Bible Verses for Funeral and Memorial Services: Comforting Scriptures for Grieving Hearts
The Spiritual Role of Scripture in Funeral Services
Funerals are sacred moments. They give space to honor a life, grieve a loss, and proclaim the promise of eternal life. In such vulnerable times, scripture offers language for our sorrow, strength for our spirits, and assurance of God’s presence. Whether you’re a pastor crafting a eulogy or a family member searching for the right words, these Bible passages can be anchors in the storm.
Full Bible Readings for Funeral and Memorial Services
Each of the following selections is presented in the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), your preferred translation. Links to the King James Version (KJV) and the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) are also provided for traditional or Catholic preferences.
1. Psalm 23:1–6
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
Reflection: This psalm is a cornerstone of comfort in Christian tradition. Its pastoral imagery, confidence in God’s nearness, and hope for eternal dwelling make it an ideal reading for any funeral or memorial service.
2. John 14:1–6
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
And you know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Reflection: Spoken by Jesus just before his own death, this passage offers comfort and clarity. It reassures mourners that death is not abandonment but the beginning of a journey home, where Christ himself has prepared a place.
3. Romans 8:35, 37–39
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection: This passage is a resounding affirmation of God’s unstoppable love. Even in death, the unbreakable bond of divine love remains. It’s a powerful choice for services focused on hope and victory through Christ.
4. 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 (NABRE)
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died.
Reflection: These verses speak directly to the grieving heart, acknowledging sorrow while lifting up the Christian hope in resurrection. This is especially fitting for Easter-season funerals or any service that emphasizes life beyond death.
5. Revelation 21:1–4
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.”
Reflection: This beautiful, hope-filled vision closes the Bible and opens our imagination to a world without sorrow. It’s perfect for those who want to end the service on a promise of restoration and new creation.
6. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation,
who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
Reflection: This passage speaks directly to those experiencing grief. God not only comforts us, but equips us to become sources of comfort for others. It’s especially appropriate when a loved one was known for offering care and encouragement.
7. Isaiah 40:28–31
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
Reflection: This reading offers a hopeful reminder of God’s unending strength. It’s especially powerful in services honoring someone who endured illness, trials, or long life with quiet resilience.
8. Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Reflection: Short and poignant, this verse reminds mourners that God does not stand at a distance from grief. It’s a perfect addition to service bulletins, prayer cards, or spoken meditations.
9. Wisdom 3:1–3
(Deuterocanonical – for Catholic services)
Wisdom 3:1–3 (KJV – Apocrypha)
But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,
and no torment will ever touch them.
In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died,
and their departure was thought to be a disaster,
and their going from us to be their destruction;
but they are at peace.
Reflection: Often chosen in Catholic funeral liturgies, this passage reframes death not as disaster, but as divine peace. It’s especially appropriate for services that lean on mystery, hope, and the communion of saints.
10. Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Reflection: Jesus speaks directly to those grieving, offering them blessing and hope. Though brief, this verse holds deep emotional power—ideal for both opening prayers and pastoral reflections.
11. Job 19:25–26
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that at the last he will stand upon the earth;
and after my skin has been thus destroyed,
then in my flesh I shall see God.
Reflection: These verses from Job are a bold expression of faith in resurrection. They’re especially fitting for services that want to affirm life beyond death in strong, confident terms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bible Verses for Funeral Services
What is a good Bible verse to read at a funeral?
A widely cherished verse is Psalm 23:1–4 (NRSV):
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…”
It provides powerful comfort by portraying God’s presence through the darkest valleys of life. I almost always use this passage because it is familiar to many, many folks.
What are the most comforting scriptures for grief?
Some of the most comforting scriptures include:
John 14:1–3 – Jesus’ promise of a place prepared.
Romans 8:38–39 – Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Isaiah 41:10 – Assurance of strength and help in sorrow.
Revelation 21:4 – God will wipe away every tear.
Each of these speaks directly into seasons of loss with hope and tenderness.
What are some short Bible verses suitable for funeral programs?
Short yet meaningful verses often used in printed programs include:
“Jesus wept.” — John 11:35
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
“I am the resurrection and the life.” — John 11:25
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” — Psalm 34:18
These work well on bulletins, slides, or memorial cards.
Do Catholic funerals use different Bible readings?
Catholic funerals follow a set of approved lectionary readings, often taken from the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE). Many verses overlap with Protestant traditions but are formally organized into Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel categories. Popular Catholic funeral scriptures include:
Wisdom 3:1–9
Romans 6:3–9
John 6:37–40
View the full list on the USCCB website.
Which Bible version should I use for a funeral?
Your choice of translation may depend on the audience:
NRSV – A common, inclusive choice in mainline Protestant services.
KJV – Traditional and poetic, often requested by families for its familiarity.
NABRE – Preferred in Catholic settings.
You can present multiple versions if desired, or link to Biblia.com to give readers easy access to the translation they find most comforting.
Can I personalize scripture readings for a unique service?
Yes. While some services use lectionary readings, many ministers and families customize the verses to reflect the life and faith of the deceased. Personal touches—like selecting a verse tied to a person’s favorite passage or life verse—can make the moment even more meaningful.
