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What the Bible Says About Bereavement

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

New Testament

1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 4:13

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.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

1 Thessalonians 4:15

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

1 Thessalonians 4:16

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:

1 Thessalonians 4:17

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.

1 Thessalonians 4:18

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.

Preach a series on Bereavement