What does the Bible say about illness?

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The Bible teaches that illness is a grievous part of life in a fallen world, yet God hears His afflicted people, sustains them, and works even suffering for their good and His glory. Psalms 34:17-20 assures believers that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and delivers them through many troubles. Psalms 41:2-4 speaks of God upholding the weak and sick, while 2 Corinthians 12:9 shows that Christ's grace is sufficient when human strength fails. Jesus warns in John 16:33 that trouble is certain, but He has overcome the world. Believers may pray confidently, seek wise care, and rest in God's faithful provision, peace, and preserving power.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Psalms 34:17-20

    [17] The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. [18] Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves those who have a crushed spirit. [19] Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But Yahweh delivers him out of them all. [20] He protects all of his bones. Not one of them is broken.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9

    He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.

  • Psalms 41:2-4

    [2] Yahweh will preserve him, and keep him alive, He shall be blessed on the earth, And he will not surrender him to the will of his enemies. [3] Yahweh will sustain him on his sickbed, And restore him from his bed of illness. [4] I said, "Yahweh, have mercy on me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you."

  • John 16:33

    I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world."

  • Matthew 21:22

    All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

  • Psalms 41:3

    Yahweh will sustain him on his sickbed, And restore him from his bed of illness.

  • Philippians 4:19

    My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

  • Psalms 29:11

    Yahweh will give strength to his people. Yahweh will bless his people with peace.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

    [19] Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

  • Isaiah 26:3

    You will keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on you]; because he trusts in you.

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