Sadness is an inevitable part of the human experience, often stemming from loss, disappointment, or challenging circumstances. The Bible acknowledges these feelings and provides comfort, hope, and guidance for those experiencing sorrow. These scriptures remind us of God’s presence, His compassion, and His promises to bring joy and healing. Here are 30 Bible verses about sadness, each accompanied by a brief commentary to provide deeper understanding and reflection.
1. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
God is close to those who are heartbroken, offering His presence and salvation. This verse reassures us that God’s compassion and nearness provide comfort in times of deep sorrow.
2. Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Jesus promises comfort to those who mourn. This beatitude highlights the blessedness of receiving God’s consolation and the hope of eventual joy despite current sadness.
3. Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
God actively heals our broken hearts and wounds. This verse emphasizes God’s role as a healer, bringing restoration and comfort to those in emotional pain.
4. Revelation 21:4
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
A future without sorrow and pain awaits believers. This verse offers hope and reassurance of a time when God will completely eradicate sadness and suffering.
5. John 16:22
“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.”
Jesus acknowledges our current sorrow but promises enduring joy. This verse encourages us with the assurance of joy that surpasses our present sadness, rooted in the presence of Christ.
6. Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
God’s presence and support dispel fear and sorrow. This verse reassures us of God’s unwavering support and strength in times of distress and sadness.
7. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
God comforts us so we can comfort others. This verse highlights the cycle of receiving and giving comfort, emphasizing God’s role as the ultimate source of consolation.
8. Psalm 30:5
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
Sorrow is temporary, but joy is promised to follow. This verse provides hope by reminding us that sadness is fleeting and God’s favor brings lasting joy.
9. Lamentations 3:22-23
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
God’s mercies are renewed each day, offering fresh hope. This verse encourages us with the assurance of God’s unwavering compassion and faithfulness amid our sorrows.
10. Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Prayer and thanksgiving bring peace that transcends understanding. This verse urges us to turn our anxieties and sadness over to God, receiving His peace in return.
11. Romans 8:18
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Our current sufferings pale in comparison to future glory. This verse offers perspective, reminding us that our present sadness will be overshadowed by the glory God has in store.
12. Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
God is our strength and sustenance even in weakness. This verse emphasizes God’s role as our enduring strength and support when we are overwhelmed by sadness.
13. 1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
We are invited to cast all our anxieties on God. This verse reassures us of God’s caring nature, encouraging us to entrust our sorrows to Him.
14. Isaiah 61:1-3
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Jesus’s mission includes comforting those who mourn. This passage highlights the transformative power of Christ’s ministry, bringing joy and praise in place of sadness.
15. Matthew 11:28
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him. This verse provides comfort by reminding us that Jesus offers relief and rest from our sorrows.
16. Psalm 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”
God sustains those who cast their burdens on Him. This verse reassures us that God will uphold us and provide stability amid our sadness.
17. Revelation 7:17
“For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
God promises to wipe away every tear and lead us to life. This verse offers a vision of ultimate comfort and restoration in God’s presence.
18. Psalm 42:11
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”
Hoping in God lifts our spirits and brings praise. This verse encourages self-reflection and redirects our focus to God, who is our source of hope and joy.
19. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Jesus offers a unique and lasting peace. This verse reassures us that the peace Jesus gives transcends worldly understanding, calming our troubled hearts.
20. Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
God’s presence provides comfort in the darkest times. This verse emphasizes that we need not fear, for God is with us, offering protection and comfort.
21. Romans 15:13
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
God fills us with joy and peace, abounding in hope. This verse highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in bringing joy and hope amid sadness.
22. Psalm 31:24
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
God strengthens the hearts of those who hope in Him. This verse encourages us to remain courageous and hopeful, trusting in God’s strength and support.
23. Lamentations 3:32-33
“Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.”
God’s compassion outweighs His reasons for causing grief. This verse reassures us that God’s mercies are abundant, and His compassion is always present, even in our grief.
24. John 14:1
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”
Belief in God and Jesus calms our troubled hearts. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s care and guidance, alleviating our sadness and anxiety.
25. 2 Corinthians 4:17
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
Our temporary afflictions are preparing us for eternal glory. This verse offers perspective, reminding us that our present sufferings are fleeting compared to the eternal glory ahead.
26. Isaiah 40:29
“He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.”
God empowers the weak and strengthens the powerless. This verse reassures us that God provides the strength we need to endure and overcome our sadness.
27. Psalm 126:5
“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
Sorrow will eventually give way to joy. This verse offers hope that our times of sadness will lead to moments of great joy and fulfillment.
28. James 1:2-3
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
Trials and sadness develop patience and maturity in our faith. This verse encourages us to view our difficulties as opportunities for growth and deeper faith.
29. Psalm 9:9
“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.”
God is a refuge in times of trouble. This verse highlights God’s protective and comforting presence, providing a safe haven amid our sadness.
30. 1 Thessalonians 4:13
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.”
Believers have hope even in sorrow, knowing that death is not the end. This verse reassures us that our grief is tempered by the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
These verses collectively offer comfort, hope, and perspective for those experiencing sadness. They remind us of God’s presence, His promises, and the eventual joy that awaits, encouraging us to trust in His care and find solace in His Word.
