Overview
The Bible addresses tears across 10 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Psalms, Isaiah and Revelation. Closely related themes include Life, Natural, Afflictions and Adversities, Sickness and Night. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Hezekiah, Isaiah and David.
Key Bible verses about tears
Old Testament
Psalms
I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. all: or, every night
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure.
Isaiah
And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. sore: Heb. with great weeping
Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,
Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.
New Testament
Revelation
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
People in the Bible and tears
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying tears for yourself
- Begin with Psalms 6:6, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Psalms, Isaiah and Revelation each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Hezekiah, Isaiah and David and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Life, Natural, Afflictions and Adversities, Sickness and Night.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about tears?
The Bible addresses tears across 10 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Psalms, Isaiah and Revelation. Closely related themes include Life, Natural, Afflictions and Adversities, Sickness and Night. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Hezekiah, Isaiah and David.
How many Bible verses are about tears?
The Bible references tears in 10 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention tears?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Psalms 6:6: “I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. all: or, every night”
Which people in the Bible are associated with tears?
Hezekiah, Isaiah and David.
Preach & teach
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