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What does the Bible say about missing someone?

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The Bible teaches that the pain of missing someone is real, yet God meets His people with comfort, presence, and the sure hope of restoration in Christ. Jesus acknowledges sorrow in John 16:22 and promises that His disciples’ grief will ultimately give way to joy that no one can take away. Genesis 31:49 expresses trust that the Lord watches over those separated from one another. God is near to the brokenhearted, as Psalms 147:3 declares, and He strengthens fearful hearts in Isaiah 41:10. For believers, grief is also shaped by the gospel: through God’s love in John 3:16, death will not have the final word, and Revelation 21:4 promises a day when God removes every tear.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • John 16:22

    Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

  • Genesis 31:49

    and Mizpah, for he said, "Yahweh watch between me and you, when we are absent one from another.

  • 2 Peter 3:9

    The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

  • Psalms 91:1-16

    [1] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of Yahweh, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust." [3] For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence. [4] He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart. [5] You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day; [6] Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday. [7] A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it will not come near you. [8] You will only look with your eyes, And see the recompense of the wicked. [9] Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, And the Most High your dwelling place, [10] No evil shall happen to you, Neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. [11] For he will give his angels charge over you, To guard you in all your ways. [12] They will bear you up in their hands, So that you won't dash your foot against a stone. [13] You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot. [14] "Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name. [15] He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him. [16] I will satisfy him with long life, And show him my salvation."

  • Psalms 147:3

    He heals the broken in heart, And binds up their wounds.

  • 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.

  • Matthew 5:4

    Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

  • Isaiah 41:10

    Don't you be afraid, for I am with you; don't be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • 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."

  • Hebrews 13:19

    I strongly urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you sooner.

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