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What does the Bible say about death of a loved one?

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The Bible teaches that believers may grieve the death of a loved one, yet they grieve with sure hope because Jesus Christ has conquered death and promises resurrection and eternal life to all who trust in him. Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life” in John 11:25, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 comforts Christians that those who die in Christ will rise when he returns. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, as Psalms 34:18 says, and Psalm 23 assures us of his presence even in death’s shadow. Revelation 21:4 looks ahead to the day when God will wipe away every tear and death will be no more.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:14

    For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so those who have fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

  • Psalms 116:15

    Precious in the sight of Yahweh is the death of his saints.

  • John 11:25

    Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he die, yet will he live.

  • Romans 14:8

    For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord's.

  • Psalms 23:4

    Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

  • Revelation 21:4

    He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away."

  • Psalms 34:18

    Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves those who have a crushed spirit.

  • Romans 8:28

    We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13

    But we don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don't grieve like the rest, who have no hope.

  • John 3:16

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

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