Bible Verses

The best Bible verses for a funeral are the ones that offer comfort and hope: Psalm 23:4, John 14:1-3, Revelation 21:4, Matthew 11:28-30 and Ecclesiastes 3:1-9 are the passages families read most often at funeral services, graveside committals and casket viewings. Below you will find these verses and several more, with a short note on what each one says and when it fits best.

Choosing Scripture is rarely the first item on a funeral planning list, yet these readings can bring real comfort to people who are grieving. Look for something that speaks to your faith, or to the faith of the person who died. A verse your loved one quoted often, or one that reflects who they were, is always a good place to start. If you are short on time and cannot reach a religious official, this list is a practical starting point.

John 16:22

"So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

Some Bible verses about grief provide comfort in a time of loss by reminding listeners about God's greater plan. This verse reminds the faithful that all will journey beyond this world eventually, and that God will bring joy to his children at that time. It suggests there is a season for grief, which is the present, but gives the bereaved something to look forward to: a future without pain or sadness.

Revelation 21:4

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Much like John 16:22, this passage from the book of Revelation reminds funeral attendees that sorrow is temporary. It is a popular choice for the close of a service, and for printing inside a memorial program or prayer card.

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

This passage from Matthew presents death as a rest from the difficulties of this world. It paints a gentle picture of a loved one who no longer suffers, which is why it is so often chosen for the "rest in peace" theme of a service.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-9

"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, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."

Among the most common readings at funeral and memorial services, this passage describes the circle of life. Many people find it comforting because it accepts that beauty and loss belong to the same story.

Psalm 23:4

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (King James Version)

Probably the most familiar funeral reading of all, Psalm 23 is often read at the graveside or as the casket is carried out. The verse speaks to anyone who feels afraid or alone in grief, and it works for almost any denomination.

John 14:1-3

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." (King James Version)

Christians often choose this reading to open a service because it speaks directly to worry and fear, and promises a place prepared for the departed. It is a frequent request for the loss of a parent or grandparent.

Psalm 34:18

"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." (King James Version)

This short verse is easy to read aloud, which makes it a good fit for a family member who is nervous about speaking. It reminds mourners that God is close to those who are hurting.

Romans 8:38-39

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (King James Version)

Romans 8 is a strong closing reading because it assures mourners that death does not end love. Families often print it in the funeral program or on a memorial card.

Bible verses for a casket or coffin service

Many people search for a Bible verse for a casket or coffin, for example to read at a viewing, to have engraved or printed on a casket panel, or to place inside the casket. There is no single required verse. Psalm 23:4, Revelation 21:4 and Matthew 11:28-30 are the most common choices for a casket or coffin service because they speak of peace, rest and no more pain. If you want a verse to appear on or in the casket itself, keep it short, since a single line reads better than a long passage, and check with the funeral home or casket provider about what can be added.

Help Choosing Bible Verses

Finding the right Scripture for grief can be a challenge. If you are unsure which Bible verses to choose after talking it over with friends and family, the best course is to ask a religious figure within your denomination for advice. Clergy who regularly perform end-of-life ceremonies can quickly suggest meaningful passages for a healing and beautiful funeral.

If you would like help with the rest of the service, Titan Casket offers free funeral planning guidance, and a funeral concierge can walk you through readings, music and arrangements step by step. Our team can also help when it comes to buying a casket at an affordable, fair price. Contact us via our chat window or on our contact page to get started.