Poems, songs & readings
Bible verses for funerals
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
A well-chosen Bible verse can bring real comfort at a funeral, which is why scripture is read at almost every South African Christian service. This page gathers the passages most often used, with a short note on each and a little help choosing one that fits the person and the moment.
We quote only short, public-domain scripture and give the reference so you can read the full passage from your own Bible. Different translations word these slightly differently, so use the version your family knows best.
Most services use one or two readings - a psalm of comfort early on, and a passage of hope near the message. Pick what speaks to your family, not just what is famous.
Psalm 23 - The Lord is my shepherd
Psalm 23 is the most-read passage at South African funerals, loved for its gentle picture of God as a shepherd who stays with us even in the darkest valley.
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.
It reassures mourners that the person was not alone, and neither are they. It suits almost any service and is easy for a nervous reader because most people already know it. Read the whole psalm (six short verses) for the full effect.
John 14:1-3 - In my Father's house
These words of Jesus speak directly to grief and the hope of being reunited:
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14 is a favourite because it answers the very fear a funeral raises - where is my loved one now? It offers the promise of a prepared place. It works well as the reading just before the sermon or message of comfort.
Revelation 21:4 - No more tears
This single verse is one of the most comforting in scripture:
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.
It paints the hope that suffering ends. It is especially fitting after a long illness, or for a service where you want to close on hope rather than loss. Short enough to print on the back of a program or read on its own.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - Hope beyond grief
Paul writes to people grieving and reminds them that Christian grief carries hope:
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
This passage does not deny the grief - it simply sets it inside hope. It suits a service where the family draws strength from their faith, and pairs well with a resurrection theme in the message. Read verses 13 to 14, or carry on to verse 18 for the full encouragement.
More passages families turn to
A few others read often at SA funerals, by reference so you can find them in your own Bible:
- Psalm 46:1 - "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Good as an opening.
- John 11:25-26 - "I am the resurrection, and the life." A strong statement of hope.
- Romans 8:38-39 - nothing can separate us from the love of God. Reassuring and powerful.
- Matthew 5:4 - "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Gentle and brief.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 - "To every thing there is a season." Reflective, fitting for an older person who lived a full life.
- 2 Corinthians 5:1 - a house not made with hands, eternal. Comforting on the hope of heaven.
Any of these can stand alone or sit alongside Psalm 23.
How to choose the right verse
A few simple guides:
- Match the person. A psalm of quiet trust for a gentle soul; a verse of triumph over death for a strong believer.
- Match the moment. A comforting psalm early, a verse of hope near the close.
- Keep it short. One psalm and one New Testament passage is plenty for most services.
- Use the family's translation. Read from the version they know, so it lands.
- Read it aloud first. Some passages flow better spoken than they look on the page.
If you are unsure, Psalm 23 paired with Revelation 21:4 is a safe, deeply loved combination.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common Bible verse read at funerals?
Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd", is the most-read passage at South African funerals. Its gentle image of God staying with us through the darkest valley comforts mourners, and because most people know it, it is easy for a nervous reader to deliver.
What Bible verse gives comfort about death?
Revelation 21:4 - "God shall wipe away all tears... there shall be no more death... neither shall there be any more pain" - is one of the most comforting. John 14:1-3 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 also speak directly to grief and the hope beyond it.
How many Bible readings should a funeral have?
Most services use one or two readings - a psalm of comfort such as Psalm 23 early on, and a New Testament passage of hope like John 14 or Revelation 21 near the message. One Old and one New Testament passage is a common, balanced choice.
What scripture is good for someone who suffered a long illness?
Revelation 21:4, with its promise of no more pain or crying, is especially fitting after a long illness. John 11:25-26, "I am the resurrection, and the life", and Romans 8:38-39 on God's unbreakable love are also comforting choices.
Which Bible translation should I read at a funeral?
Use the version your family knows best, whether that is the King James, the NIV or another. The wording differs between translations, so reading from the familiar version helps the passage land with the mourners and feels natural to the reader.
Can I print a Bible verse in the funeral program?
Yes. Short scripture passages are widely printed on the cover or back of a funeral program. Add the reference, such as Psalm 23 or Revelation 21:4, so people can find the full passage, and use the translation your family prefers.
