Sadness and crying are deeply human experiences. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, or a season of emotional pain, we all face moments when the weight of sorrow feels overwhelming.
During such times, many people turn to the Bible for comfort, encouragement, and hope.
The Bible doesn’t shy away from emotions. It’s filled with honest reflections on grief, despair, and sadness—but also with incredible promises of comfort, restoration, and divine care.
God sees our tears, understands our sorrow, and walks with us through every valley.
In this blog post, you’ll find 35 carefully selected Bible verses about sadness and crying. Each verse is followed by a brief explanation to help you understand its context and spiritual significance.
Whether you’re grieving or supporting someone in pain, these Scriptures remind us that God’s love never leaves us alone in our struggles.
Let’s dive into these comforting words from Scripture.
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 when our hearts are shattered. He doesn’t turn away from our pain; instead, He meets us in it and offers healing.
2. 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: In this beautiful promise about the future, we are assured that sadness and pain are temporary. One day, God will bring complete healing and peace.
3. Psalm 56:8
Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record?
Explanation: God values even our tears. This verse shows that nothing we experience is overlooked by Him. Every sorrow matters to God.
4. John 11:35
Jesus wept.
Explanation: The shortest verse in the Bible carries deep meaning. Jesus cried with those mourning Lazarus, showing us that even the Son of God shares in our grief.
5. 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: When sadness feels overwhelming, this verse reminds us of God’s steady presence and strength. We’re never alone.
6. Ecclesiastes 3:4
A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.
Explanation: Life has seasons, including times of sorrow. The Bible acknowledges that crying is a natural part of our human experience.
7. 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…
Explanation: God is described here as the ultimate comforter. He meets us in our pain and equips us to comfort others.
8. Psalm 30:5
Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Explanation: This verse gives hope that sadness is not forever. Joy will return, even if it takes time.
9. Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Explanation: Jesus affirms that mourning has a purpose. Those who grieve will receive comfort—both now and in eternity.
10. Romans 8:26
…the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Explanation: When we don’t even know how to pray through our tears, the Holy Spirit helps us by expressing our heart’s cry to God.
11. Psalm 42:11
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God…
Explanation: This verse reflects an inner battle with sadness and the call to anchor hope in God.
12. Lamentations 3:31–32
For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion…
Explanation: Even in judgment or sorrow, God’s mercy is not far away. He restores after pain.
13. Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain…
Explanation: This prophecy of Jesus reveals His deep understanding of human sorrow. He knows suffering firsthand.
14. 1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Explanation: God invites us to bring our emotional burdens to Him. He truly cares about what weighs on our hearts.
15. Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Explanation: God is not only aware of our pain—He’s actively involved in healing it.
16. James 4:9
Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Explanation: This verse encourages repentance and sincerity in sorrow, reminding us that some sadness brings spiritual growth.
17. Job 16:20
My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God.
Explanation: Job shows that even in suffering, prayer and relationship with God remain powerful.
18. Psalm 6:6
I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping…
Explanation: This raw emotion from David shows that crying out to God in deep sorrow is natural and heard by Him.
19. Jeremiah 31:13
I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Explanation: God promises restoration. He doesn’t leave us in grief but transforms it into joy.
20. 2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…
Explanation: Sometimes sorrow serves a purpose—drawing us closer to God in true repentance.
21. Psalm 116:8
For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
Explanation: God’s saving power not only delivers us from danger but also dries our tears.
22. Isaiah 25:8
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces…
Explanation: This powerful image assures us of God’s personal care and promise of eternal peace.
23. Luke 6:21
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Explanation: Jesus reminds us that sorrow now doesn’t define our future. Joy is coming.
24. Psalm 31:9
Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow…
Explanation: David expresses deep emotional exhaustion, modeling how to cry out honestly to God.
25. Hebrews 5:7
He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears…
Explanation: Even Jesus prayed with tears. He understands the pain we bring before God.
26. Proverbs 14:13
Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.
Explanation: Outward joy can hide inner sadness. The Bible acknowledges this complexity.
27. Psalm 143:7
Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me…
Explanation: A desperate plea for God’s presence in the middle of spiritual depression.
28. Jeremiah 9:1
Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears!
Explanation: Jeremiah expresses deep sorrow over sin and judgment, showing righteous grief.
29. Job 30:25
Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has not my soul grieved for the poor?
Explanation: Job highlights his compassion, revealing the value of shared sorrow and empathy.
30. Psalm 38:9
All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.
Explanation: Even our silent pain is known to God. He understands what we can’t express.
31. Matthew 26:38
My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death…
Explanation: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus shows how to bring overwhelming grief to the Father.
32. Zephaniah 3:17
He will take great delight in you… he will rejoice over you with singing.
Explanation: Even in our lowest moments, God rejoices over us. His love is constant.
33. Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Explanation: We are called to support each other emotionally, walking together through both joy and pain.
34. John 16:20
You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Explanation: Jesus prepares His followers for sorrow but promises it will be transformed into lasting joy.
35. Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…
Explanation: This beloved verse reminds us that God is with us in every dark and painful season.
Reflecting on God’s Presence Through the Tears
Sadness and crying are not signs of weakness—they are natural, human, and often sacred responses to life’s most difficult moments. The Bible meets us in our vulnerability and offers words of truth, healing, and hope. Whether your heart is broken or heavy today, these Scriptures assure you that God is near, attentive, and faithful.
Remember, the same God who wept with Mary and Martha also promises to wipe every tear from our eyes. Let His Word be your source of peace and restoration.
Have a favorite Bible verse about sadness and crying?
Share your thoughts or stories in the comments. Let’s encourage one another with faith and kindness.