Choosing the right Bible verses for a funeral or celebration of life is a meaningful way to bring comfort, hope, and reflection to those grieving. Below are categories of Bible verses suited for different aspects of a service, provided in full for easy reference.
NOTE: The bracketed references after each verse title refers to the edition of the Bible that the verse comes from. See a glossary on this page here.
Verses for Comfort and Consolation
Bible verses to bring comfort and consolation to mourners.
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 forever.”
Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
John 14:1-3 (ESV)
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Verses for Hope and Eternal Life
Bible verses to bring hope and invoke eternal life.
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.”
2 Corinthians 5:8 (NIV)
“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV)
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”
Romans 14:8 (NLT)
“If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord.
So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
Verses for Reflection on a Life Well-Lived
Bible versions that reflect on the person’s life.
2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Proverbs 31:28-29 (ESV)
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’”
Verses for Celebrations of Life
Beautiful uplifting Bible versions for a celebration of life.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (NLT)
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.”
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
“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.”
Versions of the Bible Explained
The Bible has been translated into many versions to make it more accessible and understandable for different audiences. Each version reflects a unique approach to language, tone, and translation philosophy, catering to various preferences, cultural contexts, and denominational traditions.
King James Version (KJV)
- Tone: Poetic and formal
- Translation Style: Word-for-word
- Audience: Traditional Christian services and formal occasions
- Short Form: KJV
- Details: Published in 1611, the KJV is renowned for its majestic language and is often used in traditional or liturgical settings.
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New International Version (NIV)
- Tone: Modern and conversational
- Translation Style: Thought-for-thought (dynamic equivalence)
- Audience: General readers and multi-denominational audiences
- Short Form: NIV
- Details: First published in 1978, the NIV aims to balance readability and accuracy, making it one of the most widely used versions worldwide.
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New Living Translation (NLT)
- Tone: Emotional and easy-to-read
- Translation Style: Thought-for-thought
- Audience: Modern audiences and informal settings
- Short Form: NLT
- Details: Released in 1996, the NLT emphasizes clarity and relatability, making it ideal for people new to the Bible or those seeking a heartfelt connection.
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English Standard Version (ESV)
- Tone: Literary and precise
- Translation Style: Word-for-word with some dynamic equivalence
- Audience: Readers who appreciate traditional structure with modern language
- Short Form: ESV
- Details: Introduced in 2001, the ESV is designed for both scholarly study and everyday reading.
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Contemporary English Version (CEV)
- Tone: Simplified and inclusive
- Translation Style: Meaning-for-meaning
- Audience: Children, youth, and diverse audiences
- Short Form: CEV
- Details: Published in 1995, the CEV uses straightforward language to make scripture accessible to all, including those with limited exposure to the Bible.
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New American Bible (NAB)
- Tone: Academic and reverent
- Translation Style: Word-for-word with attention to Catholic traditions
- Audience: Primarily Roman Catholic readers
- Short Form: NAB
- Details: First completed in 1970, the NAB is widely used in Catholic services and includes additional notes for liturgical readings.
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The Message (MSG)
- Tone: Conversational and paraphrased
- Translation Style: Paraphrase (dynamic and creative interpretation)
- Audience: Casual readers and informal services
- Short Form: MSG
- Details: A paraphrase by Eugene Peterson, The Message (published in 2002) presents the Bible in everyday, conversational language for modern readers.
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These versions cater to various needs, from the poetic reverence of the KJV to the simplicity and accessibility of the CEV. Choosing the right one depends on the tone of the service and the audience’s familiarity with scripture.
FAQ: Bible Verses for a Funeral or Celebration of Life
Choosing Bible verses for a funeral or celebration of life can feel daunting, especially when trying to balance tradition, personal preference, and the comfort of attendees. This FAQ answers common questions to help you select meaningful scripture that resonates with your audience and honors your loved one.
What Bible verse offers comfort during grief?
Psalm 23 is one of the most comforting verses, particularly the line, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”
Which Bible verse celebrates eternal life?
Revelation 21:4 is often used: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes… there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
What is a good Bible verse for hope in a celebration of life?
Romans 14:8: “So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
Which Bible verse reflects a life well-lived?
2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
What Bible verse is most suited for children’s funerals?
Matthew 19:14: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Can I use modern Bible translations for a funeral?
Yes, modern versions like the NIV and NLT are accessible and resonate with diverse audiences.
Are paraphrased versions like The Message appropriate?
Paraphrased versions can work well for informal celebrations or settings where conversational language is preferred.
What verses work for multi-faith or secular services?
Consider Romans 8:38-39 or 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 for their universal themes of love and hope.
How do I choose the right Bible version?
Consider the tone of the service, audience preferences, and whether a formal or modern style is more fitting.
Can I use Bible verses alongside non-scriptural readings?
Yes, combining scripture with poems, quotes, or personal reflections can create a meaningful and balanced service.
