20 Important Bible Verses About Grief (With Commentary)

Grief is a universal experience that accompanies loss and the pain of separation. In times of mourning, the Bible offers solace, comfort, and hope for those who grieve.

Within its pages, we find verses that speak to God’s presence, His compassion, and His promise to bring comfort to the brokenhearted.

Join me as we delve into Scripture and discover uplifting Bible verses about grief, finding solace in God’s promises, and embarking on a journey of healing and restoration in the midst of sorrow.

Also Read: Bible Verses About the Church

Bible Verses About Grief

Psalm 34:18

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

In times of grief, this verse brings comfort and reassurance that the Lord is present and attentive to our pain. He offers salvation and healing to those who are hurting.

Matthew 5:4

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus recognizes the blessedness of those who are grieving. He promises comfort and peace to those who are mourning.

Psalm 30:5

“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

Although grief may be present, this verse reminds us that joy will eventually replace sorrow. There is hope for a brighter tomorrow and healing after mourning.

Isaiah 53:3

“He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.”

Jesus himself experienced grief and sorrow. He understands our pain and can empathize with our struggles.

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Jesus offers a peace that surpasses all understanding, even in the midst of grief and turmoil. He encourages us not to be afraid and to trust in him.

Lamentations 3:31-32

“For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.”

Even in our moments of grief, God’s love and compassion never fail. He will never abandon us or leave us alone.

Psalm 73:26

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

When our own strength fails us, God remains steadfast and provides us with the strength to carry on.

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.”

God not only comforts us in our grief but also equips us to comfort others who are experiencing similar struggles.

Psalm 22:24

“For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.”

God hears our prayers and sees our suffering. He never looks away from our pain and responds with compassion and kindness.

Bible Verses About Grief

Isaiah 61:2-3

“to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

God offers comfort and consolation to those who mourn. He can transform our sorrow into joy and give us a reason to praise him despite our difficulties.

Psalm 121:1-2

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

In moments of grief, we can turn to the Lord for strength and help. He is our refuge and our source of unwavering support.

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.”

God promises to wipe away our tears and bring an end to our grief. In heaven, there will be complete healing and restoration.

Psalm 31:9-10

“Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.”

The psalmist can relate to the feelings of distress and grief that many of us experience. However, this psalm also demonstrates the power of prayer and the ability to find refuge in the Lord.

Psalm 147:3

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

The Lord is a God of healing and restoration. He can heal the brokenness caused by grief and restore us to wholeness.

Psalm 55:22

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

In moments of grief, it’s essential to turn to the Lord and rely on him for strength. He will never let us tumble or fall.

Psalm 42:11

“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.”

Despite our grief-stricken heart, this verse serves as a gentle reminder to put our hope in God and keep our eyes fixed upon him. He is our Savior and will help us through our troubled times.

Job 5:11

“He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.”

Even in the depths of our grief, God can lift us out of our sorrow and set us on a path towards healing and safety.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 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.”

Although we may experience grief and pain in this life, it’s important to remember that this is not the end. Our present struggles are temporary in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits us in heaven.

Jeremiah 31:13

“Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”

God can transform our grief into joy and offer us comfort and consolation. He can take our sorrows and replace them with gladness.

Psalm 6:6-7

“I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.”

This psalm is a heartfelt expression of grief and sadness. It reminds us that it’s okay to express our emotions and turn to the Lord for help in times of trouble.

Psalm 23:4

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

God walks with us through our darkest moments and offers us the comfort and assurance we need to navigate difficult times.

Psalm 23:4

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.”

As believers, we have hope in the midst of grief because we know that death is not the end. Those who have passed away in Christ will rise again with him.

What does the bible say About Grief?

Grief is a universal human emotion, and the Bible acknowledges its significance in various contexts. The Scriptures address grief primarily in the context of loss, sorrow, and mourning. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, individuals experience grief due to the death of loved ones, personal tragedies, and national calamities.

1. Loss and Mourning: The Bible portrays grief as a natural response to loss, especially when loved ones pass away. It emphasizes the value of mourning and acknowledges that it is essential to grieve to process emotions and find healing.

2. God’s Comfort: In times of grief, the Bible often highlights God’s role as a comforting presence. God is portrayed as compassionate and close to the brokenhearted, offering solace and support to those who mourn.

3. Jesus’ Compassion: The New Testament describes Jesus as “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He exemplified compassion and empathy for those who were grieving, even weeping with them, such as in the account of the death of Lazarus (John 11:35).

4. Hope in Resurrection: The Bible offers hope for those grieving by pointing to the resurrection. Christians are encouraged to look forward to the promise of eternal life in Christ, where sorrow and death will be no more (Revelation 21:4).

5. Support for the Bereaved: The Scriptures emphasize the importance of supporting those who grieve. Followers of Christ are encouraged to comfort and uplift one another during times of sorrow (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

6. Time for Healing: The Bible recognizes that grief takes time, and healing is a process. There are seasons for mourning, but also seasons for joy (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

7. Lamentations and Psalms: Several passages in the Bible are categorized as lamentations or psalms of lament, expressing deep sorrow, anguish, and questions in times of grief. These passages show that it is okay to pour out one’s heart honestly before God.

8. Grief and Repentance: The Bible also records instances of collective grief expressed as a response to sin and disobedience. This demonstrates grief’s potential as a catalyst for repentance and turning back to God.

In summary, the Bible acknowledges the reality of grief and offers comfort, hope, and support to those experiencing loss. It provides a foundation for navigating the complex emotions that accompany grief and reminds individuals of God’s presence and love during times of sorrow.