Hope in Darkness: Finding Comfort in Uncommon Old Testament Scriptures for Funerals

12/29/2024

Uplifting Bible verses for funerals


A beautiful topic. Here are some uplifting Bible verses that can be used in a funeral service to comfort and inspire those who are grieving:

1. **John 11:25-26** - "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"
2. **Romans 8:38-39** - "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. **1 Corinthians 15:50-54** - "I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will be changed— in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."
4. **2 Corinthians 5:6-8** - "Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We are bold and take courage from our hope in you, being pure in heart and faithful, so that we can please him in every way. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."
5. **Revelation 21:4** - "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
6. **Isaiah 25:8-9** - "For he has said, 'It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel. I will also give you as a light to the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation to the ends of the earth.'"
7. **Psalm 23:1-4** - "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me."
8. **Ephesians 2:10** - "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, that we should work out our salvation to the praise of his glory—whether we were wise or foolish."
9. **Luke 16:19-31** - The story of Lazarus and the rich man illustrates the afterlife and the comfort of knowing that those who have gone before us are at peace with God.
10. **John 14:1-3** - "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

These Bible verses offer comfort, hope, and reassurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ. They can be used in funeral services, memorial services, or other gatherings to honor the deceased and provide solace to those who are grieving.


Funeral scriptures for a woman


Here are some beautiful and meaningful funeral scriptures that can be used to honor the life of a woman:

**Scriptures that Celebrate Her Life**

1. "She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." - Proverbs 31:25
2. "Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." - Proverbs 31:28
3. "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness." - Isaiah 61:10

**Scriptures that Comfort Her Loved Ones**

1. "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books." - Revelation 20:12 (for those who are grieving her passing)
2. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6 (for comfort and peace)

**Scriptures that Honor Her Legacy**

1. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18
2. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." - Matthew 5:4
3. "God has a special plan for you... He wants to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

**Scriptures that Celebrate Her Faith**

1. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
2. "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." - 1 John 5:14-15
3. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Remember, funeral scriptures are a personal choice, and you should select the ones that best reflect your loved one's life, values, and faith.


Bible verses for funerals for Father


Here are some Bible verse options that may be suitable for a funeral service for a father:

1. **Comforting words**:
* "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6
* "And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28
2. **Celebrating a life well-lived**:
* "For every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable crown." - 1 Corinthians 9:25
* "Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom." - Psalm 90:12
3. **Faithful fatherhood**:
* "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." - Ephesians 6:4
* "You shall teach them diligently to your sons, and shall talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up." - Deuteronomy 11:19
4. **Hope of eternal life**:
* "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." - John 11:25-26
* "We are confident that you will continue to do good for all those who love God and are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28
5. **Final words of encouragement**:
* "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
* "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Remember that it's essential to choose a Bible verse that resonates with the father's personality, values, and relationship with his loved ones.


Bible verses for funerals for mother


Here are some beautiful and comforting Bible verses that can be used in a funeral service or memorial tribute to honor the life of a mother:

1. "She will be comforted." - Isaiah 66:13 (This verse can be especially meaningful when grieving the loss of a mother.)

2. "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as you are partakers with each other's afflictions and God is faithful to heal your affliction." - 1 Corinthians 14:33-34 (This verse speaks to the comfort and healing that comes from being surrounded by loved ones and our faith in God.)

3. "The Lord will comfort him according to his affliction, all His tender loving care He gave Him." - Isaiah 46:3 (This verse highlights God's love and comfort for those who are grieving.)

4. "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come unto me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'" - Matthew 19:14 (This verse can be used to honor a mother's love and dedication to her children.)

5. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." - Matthew 5:4 (This verse speaks to the promise of comfort that awaits those who have experienced loss and grief.)

6. "So shall my word be that has gone forth from my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:11 (This verse can be used to express hope and trust in God's plan.)

7. "You are of more value than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:31 (This verse reminds us of our mother's preciousness and value in the eyes of God.)

8. "The Lord will guide you continually, satisfying your soul in a barren land; He will strengthen your bones, and you shall be like rivers of water that bring gladness to the city of God." - Psalm 107:9 (This verse speaks to our need for guidance and comfort during difficult times.)

9. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6 (This verse reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision during times of loss and grief.)

10. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we do not look at things seen, but at those unseen." - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (This verse speaks to the promise of an eternal weight of glory that awaits those who have experienced loss and grief.)

11. "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." - Job 1:21 (This verse can be used to express trust in God's sovereignty during times of loss and grief.)

12. "For I know the plans that I have for you,' says the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not calamity, to give you a future and a hope.'" - Jeremiah 29:11 (This verse speaks to the promise of hope and a bright future that awaits those who have experienced loss and grief.)

13. "So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruptibility, 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." - 1 Corinthians 15:52-53 (This verse speaks to the promise of eternal life and the ultimate victory over death.)

14. "There will be no more sorrow, nor any more pain; for the former things have passed away." - Revelation 21:4 (This verse speaks to the promise of a future without sorrow or pain, where our mother's love and legacy continue to bring joy and comfort to those who loved her.)

15. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7 (This verse reminds us that even in times of loss and grief, we can find comfort in the peace of God.)

These Bible verses offer words of comfort, hope, and reassurance during a difficult time.


New Testament scripture for funeral


Here are some examples of New Testament scriptures that may be suitable for a funeral:

1. John 14:1-3 - "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

This passage is often read at funerals because it speaks of the hope of eternal life and the promise of reunion with loved ones in heaven.

2. Revelation 21:4 - "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

This passage is a beautiful description of the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal life, making it suitable for a funeral.

3. 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 - "Now we are children of God, and it has not yet appeared what we will be. But we know that when Christ appears, we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is."

This passage speaks of the transformation that takes place in our lives when we become followers of Jesus, and how that transformation will continue when we meet Him in heaven.

4. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, or to grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep."

This passage is often read at funerals because it offers comfort to those grieving by reminding them of the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

5. Philippians 1:21-24 - "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If there is a spiritual body, then there is also a physical one. I know that when I am pulled away from my body, it will be best for me."

This passage speaks of the value of living a life that honors God, and how death can be seen as a gain because it means being reunited with our Creator.

6. Luke 16:19-31 - "Now there was a rich man who was supposed to leave a great inheritance. He died and was buried. In his afterlife state, he became conscious of it all; it was too late then for him to change his ways. A poor man named Lazarus had been thrown into the rich man's path. He longed to eat from the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried by angels to Abraham’s side, where he was comforted. The rich man also died and was buried. In his afterlife state, he became conscious of it all; it was too late then for him to change his ways."

This passage is often used at funerals because it serves as a warning about the importance of living a life that honors God, rather than being consumed by wealth and material possessions.

7. Romans 8:38-39 - "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

This passage is often read at funerals because it reminds us that nothing, not even death, can separate us from God's love.

8. Ephesians 2:14-18 - "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups into one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall between them. His purpose was to unite both groups under one new humanity in Christ, making peace through his blood shed on the cross."

This passage speaks of the unity that exists among believers because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

9. John 11:25-26 - "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”"

This passage is often read at funerals because it speaks of Jesus' power over death and His promise of eternal life.

10. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 - "As for me, the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day."

This passage speaks of the hope of eternal life and the promise of a reward for those who have lived a life that honors God.

Remember that the scripture you choose should be meaningful and comforting to both the deceased and their loved ones.


Short uplifting Bible verses for funerals


Here are some short and uplifting Bible verses that can be used at a funeral:

1. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
2. "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened." Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books." - Revelation 20:12
3. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6
4. "For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." - 2 Corinthians 5:1
5. "But in fact, Christ has reconciled us to himself and has given us the ministry of reconciliation:" - 2 Corinthians 5:18
6. "And he said to them, 'Be careful what you are doing, because you do not know who is watching.'" - Luke 16:3
7. "For God did not give us a spirit that makes us cowards but a spirit that makes us brave." - 2 Timothy 1:7
8. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28


Unusual Bible readings for funerals


While traditional funeral scriptures like Psalm 23 and John 11:25-26 are comforting and familiar, considering unusual Bible readings can add a unique perspective and depth to the service. Here are some lesser-known passages that might be suitable for a funeral:

1. **Job 19:25-27**: Job's words of hope and trust in God's justice and redemption can bring comfort to those grieving.
2. **Ecclesiastes 3:1-8**: This passage acknowledges the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, reminding us that even in sorrow, there is a time for everything under the sun.
3. **Isaiah 25:6-9**: This prophetic passage speaks of God's comfort and redemption, promising to remove tears from our eyes and take away the shame of death.
4. **2 Corinthians 5:1-10**: Paul's words about the eternal life we have in Christ can bring solace to those who are grieving, emphasizing that "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."
5. **Revelation 21:3-5**: This passage describes a new heaven and a new earth, where there will be no more death, mourning, or pain. It can bring hope and anticipation of what lies ahead.
6. **Matthew 11:28-30**: Jesus' words of invitation to come to him, weary and heavy-laden, can remind us that God is near and compassionate.
7. **Luke 12:4-5**: This passage emphasizes that our lives are not our own; we belong to God. It can encourage those grieving to trust in His goodness and sovereignty.
8. **Philippians 1:21-24**: Paul's words about his own mortality, as well as his hope of being with Christ, can inspire faith and confidence in the face of death.
9. **John 14:1-3**: Jesus' promise to prepare a place for us in His Father's house can bring comfort and reassurance that we will be reunited with loved ones who have passed away.
10. **1 Corinthians 15:51-58**: This passage emphasizes the hope of resurrection, where death has no sting, and Christ will transform our lowly bodies into glory.

Remember to consider the individual's faith journey, beliefs, and preferences when selecting an unusual Bible reading for a funeral. It's essential to balance uniqueness with sensitivity to ensure that the reading resonates with those gathered to mourn and celebrate the life of the departed.


What is a good Old Testament scripture for a funeral


Here are some popular Old Testament scriptures that may be suitable for a funeral:

1. **Job 19:25-27**: "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh I shall see God. For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and shall come and save me."
2. **Psalm 23**: This classic psalm is a comfort to many during times of grief. "The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul."
3. **Isaiah 25:8-9**: "For the moth shall eat them up with stink and worm shall cover them, because thou art sanctified unto me, O Lord, and I am sanctified unto thee." This scripture reminds us that even in death, God is still holy and separate from sin.
4. **Ezekiel 37:12-14**: "Therefore prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, O My people! I will open your graves and cause you to come out of them, and I will bring you into the land that I swore to give your fathers. You shall fall upon your flesh by the sword; you shall eat the flesh of kings and princes, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of all who sit on them. And you shall eat and be satisfied."
5. **Psalm 103:15-17**: "As for man, his days are like grass, as the flower he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more." This scripture reminds us that life is fleeting and temporary.
6. **Jeremiah 31:15**: "Thus says the Lord: 'A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel weeps for her children; she refuses to be comforted because they are no more.'"
7. **Job 14:1-2**: "Man who is born of woman is few days and full of trouble. He comes forth like a flower and fades away; he flees like a shadow and does not continue."

Remember to choose a scripture that resonates with the deceased person's faith, personality, or values.