lost a child, adding these Bible verses to a sympathy card can be a great way to show you’re thinking of them and are there for them.
- Revelation 21:4
‘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.” - Philippians 2:20
I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. - Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 18:14
So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. - John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. - Luke 18:15-17
Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
Verses For Moms Who Have Passed Away
Though we all will likely face our parents passing away at some point in time, it doesn’t make it any easier. These Bible verses about losing a mother can help guide you through your grief and help you feel stronger. If you’re looking to send a sympathy card to someone who recently lost their parent, these verses can also give you words of comfort to offer someone when you aren’t sure what to say yourself.
- Psalm 48:14
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. - Isaiah 57:1-2
The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. - Isaiah 41:10
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. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. - Genesis 24:67
Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and he took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her; thus Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. - Lamentations 3:31-32
For the Lord will not reject forever, For if He causes grief, Then He will have compassion According to His abundant loving kindness.
Verses About Death Of A Father
Just like losing a mother, losing a father is a difficult time that takes a while to process and cope with. Turning to Bible verses can be a great way to feel some hope and reflect on your father with peace and pride. Consider adding these Bible verses about the death of a father to a sympathy card as well if you’re looking to share condolences with a loved one.
- John 16:22
“Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. - Psalm 9:9
The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble; - Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. - Isaiah 57:1-2
The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness. - 1 Corinthians 15:55
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
Verses For The Death Of A Friend
Losing a friend can feel just like losing a family member. Grieving them will never be easy, but knowing that you aren’t dealing with it alone can always help. These Bible verses about losing a friend may be thousands of years old, but the speak to the shared human experience of loss. Keep these verses near and dear if you’re struggling to find hope, or add them to a sympathy card if you’re looking to send your condolences.
- Revelation 14:13
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.” - John 14:1-2
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? - 1 John 3:2
2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. - Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. - Luke 20:36
For they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.