Bible Verses about Death

Sadness, pain, and grief are some of the effects that death has on us. The Lord does not want us to suffer in anguish when we think about death or when a friend or family member passes away.

There are many scripture passages that speak about what death is and how to deal with it. I trust that as you read these Bible verses you will find comfort in the Lord as you hope for a future where there will be no more dying.

Bible verses about death of a loved one

1. And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? 2 Samuel 12:18 KJV

The illness of the child in this story was linked to a wrong that David had committed. He was sorrowful, hoping that God would spare the life of the child. When he found out that the child had died his countenance changed. Instead of mourning, David anointed himself, worshiped God, and had something to eat.

Before the child died he fasted, after the child died David acknowledged that there was nothing else he could do. That is why Jeremiah 22:10 encourages, 'weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him...for he shall return no more...".

2. These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. John 11:11 KJV

In this Bible verse we learn that death is just a sleep. Jesus called, 'Lazarus, come forth' and after being dead for four days Lazarus was awakened and got up out of his tomb.

There is great hope knowing that when our loved ones pass away they are only sleeping. One day, all our loved ones who are sleeping in Christ will be awakened in the resurrection of life.

3. The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. Isaiah 57:1 KJV

Why did God allow my child to die tragically? Why didn't God heal my mother? Why didn't the Lord allow someone else to die? Why me Lord?

This scripture passage provides the perfect answer for those who have questions for God after a loved one has passed. The Lord doesn't think the way we do. Isaiah 55:8,9 says that, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts".

The Lord has placed much thought into the destiny of your loved ones and He would rather allow them to sleep than to have them endure 'evil to come'

4. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 1 Corinthians 15:55 KJV

Death and the grave has no victory over you or your loved ones. Jesus laid down His life and took it up again to conquer sin and death. Like the apostle Pual you can say, "...thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57).

5. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 KJV

Losing a loved one may bring temporary grief and suffering now. The grief will not last and one day all suffering will be over.

Have faith as you wait patiently for that wonderful day when the Lord shall appear in all His glory and splendor. You will be united with your loved ones to dwell where there will be no more death, crying, or sorrow.

Bible verses to cope with death

6. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalms 34:18 KJV

This scripture passage tells us that the Lord is always near. When you are feeling heartbroken, sorrowful, or in low spirits remind yourself that the Lord is not only near but He will help you.

Psalms 147:3 states that, "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds". Take your heartbreak, hurt, and the pain you are feeling and place them in the hands of the Almighty. He will show compassion and provide relief for you.

7. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 KJV

We are able to endure even the most painful challenges that life throws our way because the Lord is not only with us. He provides strength and courage.

When we are weak we are able to rely on and find strength in Him. When we are fearful He makes us bold, fearless, and tenacious.

Isaiah 43:2 gives the assurance that the Lord will equip us for whatever situation we have to go through. It states, "when thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee".

8. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 KJV

The Lord will not withhold Divine favor and allow those who mourn to suffer alone. He has promised in His word that He will comfort those who are mourning.

Isaiah 41:10 also provides a comforting reminder. It states, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness".

9. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 KJV

St. John chapter 14 begins with an instruction for those who believe in the Lord. "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."

In verse 27 this instruction is tied to a promise. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you".

The peace that we have in Christ is like no other. This peace brings comfort and hope amid our darkest trials. When death and all the pain that accompanies it brings worry, fear, and grief we should embrace the peace that the Lord has promised.

10. 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 Revelation 21:4 KJV

This scripture passage is packed with powerful promises that offer comfort for those who mourn while giving hope for a better future.

God Himself will dry the tears from our eyes. In the earth made new, death, sorrow, crying, pain, and the hurt we endure now will be no more.

Bible verses about seeing dead loved ones

11. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. Matthew 14:26 KJV

In this scripture passage the disciples were fearful because they thought they had seen a ghost. Seeing ghosts or the spirits of dead loved ones may cause you to feel afraid.

If you are terrified because of dreams or other experiences with a dead loved one, remember the words that Jesus spoke to His disciples. In the verse that follows He told the disciples, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid". The Lord is with you and he will protect you so there is no need to be afraid.

12. As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more. He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more. Job 7:9-10 KJV

This verse speaks about the state of a person after he or she dies. The person is no longer able to think or do anything. Psalms 146:4 puts it this way, "His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish". A dead relative is not able to think, speak, visit his or her house or communicate with the living.

13. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Ecclesiastes 9:5 KJV

This scripture passage provides a similar explanation to Job 7:9 and Psalm 146:4 on what happens to someone after death. It compares the knowledge of those who are alive to those who have passed away. The living has knowledge and are aware of their future but the dead 'know not anything'.

14. And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? Isaiah 8:19 KJV

This Bible verse is a direct warning, not to seek out familiar spirits. As followers of God we should have faith in His guidance and leading in our lives rather than trusting in the dead.

Leviticus 19:31 also provides warning not to consult mediums and wizards. It states, "Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God".

15. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 KJV

This passage supports the fact that some spirits are definitely not of God. As followers of Christ we have to ask God to help us to discern between good spirits and bad/evil spirits.

Ephesians 6:12 warns that, "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places". Be mindful of evil spirits that may take the form of a loved one to lure and decieve you.

Bible verses about life after death

16. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Hebrews 9:27 KJV

Each person is destined to a certain reality-death. After death each person will be judged based on the life he/she lived. In the end some persons will be found righteous while others will be found wanting.

Those whose actions condemn them will face damnation while the righteous will spend eternity with their Lord and Savior.

17. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24 KJV

The key to experiencing life after death lies in believing in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. It is through faith in Christ and claiming His redemptive power from sin that we have a right to eternal life. If we die with Christ we will be risen with Christ at the resurrection-'passing from death unto life'.

18. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? John 11:25,26 KJV

This scripture passage speaks about the reward that will be granted to all those who are faithful and true.

If they are alive at the time of Jesus' second return they will be transformed then live with Him eternally. If they should pass away before His second return they will sleep for awhile until the Lord resurrects them.

19. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28,29 KJV

There are only two possible outcomes for those who are not alive at the time of Christ's return. One outcome is the 'resurrection of life' for those who have done good and remained faithful. The other outcome is the 'resurrection of damnation' for those who have done evil.

20. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 KJV

The body of a deceased is buried in one state but will be resurrected in a different manner. It is buried in a natural state of dishonor and weakness but it will be raised in a spiritual state of honor and strength.

Bible verses about heaven after death

21. For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Philippians 3:20,21 KJV

The NIV translation of this text states, "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ".

Our thoughts and actions should reflect that we are children of heaven. If we are consistent in making this our lifestyle, death will not be able to prevent us from getting there.

22. 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. 1 Thessalonians 4:13,14 KJV

In believing that Jesus died and rose again we believe that those who die in Christ will also be resurrected. This provides comfort and hope. Comfort knowing that our loved ones are only sleeping for a while and hope knowing that one day the Lord himself will summon them from that sleep.

23. 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 4:16 KJV

This scripture passage is a vivid representation of what will take place at Jesus' second return. At the shout of the Lord, the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God the dead in Christ will rise and be caught up with our Lord and Savior in the air.

24. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3 KJV

Jesus made a beautiful promise in St. John fourteen. We can be assured from this promise that: He has gone to prepare a place for us, He will come again to receive us, and that we will dwell with Him.

If we believe in Him and also in God even if we should die before His return we have the blessed hope of living in that heavenly mansion.

25. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Matthew 25:34 KJV

In this story told by Jesus in Matthew only those who are compassionate and kind to the poor and needy will receive a heavenly reward. We have to treat each person with the same amount of dignity and compassion we would treat Jesus.

Thanks to Jesus' atoning sacrifice we are heirs of God's kingdom. We will receive heaven as an inheritance because we accept Jesus as our Savior and the Lord as our Heavenly Father and we extend His love to others.

Final thoughts on death

We may find comfort in the thought that death is only a sleep. Those who die in Christ will be resurrected to dwell with Him. There we will spend eternity in heaven where there will be no more crying, sickness, pain or death.