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Bible verses for a funeral

Psalm 23, John 14:1-3 and Revelation 21:4 are the Bible verses most people know from funerals. Below are 40 verses families choose, grouped by what they say: comfort in grief, the hope of heaven, God's care, verses for a mother or a father, and short ones for a program or a slide. Each one is in the words of the King James Version, with a line on when it fits.

Updated October 17, 2026

How to choose a Bible reading for a funeral

Start with them. A verse underlined in their Bible or read at their wedding will mean more than anything on a list.
Think about length. One verse takes a few seconds to read aloud, and Psalm 23 about a minute, read slowly. Ask the minister or the funeral director how many readings the service has room for.
Choose who reads: a grandchild, perhaps, or a friend from their church. Give them the words a few days ahead, printed large, and have someone ready to take over if it gets too hard.
Use the version your church reads. Every verse here is from the King James Version, and the NIV, the ESV and other translations word them differently. If the reader will use one of those, print the same version in the program.
At a Catholic funeral Mass, the readings come from the Church's own list, and the priest will usually go through the choices with you.

Verses for comfort in grief

Matthew 5:4 (KJV)
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Ten words from the Sermon on the Mount, short enough for the front of a program.
Psalm 34:18 (KJV)
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Often chosen when a death was sudden, or came far too soon.
Psalm 147:3 (KJV)
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
Short and gentle, and it fits inside a sympathy card.
Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
For someone who carried a lot in life, or was worn out by a long illness.
John 14:27 (KJV)
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Jesus' parting gift of peace to his friends. It suits a quiet moment before the final prayers.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV)
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Fits when you want to thank the people who cared for them, from hospice nurses to friends at church.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)
It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
The verses behind the hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness, so the two go well together.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (KJV)
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Familiar even to people who rarely go to church. Many readers go on to verse 8.

Verses about heaven and eternal life

John 14:1-3 (KJV)
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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Jesus' words to his disciples on the night before he died. Services often read on to verse 6.
John 11:25-26 (KJV)
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Spoken to Martha after her brother Lazarus died. In many churches the minister opens the service with these words.
John 3:16 (KJV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Often the first verse people learned as children, so the whole room may know it by heart.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (KJV)
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Paul on grieving with hope, for a family that believes they will meet again.
2 Corinthians 5:1 (KJV)
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Tabernacle here means a tent: the body is the tent, and heaven the lasting home. A good choice after a long illness.
2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV)
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
The verse behind the familiar saying "absent from the body, present with the Lord".
Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
No more tears and no more pain. Families often choose it for the closing words of a service or a video.
Revelation 14:13 (KJV)
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
For someone who worked hard all their life and has earned their rest.

Verses about God's care and presence

Psalm 23 (KJV)
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
The best-known psalm, also sung as the hymn The Lord's My Shepherd.
Psalm 121 (KJV)
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
A psalm pilgrims sang on their way to Jerusalem. It suits someone who loved the hills or the open road.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
A verse people hold on to through illness and hard times. It may already be underlined in their Bible.
Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
For someone whose body grew weak at the end, and who is now free of it.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV)
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Moses said this to Joshua, who would go on without him. It speaks to a family going on without them.
Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)
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.
Paul's list of all that cannot separate us from the love of God, with death first.
Psalm 91:1-2 (KJV)
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
The hymn On Eagle's Wings is based on Psalm 91, so the two sit well in one service.

Bible verses for a mother's funeral

These suit a grandmother or a wife as well. If she had a favorite verse, written in her Bible or kept on the fridge, put that one first.

Proverbs 31:28-29 (KJV)
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Fitting when one of her children, or her husband, reads it aloud.
Proverbs 31:25-26 (KJV)
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
For a mother known for her good sense and her kindness.
Proverbs 31:10 (KJV)
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
The first line of the Bible's portrait of a good wife and mother, short enough for a program.
Isaiah 66:13 (KJV)
As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
God's comfort compared to a mother's, a gentle choice when her children are grieving.
2 Timothy 1:5 (KJV)
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
For a mother or grandmother who passed on her faith. Lois and Eunice were Timothy's grandmother and mother.

Bible verses for a father's funeral

These suit a grandfather or a husband too. If he had a verse of his own, from his confirmation or his wedding, that one comes first.

2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Paul's words near the end of his life, for a father who worked hard and kept the faith.
Proverbs 20:7 (KJV)
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
For an honest man whose children carry his good name.
Psalm 103:13 (KJV)
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
Pitieth means has compassion. A gentle choice for a father who was tender with his children.
Proverbs 17:6 (KJV)
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
For a grandfather, read by the grandchildren, or for a father the family was proud of.
Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
The verse behind "Well done, good and faithful servant", for a man who served others all his life.

Short Bible verses for a program or a slide

Each of these fits on a funeral program or order of service, a prayer card or a single slide. Matthew 5:4 and Psalm 147:3, in the first list, are short too.

Psalm 116:15 (KJV)
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Fits on the back of a prayer card, under their name and dates.
Philippians 1:21 (KJV)
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Twelve words, for someone whose faith was at the center of their life.
1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV)
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Words of victory over death, short enough to print under a photo in the program.
Philippians 1:3 (KJV)
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
For the thank-you cards after the funeral, or the last page of the program.
John 11:35 (KJV)
Jesus wept.
The shortest verse in the Bible, from the death of Jesus' friend Lazarus. Some families choose it to say that tears have their place.
Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
For a celebration of life, when the family wants the day to feel like a thanksgiving.
Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV)
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
An old blessing that many services end with. It also fits the closing words of a video.

Printing a verse

Put the reference on its own line under the verse, such as Psalm 116:15. If the program uses another translation, add its name, such as (NIV), so nobody wonders why the words differ from their own Bible.

Hymns and poems to go with them

A service often moves from a reading to a hymn, then to a few words about the person. Funeral hymns has the hymns families choose most, and Christian funeral songs has newer songs of faith. If you'd like a reading without religious words as well, look through funeral poems.

Their verse in their memorial video

A verse can open or close the memorial video made from their photos. To end on one, tick "Change the closing words" and paste it in with its reference; for a short verse above their name on the first slide, use "Change the opening title". The closing words take up to 300 characters, and the shorter the verse, the larger it shows on the slide. The preview is free, and you pay $49 once only if you download it.

Make a memorial video

Questions about funeral Bible verses

What is the most common Bible verse read at funerals?

Psalm 23, which begins "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want", is the passage most people know from funerals. John 14:1-3 and Revelation 21:4 are also read at a great many services. All three are on this page, and Psalm 23 takes about a minute to read aloud.

What is a short Bible verse for a funeral?

Matthew 5:4 says it in ten words: "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Psalm 116:15, Philippians 1:21 and 1 Corinthians 15:55 are short enough for a program, a prayer card or a single slide. The shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35, is just two words: "Jesus wept."

What does Revelation 21:4 say?

In the King James Version it reads: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." It comes from John's vision of a new heaven and a new earth, near the end of the Bible.

What is the funeral reading from John 14?

It is the passage that begins "Let not your heart be troubled", where Jesus tells his disciples that he goes to prepare a place for them. Many services read John 14:1-6, and some stop at verse 3. Verse 27, "Peace I leave with you", is often read on its own.

What Bible verse is good for a mother's funeral?

Proverbs 31:28-29, "Her children arise up, and call her blessed", is the reading many families choose for a mother. Proverbs 31:25-26 suits a mother known for her wisdom and kindness, and 2 Timothy 1:5 one who passed her faith on to her children. If she had a verse she loved, start there.

What is a Bible verse about heaven for a funeral?

John 14:2-3 is the best known: Jesus says that in his Father's house are many mansions, and that he goes to prepare a place. Revelation 21:4 describes heaven as a place with no more death, sorrow or pain, and 2 Corinthians 5:1 speaks of "an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

Do you have to read a Bible verse at a funeral?

No. If they weren't religious, or the family isn't, a poem or a few words of your own can take its place, and funeral poems has readings to choose from. Some families read one verse and one poem. At a church service, ask the minister, who may suggest readings or choose them with you.