40 Comforting Scriptures for Grief (with Free Printable)

We have all experienced the heartbreaking pain of losing a loved one. During those times of difficulty, we can lean on God’s Word and find comfort and strength in his promises. When I lost my dad as a young teenager, I remember relying on God’s Word to help me and my family through that difficult time. Take a look at 40 powerful Scriptures for grief that you can hold close to your heart as you walk through your sorrow. Know that you are never alone.

What does the Bible say About Comforting the Grieving?

The Bible has much to say about comforting those who are brokenhearted. One of my favorite New Testament stories is when Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha died and was raised to life by Jesus (John 11:1-44). Even though Jesus knew that he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, he was still greatly moved by the sorrow of Mary and Martha, and he wept in the midst of their grief and sorrow (John 11:33-36). 

Jesus was also described as a “man of sorrows” in Isaiah 53:3–he knows and understands our pain. When we are experiencing great sorrow in our hearts, we can take great comfort in the truth that Jesus understands our grief, and is walking alongside us each day.

Scriptures for Grief in the Old Testament

Here are some encouraging Scriptures on grief from the Old Testament. I love this Scripture from Isaiah 61. These are the exact word Jesus read in the temple in Luke 4:21,

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

    to proclaim freedom for the captives

    and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

    and the day of vengeance of our God,

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. 

Isaiah 61:1a-3

This passage gives me so much peace, because Jesus came to not only bring us the amazing gift of eternal life, but to comfort all who mourn. Our days of mourning and sorrow last for a moment–and he adorns us with garments of praise and fills us with his glorious joy. 

Here are some other Scriptures on grief to give you comfort:

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29

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. Isaiah 41:10

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13

You who are my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me. Jeremiah 8:18

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22

I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13

Scriptures for Grief in the Psalms

Although the book of Psalms is also in the Old Testament, I created a category of Scriptures for grief that specifically come from the Psalms, since there are so many great ones that are worth mentioning.

But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. Psalm 10:14

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. Psalm 23:4

Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. Psalm 31:9

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

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalm 119:28

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.” You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. Psalm 30:11

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

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

You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 59:9-10

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more. Psalm 71:20-21

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

Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Psalm 90:10

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19

Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me!” Psalm 116:2-4

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Psalm 116:15

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalm 119:28

My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:50

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Psalm 126:5

Scriptures for Grief in the New Testament

Here are some encouraging Scriptures on grief from the New Testament.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

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. John 14:1-3

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. John 14:27 

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

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. Romans 8:38-39

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. 2 Corinthians 1:3

For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:5

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

‘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 

A Prayer for those who are Grieving

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, may this prayer offer encouragement and strength for your soul.

Lord, I ask that you will comfort those who are grieving right now. Wrap them around your loving arms or grace and love. Let them know that you are right there with them through their pain and sorrow. May your unfailing love be their comfort, according to the promises in your Word (Psalm 119:76).

You are a loving Father who binds up the wounds of the brokenhearted, and keeps track of all our tears (Psalm 147:3, Psalm 56:8). Give them the strength they need at this time, and remind them that you will never leave or forsake them. Give their family peace, rest, and comfort, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Free Printable Scriptures for Grief

You can download a FREE list of these Scriptures for comfort in your grief by clicking on the button below!

In Conclusion

I hope that these Scriptures for grief can be an encouragement to you and family, and I pray that the Lord will wrap you in his loving arms and give you strength in your soul. 

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