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Bible Verses for a Funeral

Draw a random verse of comfort and hope, suitable for funeral readings, sympathy cards and quiet remembrance.

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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.

Psalm 23:1-3 KJV

What the Bible Says About Death and Comfort

The Bible speaks about death plainly and without hurry. It records tears, laments and long silences, and it never treats grief as a lack of faith. David writes psalms out of sorrow, Job sits in ashes, and Jesus weeps at the tomb of his friend Lazarus. These passages give mourners permission to feel what they feel, and that is often where comfort begins.

Alongside honest grief, Scripture offers hope. The Psalms picture the Lord as a shepherd who walks beside people in the darkest valley and as one who is near the brokenhearted. The New Testament centers its hope on the resurrection of Jesus, and Paul writes to the Thessalonians so that they will not grieve as those without hope. Christians differ in how they picture what happens next, so these verses are best read as promises of God's presence rather than as detailed maps.

Where These Verses Appear

Many families already know Psalm 23 and John 14, which are among the most commonly read passages at services. Others look to Isaiah 25 and Revelation 21 for the image of God wiping away tears, or to 1 Corinthians 15 for Paul's extended reflection on resurrection. Verses from Proverbs and Ecclesiastes can help with remembrance and the seasons of life. Because traditions vary, a pastor, priest or funeral director can often suggest readings that fit a particular service.

Ways to Use These Verses

Choose a short reading for a funeral or memorial service, and check the note first to see the original setting.
Copy a verse into a sympathy card, followed by a few personal words about the person who died.
Print a favorite passage on a memorial program or a prayer card.
Use a verse in a eulogy to introduce a memory.
Read one quietly yourself on a hard evening when words are difficult to find.

Remember too that grief does not end after the service. Many people feel the loss most sharply weeks later, when visitors have gone home, and a card or a verse sent at that point can mean a great deal to the person receiving it.

If you are writing to someone who is grieving, brevity and gentleness usually help more than explanation. A single verse, offered with warmth and no pressure, can say what you cannot.

When you want a wider mix, try the Bible verse randomizer or the random encouraging Bible verse page, and browse the Bible books to read the whole chapter around any verse you draw.

Verses in This Collection

Psalm 23:1-3 – 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.
David's best-known psalm opens by picturing the Lord as a shepherd who provides rest, water and restoration.
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.
The psalm turns to the darkest valley, where the shepherd's presence, rod and staff bring comfort rather than fear.
Psalm 23:5-6 – 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 psalm ends with a table prepared and goodness following the writer, finishing in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 34:18 – The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
David writes that the Lord is close to those with broken hearts and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 147:3 – He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
A psalm of praise says that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 46:1-2 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
God is called a refuge and ever-present help in trouble, a psalm often read when life feels unstable.
Psalm 121:1-2 – 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.
A pilgrim lifts his eyes to the hills and declares that help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 116:15 – Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
The psalmist says that the death of God's faithful ones is precious in his sight.
Psalm 116:8-9 – For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
The writer thanks God for deliverance from death and tears, and looks forward to walking before him.
Psalm 27:1 – The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
David declares that the Lord is his light and salvation, so he has no one to fear.
Psalm 27:4 – One thing have I desired of the LORD , that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD , and to enquire in his temple.
David longs to dwell in the house of the Lord, gazing on his beauty, a verse about being in God's presence.
Psalm 27:13-14 – I had fainted , unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD : be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD .
David expresses confidence of seeing God's goodness and tells himself to wait for the Lord.
Psalm 30:5 – For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
A psalm of thanksgiving: sorrow may last through the night, yet joy arrives with the morning.
Psalm 31:9-10 – Have mercy upon me, O LORD , for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea , my soul and my belly. For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.
David describes grief that wears down body and strength, honest words that suit mourners today.
Psalm 31:14-15 – But I trusted in thee, O LORD : I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
In distress David says he trusts the Lord and that his times are in God's hands.
Psalm 42:5 – Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
The psalmist speaks to his own downcast soul and tells it to hope in God, whom he will yet praise.
Psalm 56:8 – Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
David asks God to record his wanderings and keep his tears in a bottle, as nothing is forgotten by God.
Psalm 62:1-2 – Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
The psalmist says his soul waits in silence for God alone, his rock and salvation.
Psalm 63:1-3 – O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
From the desert David says his soul thirsts for God, whose steadfast love is better than life.
Psalm 73:23-26 – Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Asaph, who was troubled by doubt, finds that God holds his hand and remains the strength of his heart when flesh fails.
Psalm 86:5 – For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
The psalm says the Lord is good, forgiving and abounding in love to all who call on him.
Psalm 90:1-2 – Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Attributed to Moses, this psalm opens by calling God a dwelling place through all generations, from everlasting to everlasting.
Psalm 103:13-14 – Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
The Lord has compassion on those who fear him, as a father does on children, knowing that we are dust.
Psalm 103:15-17 – As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
Human life is compared to grass and flowers, in contrast with God's love that lasts from age to age.
Psalm 130:5-6 – I wait for the LORD , my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
The psalmist waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for morning, an image of patient hope.
Psalm 139:7-10 – Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there . If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
David asks where he could flee from God's presence and finds that God is there in heaven, in the depths, and across the sea.
Psalm 145:18 – The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
The Lord is near to all who call on him in truth, a verse for those who feel alone.
Psalm 16:9-11 – Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
David is glad and secure, trusting that God will not abandon him to the grave but show him the path of life.
Job 1:21 – And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD .
After losing his children and possessions, Job responds with worship; his words are often quoted at funerals.
Job 19:25-27 – For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body , yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
Job, in deep suffering, states his conviction that his Redeemer lives and that he will see God.
Job 14:1-2 – Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
Job reflects on how short and troubled human life is, language that voices grief without hiding it.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 – 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;
The Teacher says there is a time for everything under heaven, including a time to weep and a time to mourn.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 – He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
The Teacher says God has made everything beautiful in its time and put a sense of lasting time (the KJV says the world) into human hearts.
Ecclesiastes 7:2 – It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
The Teacher says it is better to go to a house of mourning, since death is the end of everyone and the living should take it to heart.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 – Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
At the end of Ecclesiastes, the dust returns to the earth and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Isaiah 25:8 – He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it .
Isaiah foresees a day when God will swallow up death and wipe tears from all faces.
Isaiah 26:3 – Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
God keeps in perfect peace the person whose mind is fixed on him because they trust him.
Isaiah 40:1 – Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
Isaiah's book of comfort opens with God telling the prophet to comfort his people.
Isaiah 40:11 – He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
God is pictured as a shepherd who gathers the lambs in his arms and gently leads those with young.
Isaiah 41:10 – 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.
God tells his people not to fear because he is with them, strengthening and upholding them.
Isaiah 43:1-2 – But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
The Lord says he has called his people by name and will be with them through waters and fire.
Isaiah 49:15-16 – Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
God says he will not forget his people, even if a mother could forget her child.
Isaiah 53:4 – Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
The suffering servant bears our griefs and carries our sorrows, a passage Christians read as pointing to Jesus.
Isaiah 57:1-2 – The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come . He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.
Isaiah notes that the righteous perish and no one takes it to heart, yet they enter peace and rest.
Isaiah 61:1-3 – The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD , and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD , that he might be glorified.
The prophet speaks of one anointed to bind up the brokenhearted and comfort all who mourn.
Isaiah 66:13 – As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
God promises through Isaiah to comfort his people in the way a mother comforts her child, language of tenderness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 – 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.
Even amid the ruin of Jerusalem, the writer recalls that the Lord's mercies are new every morning.
Lamentations 3:31-33 – For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
The writer says the Lord will not reject forever and does not afflict from the heart.
Jeremiah 31:13 – Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.
God promises to turn mourning into gladness and give his people comfort and joy for sorrow.
Daniel 12:2 – And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Daniel foresees many who sleep in the dust awakening, some to everlasting life.
Nahum 1:7 – The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and he knows those who take refuge in him.
Micah 7:8 – Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.
The prophet says that when he sits in darkness the Lord will be a light to him.
Zephaniah 3:17 – The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
The Lord is with his people, mighty to save, rejoicing over them and quieting them with his love.
Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
In the Beatitudes Jesus says that those who mourn are blessed because they will be comforted.
Matthew 11:28-30 – Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to him for rest, offering a gentle yoke.
Matthew 28:5-6 – And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
The angel tells the women at the empty tomb that Jesus has risen, as he said.
Luke 23:42-43 – And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
A dying criminal asks Jesus to remember him, and Jesus promises that he will be with him in paradise.
Luke 24:5-6 – And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Angels ask the women why they look for the living among the dead, announcing that Jesus is risen.
John 5:24 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Jesus says whoever hears his word and believes the one who sent him has eternal life and has crossed from death to life.
John 11:25-26 – 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?
Before raising Lazarus, Jesus tells Martha that he is the resurrection and the life.
John 11:35 – Jesus wept.
John records the shortest verse in many translations: Jesus weeps at Lazarus's tomb, showing that grief is not weakness.
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. 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.
On the night before his death, Jesus tells his troubled disciples he is going to prepare a place for them.
John 14:27 – 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 leaves his disciples with a gift of peace unlike what the world gives, telling them not to be afraid.
John 10:27-28 – My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Jesus says his sheep hear his voice and that no one will snatch them from his hand.
John 6:39-40 – And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Jesus says it is the Father's will that he lose none of those given to him but raise them on the last day.
Acts 7:59-60 – And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God , and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen, as he is dying, entrusts his spirit to the Lord Jesus and prays for those who are stoning him.
Romans 6:4-5 – Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Paul links baptism to Christ's death and resurrection, saying believers will also share in his resurrection.
Romans 8:18 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Paul calls present sufferings small compared with the glory that will be revealed.
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.
Paul concludes that nothing, including death and life, can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 14:7-9 – For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Paul says that whether we live or die we belong to the Lord, who is Lord of both the dead and the living.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 – But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Paul calls Christ the firstfruits of those who have died, saying that as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
1 Corinthians 15:42-44 – So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
Paul describes the resurrection body as sown perishable but raised imperishable, in answer to those who doubted it.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Paul reveals a mystery that not all will die but all will be changed in a moment at the last trumpet.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 – So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul quotes the prophets, saying death is swallowed up in victory and thanking God for the victory through Jesus.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – 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.
Paul praises God as the Father of compassion who comforts us so that we can comfort others.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Paul writes that although outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed, and that unseen things are eternal.
2 Corinthians 5:1 – 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.
Paul likens the body to a tent, saying believers have an eternal house in heaven not built by human hands.
2 Corinthians 5:8 – We are confident, I say , and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Paul says that he would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Philippians 1:21-23 – For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Paul, writing from prison, says to live is Christ and to die is gain, wishing to depart and be with Christ.
Philippians 3:20-21 – For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Paul says believers' citizenship is in heaven, from where they await a Savior who will transform their lowly bodies.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – 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 writes to believers grieving for those who have died, telling them not to grieve like those without hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 – For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Paul describes the Lord's return and the dead in Christ rising first, then tells readers to encourage one another with these words.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Near the end of his life, Paul says he has fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith.
Hebrews 4:15-16 – For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
The writer says Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses and invites us to approach his throne to find mercy and grace.
Hebrews 2:14-15 – Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
The writer says Jesus shared our flesh and blood so that through his death he could free those held in lifelong fear of dying.
Hebrews 11:13-16 – These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them , and embraced them , and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country , that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
The writer says the faithful of old saw promises from afar, and longed for a better, heavenly country.
Hebrews 13:5-6 – Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
The writer reminds believers that God has promised never to leave or forsake them, so they can face the future without fear.
1 Peter 1:3-4 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Peter praises God for new birth into a living hope through Jesus' resurrection and an inheritance that cannot fade.
1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Peter tells believers to cast all their anxiety on God because he cares for them.
Revelation 7:16-17 – They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
John sees a great multitude, where the Lamb will shepherd them and God will wipe away every tear.
Revelation 14:13 – 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.
A voice from heaven declares blessed those who die in the Lord, as they rest from their labor and their deeds follow them.
Revelation 21:3-4 – And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 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.
John's vision of a new heaven and earth, where God dwells with his people and death, mourning and crying are no more.
Revelation 21:5 – And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
The one on the throne says he is making everything new, and tells John to write because these words are trustworthy.
Revelation 22:3-5 – And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
John describes the New Jerusalem where the throne of God and the Lamb stand and no night remains.
Proverbs 10:7 – The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.
Solomon observes that the memory of the righteous is a blessing, a thought often used when remembering a loved one.
2 Samuel 12:22-23 – And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
David explains why he stopped fasting after his child died, saying he would go to him one day.
2 Samuel 1:25-27 – How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
David's lament for Saul and Jonathan shows grief put into words and honoring those who have fallen.
Deuteronomy 33:27 – The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them .
Moses blesses Israel by noting that the eternal God is a refuge and that everlasting arms are underneath.
Ruth 1:16-17 – And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
Ruth promises to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi after both have lost their husbands, a story of loyalty after loss.
Psalm 17:15 – As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
David closes a prayer by hoping to see God's face and be satisfied on waking in his likeness.

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