Overview
The Bible addresses sympathy across 10 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Job, Philippians and Ecclesiastes. Closely related themes include Afflicted, Afflicted, Duty Toward The, Afflictions and Adversities and Righteousness. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Shuah and Job.
Key Bible verses about sympathy
Old Testament
Job
Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty. is afflicted: Heb. melteth
When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person. the humble: Heb. him that hath low eyes
New Testament
Philippians
People in the Bible and sympathy
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying sympathy for yourself
- Begin with Job 2:11, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Job, Philippians and Ecclesiastes each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Shuah and Job and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Afflicted, Afflicted, Duty Toward The, Afflictions and Adversities and Righteousness.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about sympathy?
The Bible addresses sympathy across 10 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Job, Philippians and Ecclesiastes. Closely related themes include Afflicted, Afflicted, Duty Toward The, Afflictions and Adversities and Righteousness. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Shuah and Job.
How many Bible verses are about sympathy?
The Bible references sympathy in 10 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention sympathy?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Job 2:11: “Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with sympathy?
Shuah and Job.
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