One of the worst things a person may go through is losing a loved one. Grief can be so overwhelming that it leaves a hole in our hearts that is difficult to fill with words. Our faith may be shattered during times of loss, and the burden of grief may leave us feeling lost and hopeless. However, the Bible reminds us that for those who trust in Christ, death is a passageway to eternal life rather than the end. When we most need words of confidence and serenity, Scripture provides us with solace and hope.
The loss of a loved one forces us to face life’s frailty. We are reminded of how fleeting life is on our planet, and each moment grows increasingly valuable. The Bible tells us that although the body dies, the soul endures in God’s presence. We are reminded that the dead does not have the last say with verses regarding death, resurrection, and eternal life. Rather, God promises healing to those in mourning and consolation to the heartbroken.
The grief of a loved one does not go away easily. It’s a process that is rife with memories, emotions, and longing. But God assures us that He will accompany us through the valley of the shadow of death, giving us His strength, calm, and presence. Because Jesus Himself wept at His friend Lazarus’s tomb, we learn from His Word that He is aware of our suffering. This demonstrates that grieving is not a sign of weakness but rather of love that endures beyond death.
You will find words of hope, strength, and certainty in these 35 potent Bible passages regarding loved ones passing away. These verses remind us that God is always there to provide comfort, that He keeps His promises, and that those who believe in Him will experience eternal life. I pray that reading these verses will uplift your heart and give you comfort knowing that your loved one is secure in the Savior’s embrace.
35 Powerful Bible Verses about Loved Ones Dying in 2025
1. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Grief can leave us feeling abandoned, vulnerable, and overwhelmed. Yet, Psalm 34:18 reminds us that in the moments when our hearts are shattered, God draws closer than ever. He doesn’t stand at a distance, waiting for us to heal on our own. Instead, He enters into our brokenness with compassion, offering His presence as comfort. The Lord’s nearness is not just spiritual but deeply personal—He saves, heals, and sustains those weighed down by sorrow. When loved ones pass away, this verse assures us that God’s presence surrounds us like a shelter, embracing us in our pain and carrying us toward restoration.
2. John 14:1-2
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms…”
Before His crucifixion, Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, who were anxious and fearful of losing Him. He pointed them toward hope beyond death, assuring them that He was preparing an eternal dwelling for them in His Father’s house. For those grieving the death of loved ones, this promise is powerful—it means death is not a final goodbye, but a passage into a home prepared by Christ Himself. The comfort of this verse lies in knowing our loved ones in Christ are not lost; they are secure, welcomed, and embraced in God’s eternal presence, awaiting the day we will join them.
3. Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…”
This verse paints a picture of ultimate restoration and eternal comfort. In God’s new creation, grief, pain, and death will cease to exist. For those who have lost loved ones, this passage gives assurance that sorrow is temporary and that joy awaits in eternity. It is not merely that pain will fade—it will be completely erased by God’s hand. Every tear shed in mourning will be personally wiped away by Him. In times of loss, this verse reminds us that grief belongs only to this world, and the day is coming when we will know everlasting peace in His presence.
4. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
“We do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest…”
Paul addresses the early church’s confusion about death and the afterlife, assuring believers that those who die in Christ are not gone forever. He uses the metaphor of sleep to emphasize the temporary nature of death for Christians, pointing to the certainty of resurrection. This teaching transforms the way we mourn: we do grieve, but not without hope. Unlike those who see death as the end, we can trust in God’s promise that our loved ones will rise with Christ. This passage comforts the grieving by shifting the focus from loss to reunion and eternal life.
5. Psalm 116:15
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”
To human eyes, death often appears as a devastating loss, but in God’s perspective, the passing of His faithful ones is precious. This verse teaches us that every life devoted to Him is deeply valued, and their death is not meaningless but honored by God. For those mourning loved ones, this verse provides assurance that their life was not forgotten and their transition into eternity is cherished by the Lord. God does not take their passing lightly; instead, He welcomes them as beloved children into His eternal kingdom. This changes our view of death—it is not defeat, but a divine homecoming.
6. John 11:25-26
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die…”
Jesus spoke these words at the tomb of His friend Lazarus, moments before raising him from the dead. They are not just words of comfort but a declaration of His power over death. For those mourning, these verses remind us that death is not the end for believers—it is a doorway into eternal life. While physical death is inevitable, faith in Christ guarantees resurrection and everlasting life. When we lose loved ones who believed in Him, we can rest in the assurance that they live on in His presence and that one day, we will be reunited.
7. Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God…”
Grief often brings fear—fear of the future, of loneliness, or of facing life without a loved one. Isaiah 41:10 is God’s reminder that even in loss, His presence never leaves us. He promises strength, help, and support to uphold us when we feel weak. This verse encourages us to rely on His unshakable strength when our own has run dry. While sorrow can feel overwhelming, God’s hand steadies us, preventing us from collapsing under the weight of grief. In mourning, this assurance becomes an anchor, reminding us we are never left to face the darkness alone.
8. 2 Corinthians 5:8
“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
Paul speaks here with assurance that death, though painful to those left behind, is gain for the believer. To be absent from the body is not to be lost, but to be fully present with God. This perspective transforms how we view the passing of loved ones in Christ—it is not their end but their homecoming. For mourners, this truth provides comfort: our loved ones are not suffering, but rejoicing in the eternal presence of the Lord. Their journey on earth may have ended, but their true life with Christ has just begun.
9. Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
In the Beatitudes, Jesus acknowledges the pain of mourning, affirming that it is not overlooked but tenderly cared for by God. Grieving hearts are blessed not because of their pain, but because of the comfort God promises to provide. Mourning reveals the depth of our love, and in that vulnerability, God meets us with divine compassion. This verse reassures the grieving that they are not forgotten—God Himself draws near to comfort, heal, and restore. Our tears are not wasted; they are seeds of future joy in God’s kingdom.
10. Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God…”
Paul powerfully declares that nothing—not even death—can sever us from God’s love. This truth offers profound comfort to those grieving: death may separate us from loved ones temporarily, but it cannot separate them from the love of God. The eternal bond of God’s love transcends time, distance, and even the grave. For mourners, this verse reassures that their loved ones are eternally secure in God’s embrace, and they themselves remain held by His unshakable love. This promise strengthens us to endure grief with hope and faith in God’s everlasting care.
11. Philippians 1:21
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Paul’s declaration reframes the way we view life and death. For him, living was an opportunity to serve Christ, while death was not loss but gain, because it meant being with the Savior eternally. This verse comforts us when we mourn loved ones in Christ by reminding us that their passing is not defeat. Instead, they have gained eternal rest and joy in God’s presence. Their earthly struggles and pain have ended, and they now experience the fullness of Christ’s glory. This truth encourages us to live faithfully and to grieve with hope, knowing that death ushers believers into their ultimate reward.
12. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die…”
These verses remind us that life is made up of seasons, each one ordained by God’s wisdom and sovereignty. Death, though painful, is not outside of His control—it is a part of the divine rhythm of existence. For the grieving, this truth provides perspective: while we cannot choose the timing of life or death, we can trust the One who holds time itself in His hands. Mourning reminds us of life’s brevity, yet it also points us to God’s eternal plan. Though the season of death brings tears, it also carries the assurance that He makes all things beautiful in His time.
13. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…”
Paul’s words at the end of his life provide incredible comfort for those grieving loved ones who walked faithfully with Christ. Their death is not the end of their journey but the completion of their earthly mission. The imagery of a finished race and a crown of righteousness reminds us that a faithful life leads to eternal reward. For mourners, this verse brings peace knowing that their loved one’s legacy continues in heaven, where they now rejoice in God’s presence. Their life is not marked by loss but by victory through Christ’s promise of eternal life.
14. Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”
The valley of the shadow of death represents the darkest times of life, including the pain of losing loved ones. Yet David assures us that God’s presence removes fear, replacing it with comfort and strength. The imagery of God as our Shepherd reminds us that He walks with us in grief, guiding and protecting us when the shadows feel overwhelming. For those mourning, this verse provides the assurance that they are never alone—God’s rod and staff bring guidance and peace even in the valley of loss. His presence is the light that carries us through sorrow.
15. Romans 14:8
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
This verse anchors our identity in Christ, reminding us that life and death alike are lived under His lordship. For those grieving, this truth is comforting: our loved ones are not lost but belong to the Lord both in life and in death. Their identity and security remain unshaken because they are God’s children forever. This passage helps us rest in the assurance that death does not sever our relationship with God. Instead, it is the continuation of belonging to Him in eternity, where our loved ones now rest in His everlasting embrace.
16. Isaiah 57:1-2
“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.”
These verses reveal a comforting perspective on the death of the faithful. Sometimes, God allows His children to be taken from this world to spare them from future suffering or evil. While death grieves us deeply, it may also reflect God’s mercy, drawing His people into peace and rest before hardship comes. For those mourning, this verse provides solace in knowing their loved one is safe from the troubles of this world. Instead of focusing on their absence, we can rejoice in their eternal rest and the peace that surpasses earthly struggles.
17. 1 Corinthians 15:54-55
“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
Paul triumphantly declares the defeat of death through Christ’s resurrection. For those grieving, this passage is a reminder that death does not have the final word—Jesus does. The sting of loss is real, but its power is temporary. In Christ, death is transformed from an enemy into a doorway to eternal life. When loved ones pass away, we can cling to this truth: though we mourn now, victory has already been won. One day, death itself will be destroyed, and we will stand reunited in Christ’s eternal kingdom, free from grief forever.
18. Lamentations 3:31-32
“For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.”
These verses speak directly to the tension of grief and hope. While sorrow and loss are real, they are not permanent. God’s compassion rises above pain, and His unfailing love ensures restoration for those who mourn. The reminder that grief is temporary but His mercy endures forever comforts those who have lost loved ones. Even when mourning feels endless, God’s compassion will shine through, bringing renewal and strength. This passage assures us that pain will give way to His lovingkindness, and He will comfort us with hope beyond sorrow.
19. 1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Peter acknowledges that suffering, including grief, is part of life, but it is only temporary. God’s grace assures that after hardship, restoration and strength will come. For those mourning loved ones, this verse offers the promise of healing—that God Himself will restore what grief has broken. Loss may shake us, but His grace grounds us, making us steadfast even through pain. Our loved ones in Christ have already entered eternal glory, and we, too, will one day join them when grief and weakness are replaced by everlasting strength in God’s presence.
20. Hebrews 9:27-28
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many…”
This verse acknowledges the certainty of death but pairs it with the greater hope found in Christ’s sacrifice. Death is not the final end—it leads to judgment, but believers are covered by Christ’s redeeming work. For the grieving, this passage reassures us that death is not the conclusion of the story. Our loved ones who trusted in Christ stand forgiven, cleansed, and welcomed into eternal life. While death is inevitable, Christ’s sacrifice transforms it into the beginning of everlasting joy, making it possible for us to face loss with hope in His saving grace.
21. Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
This verse is a direct promise for those carrying the heavy weight of grief. God does not ignore our pain; He actively heals and restores the shattered pieces of our hearts. When death tears through our lives, leaving wounds that seem beyond repair, God steps in as the divine healer. His love is like a balm, soothing sorrow and providing strength when we feel weakest. For mourners, this verse brings hope that healing is not only possible but guaranteed by God’s tender care. Though grief lingers, His hands are always at work binding up the wounds of loss.
22. 1 Corinthians 15:20-21
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep…”
Paul reminds us that Christ’s resurrection is not just a miracle of the past—it is a promise for the future. As the “firstfruits,” Jesus’ victory over death ensures that all who believe in Him will rise as well. For those mourning loved ones, this passage gives hope that death is temporary, like sleep, and resurrection is certain. The grave does not hold ultimate power because Christ has already conquered it. Our loved ones who died in Christ are awaiting that day of glorious resurrection, when they will be clothed with immortality and reunited with us in His kingdom.
23. 2 Samuel 12:23
“But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”
Spoken by David after the loss of his child, this verse captures the painful reality of death’s finality on earth while pointing toward reunion in eternity. David accepts that his child cannot return, but his words reveal hope—one day, he himself would join him. For those mourning, this passage is both honest and comforting. We cannot bring back those we’ve lost, but the hope of eternal life assures us of a future reunion. This truth softens the pain of goodbye with the promise of “see you again” in God’s presence.
24. Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Paul puts grief and suffering into perspective by comparing it with the eternal glory awaiting believers. The pain of losing a loved one is undeniably heavy, but it pales in comparison to the eternal joy we will experience with Christ. For mourners, this verse provides a vision beyond sorrow—reminding us that present tears are temporary, while eternal joy is forever. The glory of heaven will far outweigh the heaviness of grief, and our loved ones who believed in Christ are already experiencing that fullness of joy. This hope carries us forward in faith.
25. 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11
“He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another…”
Paul emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice ensures life with Him, both now and after death. For those grieving, this passage reminds us that death does not sever our bond with Christ. Our loved ones in Him live on in His presence, and we too will join them one day. The call to encourage one another in this truth is important—it reminds us that grief should not be carried alone. As we mourn, we strengthen each other by remembering the shared hope of eternal life in Christ.
26. Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Loss can weaken us physically, emotionally, and spiritually, leaving us drained of strength. Yet, this verse reminds us that God Himself becomes our strength when our hearts fail. For those mourning, it reassures that even when grief feels unbearable, God provides sustaining power. Our loved ones may be gone, but He remains our portion—our inheritance that cannot be lost. This truth shifts our focus from despair to reliance on the One who never fails, ensuring that in sorrow we find unshakable hope and strength in His eternal presence.
27. John 16:22
“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice…”
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples before His death, acknowledging their coming grief but also pointing to joy on the other side. Grief is real and unavoidable, but it is not permanent. For those mourning loved ones, this verse affirms that sorrow will one day give way to rejoicing when reunion comes in God’s presence. Jesus’ promise of joy that no one can take away reassures us that death does not hold the final chapter. Our mourning is temporary, but eternal joy in Christ is everlasting.
28. Philippians 3:20-21
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior… who will transform our lowly bodies…”
Paul reminds us that this world is not our final home. Our true citizenship is in heaven, where Christ will transform our earthly bodies into glorious, eternal ones. For the grieving, this verse provides comfort that loved ones who believed in Christ are no longer bound by earthly frailty but now live in glory. Death may separate us for a time, but the promise of heavenly citizenship assures us of a future reunion in a place where pain and weakness no longer exist.
29. Psalm 30:5
“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
Grief often feels like a long, dark night, but this verse promises that it will not last forever. Mourning may overwhelm us now, but God assures us that joy is coming. For those who have lost loved ones, this passage encourages patience and hope, reminding us that sorrow is temporary while joy is eternal. The “morning” represents renewal, healing, and the eternal joy we will share in God’s presence. While weeping is real and necessary, it gives way to rejoicing as God brings restoration to our broken hearts.
30. 1 Corinthians 2:9
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him.”
This verse points us toward the unimaginable glory of heaven. For those mourning, it reassures us that our loved ones in Christ are experiencing a reality more beautiful than we can comprehend. Death may separate us temporarily, but the eternal joy and peace awaiting believers surpass anything on earth. This passage gives us hope, reminding us that God’s eternal plans are far greater than the pain we feel now. Our loved ones are in a place prepared by God Himself, awaiting the day we join them in His perfect presence.
31. Isaiah 25:8
“He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces…”
This prophecy points to the ultimate victory of God over death. For mourners, it is a vision of eternal comfort—death will not only be defeated but completely removed. Every tear of grief will be wiped away by God’s loving hand. This verse encourages us to look beyond present sorrow to the future promise of restoration. The loss we feel today will one day be replaced by eternal joy, as God Himself brings comfort that will never end.
32. Job 19:25-26
“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.”
Spoken by Job in the midst of suffering, these words proclaim hope beyond death. Even when everything is lost, Job finds assurance in the living Redeemer and the promise of seeing God face to face. For mourners, this verse affirms that death does not end the believer’s story. Though the body fades, the soul will one day be clothed in resurrection life. Our loved ones who believed in Christ have entered this hope, and one day we too will see God with them in eternity.
33. 1 John 3:2
“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known…”
John highlights the mystery and glory of our future transformation in Christ. Death is not the end but the beginning of becoming what God has destined us to be. For those grieving, this verse reminds us that our loved ones are not lost—they are now experiencing the fullness of being God’s children. Though we cannot fully comprehend it, we know they are with Him, transformed into His likeness. This promise gives hope and strength, reminding us that our own transformation awaits when we join them in eternity.
34. Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Grief brings heavy burdens, but this verse reminds us to cast them onto God, who sustains us. He does not promise to remove sorrow instantly, but He promises to uphold us so that we are not destroyed by it. For those mourning, this truth offers reassurance that God is carrying them through the storm of loss. The righteous are not exempt from grief, but they are sustained by God’s unshakable hand. Our loved ones are secure in Him, and so are we, even in sorrow.
35. Revelation 14:13
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on… they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
This verse declares the blessedness of those who die in Christ. Death is not defeat but a gateway into rest, peace, and eternal reward. For those grieving, this passage provides comfort in knowing their loved ones are no longer laboring under the struggles of earthly life but are now at rest in God’s presence. Their deeds, their faith, and their love are remembered by God, and they live on in His kingdom. This verse assures us that death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal blessing for those in Christ.
Conclusion
One of the hardest things we can go through is grieving the loss of a loved one. The questions that come up in our hearts can seem endless, and the grief of absence can frequently feel overwhelming. However, the Bible offers a basis of certainty, consolation, and hope even in the midst of grief. According to the verses we have studied, death does not have the last say, God is close to the brokenhearted, and our loved ones who die in Christ are secure in His everlasting presence. Scripture serves as a light and a salve during our darkest moments, pointing us in the direction of God’s promises.
These verses from the Bible also demonstrate that faith and grief are not mutually exclusive. We are permitted to grieve, but our grief differs from that of others who have lost hope. God carries us through the valley of loss, sees our tears, and comprehends our grief. Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope that death has been vanquished and that our loved ones will only be temporarily separated from us as a result of His triumph. One day, all death, misery, and sorrow will be eliminated, and we will be reunited in God’s presence, where happiness will continue forever.
We are taught to cling to God during difficult times as we cling to these promises. His Word gives us hope, His love cures us, and His consolation keeps us going. The promise of eternal life gives us the strength to persevere through the difficult road of mourning. These 35 potent Bible passages about loved ones passing away should serve as a reminder that although saying goodbye is difficult on earth, it is not final in heaven. Death is not the end for Christ; rather, it marks the start of eternal life in the perfect presence of God.
