Use these 10 Bible verses about pain and suffering to ease your pain physical or emotional pain as you turn to God for strength, help, and guidance.
A reader sent me this message recently,
“My husband has incredibly ongoing physical pain. He often wishes that God would just take him now so he can escape the never-ending pain. We trust that God has a plan, but this is so difficult to endure. What hope does the Bible offer?”
My heart breaks for people who live with ongoing, chronic pain. Pain is debilitation and often leads to depression.
If you or someone you love is living with ongoing pain and suffering, please know that my heart hurts along with yours. I won’t begin to give trite, easy answers for how to cope with ongoing pain, but I do know that God provides peace that goes beyond our human understanding.
Use these Bible verses about hurt to find wisdom from scripture about how to cope with ongoing pain. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a free Hope During Pain Bible reading plan printable.
Scriptures on Pain
These bible verses about pain and hurt provide hope, peace, and comfort.
Read through them often, write them on note cards or in a journal and keep them near when you need a reminder of God’s promises to you.
All verses listed are ESV (English Standard Version).
1. I Chronicles 4:10
Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.
1 Chronicles 4:10
This popular passage is sometimes called The Prayer of Jabez and was made popular in a book by the same name. Some people have taken this quite far by interpreting this passage to mean that if we pray this simple prayer, God will grant us anything we ask.
While I don’t believe that God will grant our every request (and we wouldn’t really want that!), I believe that God hears every prayer and answers with His wisdom.
2. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
During our time on earth, we tend to focus on what we see in front of us. This makes sense – we are human and the physical world is where we spend all our time and energy. Yet the Bible teaches there is so much more going on. As Christians, we have the hope of eternity with Jesus.
3. Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18
Right now, you may be suffering, but know that it will seem small in comparison to the glory you will see someday. Cling to this promise during the tough times.
4. Isaiah 11:9
They shall not hurt or destroy
Isaiah 11:9
in all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
God is in control of the universe. When life is overwhelming, when physical pain, emotional pain, depression or anxiety threaten to overwhelm me, I remember that the God who created all things is also in charge of my life.
5. Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Revelation 21:4
This passage of scripture is often used at funerals because of the hope it provides to all believers. Someday we will have eternal life with God, where there are no tears, grief, or pain. I can’t wait – how about you?
6. Psalm 38:17-18
For I am ready to fall,
Psalm 38:17-18
and my pain is ever before me.
I confess my iniquity;
I am sorry for my sin.
The Psalms, mostly written by David, are full of deep emotion. David isn’t afraid to pour out anger, pain, grief, and bitterness to God. This is a reminder that we can bring our emotions to God, not just the “nice” ones.
David confesses his sin and receives God’s forgiveness. We, too, need to confess our sins to God and accept His mercy and healing.
7. Psalm 69:29-30
Are you able to praise God in the midst of pain and hurt? Do you turn to God, even praising Him, in the midst of life’s storms? This is a great challenge yet also brings much peace and healing. Remember that God promises to work all things together for your good, even if you can’t see it in the moment.But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
may your salvation, God, protect me.
I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:29-30
8. Hebrews 12:11-12
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Hebrews 12:11-12
Just as a loving parent disciplines their children, so God disciplines us. This isn’t easy to endure but provides us spiritual growth.
9. Matthew 4:24
So his (Jesus’) fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them.
Matthew 4:24
These are powerful bible verses about physical pain and healing. During Jesus’ time on earth, he healed many people and worked miracles. I believe Jesus still offers us miracles today.
10. Isaiah 53:4
Surely he has borne our griefs
Isaiah 53:4
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
These passages are a prophecy about Jesus’ life. Before his death on the cross, Jesus was beaten, whipped, and made fun of. Any physical pain we experience, Jesus experienced it, too and then some. Remember that you are not alone in your suffering.
Free Printable Bible Verses about Pain PDF
Download this free Bible reading plan about hope during painful life situations to study more about what God’s Word has to say about enduring suffering.
Get more insights into these verses by clicking here for the Scriptures for Pain Day Bible Reading Plan.
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May these bible verses about pain and suffering strength you as you walk through a difficult life situation. Know that God is available to provide healing, comfort, and strength.
Do you deal with ongoing pain? What verses about pain bring you comfort?
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How to Manage Depression and Chronic Pain – Depression and chronic pain often go hand in hand. How do you cope? Read more here.
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