Best Bible Verses for Funerals and Ash-scattering Ceremonies

Daniela Fortino

Coping with the death of a loved one is different for everyone, and some find comfort through their Christian faith by reading passages and scripture from the Bible at a funeral. However, with so many passages to consider, it may be challenging to choose which one best honours your loved one. Below are ten inspirational Bible passage options for a Christian funeral.

John 14:1-3

This passage conveys the idea that death brings your loved ones to Heaven. It is okay to be sad, but family and friends can take solace in the fact that their loved ones are at peace and are saving a spot for you when you meet again.

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 so that you also may be where I am.

Psalm 23

This Psalm is often recited during Christian ceremonies. It portrays the idea that God is there to guide you through all aspects of life, including death, and death means that your loved one will reside with God eternally.

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.

Isaiah 57:1-2

This passage talks about how many may wonder about death and its purpose. Then, it describes that the goal of death is to be spared from evil and be at peace.

The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.

Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.

Philippians 1:21-23

This passage touches on the fear of dying and the perceived uncertainty of death. It attempts to ease those fears by reassuring that the afterlife in Heaven will be better than life on earth.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4  

This passage acts as a reminder that there is a time and purpose for all parts of life, good and bad, and these aspects are all part of God’s plan.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:  a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what 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.”

Romans 14:7-8

This passage conveys the idea that life and death are not different regarding a relationship with God; the presence is there through life, death, and the afterlife.

"For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's."

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

This passage touches on the idea of grief. After the death of a loved one, friends and family of the deceased can find comfort in their faith and use that to comfort others who are also overcome by sadness and grief.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Matthew 5:4

This short passage also reminds us that those mourning can find comfort in their faith and with those around them.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Romans 8:28

Again, this passage serves as a reminder that death is all part of a larger purpose and going to Heaven is part of God’s plan.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Lamentations 3:19-32

This passage touches on negative feelings surrounding death. Many do not understand why someone must die and may hold resentment to their faith for allowing that. However, the scripture stresses the importance of faith, even during times of uncertainty.

Remember my affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the bitterness.

My soul still remembers them, and is bowed down within me.

This I recall to my mind; therefore I have hope.

It is because of the Lord’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his mercies don’t fail.

They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul. “Therefore I will hope in him.”

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

It is good that a man should hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.

It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.

Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him.

Let him bury his face in the dust— there may yet be hope.

Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.

For no one is cast off by the Lord forever.

Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.