Overview
The Bible addresses bereavement across 18 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in 1 Thessalonians, Job and Ecclesiastes. Closely related themes include Afflictions and Adversities, Death of Saints, the, Immortality and Children. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Job and Jesus.
Key Bible verses about bereavement
Old Testament
2 Samuel
Job
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. from: Heb. from aside, etc
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, mantle: or, robe
And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
Ecclesiastes
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. Sorrow: or, Anger
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
Ezekiel
Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. run down: Heb. go
Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men. Forbear: Heb. Be silent lips: Heb. upper lip
So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.
New Testament
1 Thessalonians
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. prevent: or, come before, or, anticipate, or, precede
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words. comfort: or, exhort
People in the Bible and bereavement
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying bereavement for yourself
- Begin with 2 Samuel 12:22, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how 1 Thessalonians, Job and Ecclesiastes each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Job and Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Afflictions and Adversities, Death of Saints, the, Immortality and Children.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about bereavement?
The Bible addresses bereavement across 18 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in 1 Thessalonians, Job and Ecclesiastes. Closely related themes include Afflictions and Adversities, Death of Saints, the, Immortality and Children. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Job and Jesus.
How many Bible verses are about bereavement?
The Bible references bereavement in 18 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention bereavement?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 2 Samuel 12:22: “And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?”
Which people in the Bible are associated with bereavement?
Job and Jesus.
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on bereavement.
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