Mood
Bible verses for sadness
Last reviewed
Roughly a third of the Psalms are laments. They complain, question and sometimes end unresolved. That they were kept, collected and sung says something about how sorrow was treated.
The passages here follow that pattern. If sadness has been heavy for a long time, or you are struggling to get through the day, please speak to a doctor or a crisis line — that is the right step, and it is not in competition with anything on this page.
7 passages
Each shows its reference and translation, and links to the chapter it comes from.
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
3My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually ask me, “Where is your God?” 4These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I used to go with the crowd, and led them to God’s house, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day. 5Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence.
Jesus wept.
You count my wanderings. You put my tears into your container. Aren’t they in your book?
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
1For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart every day? How long shall my enemy triumph over me?
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more. The first things have passed away.”
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible British Edition, which is in the public domain. “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org.