10 Scriptures for Funerals: A Short List to Read or Print
If you are choosing readings for a service this week and don't have time to search, these ten are the scriptures read most often at funerals, in the order a service usually needs them. Each comes with one line on when it fits. For the full collection grouped by theme, see our funeral Bible verses.
To Open the Service
When you need words of welcome and steadiness.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." — Psalm 46:1 (BSB)
When the family needs to hear that their sorrow is seen.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." — Matthew 5:4 (BSB)
For the Main Reading
The reading almost every Christian funeral includes.
"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." — John 11:25–26 (KJV)
When the person died in faith.
"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." — John 14:1–2 (KJV)
When grief needs both permission and hope.
"Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him." — 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 (BSB)
For the Eulogy or Tribute
For a life of service, faith, or perseverance.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" — 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
For a long life, or a death that came in its season.
"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die" — Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 (BSB)
For the Committal
The line for the graveside.
"Even 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." — Psalm 23:4 (BSB)
When nothing else will do.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, 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." — Romans 8:38–39 (BSB)
To Close
The promise to send everyone home with.
"‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." — Revelation 21:4 (BSB)
How to Use This List
Two or three readings is plenty: one to open, one main reading, one at the committal. Pair each with a prayer — an opening prayer for a funeral, the graveside committal prayer, and a closing prayer. If you'd like a psalm read in full, see psalms for funerals; for more on what scripture says about dying itself, Bible verses about death. All ten are public domain and can be printed in the program as they appear here.