Losing someone you love is one of life’s deepest pains. Whether the loss was expected or sudden, grief can leave you feeling broken, confused, or even numb. In those moments, many turn to their faith for comfort and guidance.
The Bible, filled with God’s promises and truth, offers encouragement to help us navigate the sorrow of saying goodbye.
This collection of Bible verses about a loved one passing serves as a source of strength and healing. Each verse reflects God’s presence, the promise of eternal life, and the hope that death is not the end but a doorway to something greater.
As you read, may you feel uplifted and reminded that you are never alone in your grief.
1. Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Explanation:
This verse reminds us that God draws near to us in our deepest pain. When we feel broken by loss, He is present, offering comfort and healing.
2. 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?
Explanation:
Jesus reassures His followers that there is a place prepared for them in heaven. This promise brings hope that our loved ones are in the presence of God.
3. 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.
Explanation:
This verse points to a future free from sorrow. It’s a comforting reminder that pain and death are temporary in God’s eternal plan.
4. 2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Explanation:
Paul expresses a confident hope in eternal life. When a believer passes, they are welcomed into the presence of God.
5. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die.
Explanation:
This reminds us that life and death are part of God’s design. Though hard to accept, every moment has its divine timing.
6. 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.
Explanation:
God offers strength and help during our darkest moments. He promises to carry us through our grief.
7. Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Explanation:
Nothing, not even death, can separate us from God’s love. This verse brings assurance that our loved ones are still in His care.
8. Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Explanation:
Jesus affirms that those who grieve are seen and comforted by God. It’s a personal promise of healing.
9. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death… we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
Explanation:
Paul encourages believers with the hope of resurrection. Our loved ones who died in faith will live again.
10. Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Explanation:
God doesn’t ignore our pain—He heals it. This verse assures us of His tender care.
11. 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.
Explanation:
Life or death, we are God’s. This truth brings peace knowing that our loved ones are in His eternal embrace.
12. John 11:25-26
I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.
Explanation:
Jesus offers eternal life to all who believe in Him. Death is not the end, but the beginning of life with God.
13. Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Explanation:
This familiar psalm brings comfort in the face of death. God’s presence guides and protects us through the darkest times.
14. Isaiah 57:1-2
The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart… those who walk uprightly enter into peace.
Explanation:
Though hard to understand, this verse shows that sometimes God calls the righteous home for peace.
15. Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Explanation:
Paul saw death as gain because it brought him closer to Christ. This challenges us to see passing through faith’s lens.
16. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye.
Explanation:
Paul speaks of the resurrection. It’s a hopeful vision of transformation for all who believe.
17. Lamentations 3:31-32
For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion.
Explanation:
God’s heart is full of mercy. Even in sorrow, His love remains steady.
18. Proverbs 14:32
When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
Explanation:
This verse teaches that the faithful find safety in God—even in death.
19. Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.
Explanation:
God honors the passing of His people. Their death is not unnoticed or in vain.
20. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race… the crown of righteousness awaits me.
Explanation:
A life well-lived in faith is rewarded. This verse celebrates the legacy of faithful believers.
21. Job 1:21
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.
Explanation:
Even in deep loss, Job trusted God’s sovereignty. It reminds us to anchor our hearts in worship.
22. 1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Explanation:
God invites us to bring our pain to Him. He cares about our suffering.
23. Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces.
Explanation:
This powerful promise speaks of victory over death and future joy.
24. Psalm 30:5
Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Explanation:
Grief is temporary. Joy and healing will come in time.
25. 2 Samuel 12:23
I will go to him, but he will not return to me.
Explanation:
David accepts his child’s death with hope of reunion. It’s a powerful message about eternity.
26. Hebrews 9:27-28
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment… he will appear a second time to bring salvation.
Explanation:
This reminds us of life’s brevity and the eternal hope we have in Christ.
27. Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Explanation:
Jesus offers rest for our weary souls. His arms are always open to the grieving.
28. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
He died for us so that… we may live together with him.
Explanation:
This verse points to our shared future with Christ. In Him, we are united beyond the grave.
29. Genesis 3:19
For dust you are and to dust you will return.
Explanation:
A reminder of our humanity, this verse humbles us before God’s eternal nature.
30. Romans 6:5
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Explanation:
Believers share in Christ’s resurrection. Death becomes the path to new life.
31. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
The God of all comfort… comforts us in all our troubles.
Explanation:
God is the source of real comfort. He supports us so we can support others.
32. Luke 23:43
Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.
Explanation:
Jesus’ words to the thief show immediate entry into eternal life. A deep encouragement to those who grieve.
33. Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Explanation:
God’s presence never leaves us—not even in death or grief.
34. Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Explanation:
In weakness, God remains our strength. He is our everlasting source.
35. Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.
Explanation:
In loss, God gives us new strength. This verse inspires endurance and faith.
Reflecting on the Hope Found in Scripture
Grief may feel overwhelming, but these Bible verses about a loved one passing remind us of God’s deep love, His promises of eternal life, and His comforting presence. In times of sorrow, Scripture offers a foundation to rest upon—steady, sure, and full of hope.
May these verses speak peace into your heart, remind you that your loved one is never truly gone, and that God walks with you through your grief.
Have a favorite verse or a personal story to share? Let us know in the comments—your words might encourage someone else.