Grief definition biblical Ecclesiastes 3:1-17 ESV / 102 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. ’ During times of grief, it’s easy to feel engulfed in despair. If you try to hold in your tears and to ignore your pain, there may be serious problems later. the primary indication of grief. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; Grief profoundly affects different people in different ways, which are specific to our experience and personality. Joel 2:12-13 urges, "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, Definition and Nature: Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment or animosity that can take root in the human heart. What does the source Greek word λύπη mean and how is it used in the Bible? Below are the English definition details. Jesus Himself knew bereavement, and the shortest verse in the Bible reflects the heart of God when Jesus’ friend Lazarus died: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Those means of grace are not “tasks” for our to-do list—more burdens placed on our grief-weary shoulders. God gave us tears to shed in our grief, an outpouring of our inner pain. Explore how lament serves as a sacred dialogue with God, expressing grief and inviting divine comfort. By Betty Miller. Bible verses about Grief. If in your grief you struggle to pray or read the Bible, ask someone to pray for you and read the Bible to Learn what Grief, Grieving means and it's Biblical definition including verses and verse references on the topic of Grief, Grieving using Bakers Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Online. That’s why this is the book of grief in the Bible. Through examples from the Psalms and Lamentations, uncover how this spiritual practice transforms sorrow into strength, deepens connections with God, and fosters community bonds. By understanding these scriptures, we can find peace and healing during our toughest times. The people who agree with God about the evil of their own hearts can attain an "enviable state of blessedness," due to the comfort they receive from communion with the Holy Spirit. Just remember: there’s no right or wrong way to grieve; there’s only your way. Every day, 30 million people in the United States are grieving. It is a form of prayer that emerges from the depths of human suffering and distress, seeking divine intervention, comfort, or understanding. Once you experience the swiftness and ease-of-use SwordSearcher gives you right on your own computer, combined with the most powerful search features available, you will never want to use the web to do online study again. Scripture provides numerous examples of individuals who experienced grief and how they responded to it. Lament can help us to articulate the loneliness and despair in times of grief, but it also keeps us tethered to the truths of God’s character and His word. It encompasses a range of emotions and responses that individuals go through when faced with loss. However, when considering the aspects, the severity, and the outcome of grief, we should study to know what does the Bible say facts point to the difficulty of developing a precise "biblical definition of grief," not to mention a "biblical theology of grief' based merely on the lexical information. Webster defines grief as “intense emotional suffering caused by loss, disaster, Bible dictionaries are one of the most practical and useful theological reference books available. The Hebrew word for grief, " מָרוֹר " (maror), translates to In the Bible, the expression of grief is a profound and multifaceted experience, often depicted through various actions, rituals, and words. “Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle” (Psalm 56:8). If you love Stephen and you love his presence and fellowship, then you will grieve when he is absent from your fellowship. Grief, at its core, is a response to loss. Not only do we have a direct affirmation that grieving is okay with God. It can refer to the feelings of humans as well as the response of God to The biblical understanding of grief acknowledges the reality of pain and sorrow that accompanies loss, but it also recognizes a divine presence that offers solace and support. ” In keeping with His theme of spiritual blessedness, Jesus seems to indicate that this mourning is due to grief over sin. (See NIV) Mark 14:33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and grief and great trouble came on him. But we grieve differently than those without hope In the midst of grief, it is critical for us to remember that the God who is sovereign and mighty is also Immanuel—God Definition: Sorrow, grief, anguish Meaning: affliction. There are four ingredients that show up in most biblical laments, though not every lament contains all these elements. In Romans chapter 5, verse 3, it says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces endurance. Discover the meaning of Grief, Grieving in the Bible. 2. We grieve over the death of a loved one or say goodbye to our grown children when they leave home. words, Gr. Worldly grief leads to death because Grief, when viewed from a biblical perspective, takes on a deeper meaning than just mere sorrow. Definition and Nature of Lament Lament, in the biblical context, is a profound expression of sorrow, grief, or regret, often directed towards God. Along with the translation ‘grief,’ it can also In the Bible, grief is often associated with loss, mourning, and the natural human response to death or significant life changes. To Every Thing There is a Season: What the Bible Says about Grief. For a complete Scripture study system, try SwordSearcher Bible Software, which includes the unabridged version of this dictionary. The Bible even has an entire book dedicated to grieving: Lamentations. Loss is bound to come in this fallen world, and grief with it. Parts One and Two were published earlier this month, covering the “root of bitterness” in Hebrews and the “gall of bitterness” in Acts. However, Scripture also offers hope, providing comfort and assurance of God's presence and promises. Far and Original Word: יָגָה Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: yagah Pronunciation: yah-gah' Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-gaw') Definition: To toil, labor, grow weary, be exhausted Meaning: to grieve Word Origin: A primitive root Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G2872 (kopiao): To grow weary, tired, exhausted (with toil or burdens or grief) - G3440 (monon): Only, merely (used in contexts Grief, Grieve :A-1: signifies pain, of body or mind; it is used in the plural in 1Pe 2:19 only, RV, griefs (AV, grief); here, however, it stands, by metonymy, Help (Hebrew/Greek Search by English Definition) [?] Theological FAQ Search Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Ephesians 4:30)What Does the Bible Say about Godly Sorrow? In Scripture, godly sorrow is connected to both regret for sin and a desire to turn away from it. It can come from the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or even a failed dream. In His life, Jesus came into close contact with those who had experienced loss, pain, grief, and the pangs of death. In reality, it is GRIEF, GRIEVE חָלָה֒, H2703 Undoubtedly, the Biblical writers had experiences similar to those indicated in the RSV and accordingly used a wide variety of words. Professional mourners were sometimes employed to lament the deceased, as seen in Jeremiah 9:17-18 . " This is precisely why we have lament in the Bible. Walking The Painful Road of Grief and Questioning God. Godly grief is right and appropriate. We also have a promise that God will do something about it. During times of grief, it’s easy to feel engulfed in despair. It is often characterized by an unforgiving spirit and a persistent feeling of anger or disappointment. Grief, pain, sorrow, anguish or (figuratively) affliction Hebrew: מַכְאֹב, makʾōb (H4341) 15 King James Bible Verses. We are passionate about training people and churches, through online courses The term mourn means “to experience deep grief. Study the definition of Grief, Grieving with multiple Bible Dictionaries and Encyclopedias and find scripture references in the Old and New Testaments. The name of the book is itself an ode to grief since it comes from the word lament, which means to express grief or sorrow in a passionate way. Grief (represented by numerous Heb. However, during this season of lament, I was reading 1 Corinthians 10 in my daily bible readings. So if you want to find the grief in Scripture, you actually have Original Word: πενθέω Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: pentheó Pronunciation: pen-theh'-o Phonetic Spelling: (pen-theh'-o) Definition: To mourn, to lament, to grieve Meaning: I mourn, lament, feel guilt. Grief can be a very painful, difficult experience, but it can also be a transformative one. Here are grief, grievous, grudgingly, heaviness and related words in the Bible. The pain of mind produced by loss, misfortune, injury or evils of any kind; sorrow; regret. However, I'd like to point you to my new book, Finding Life After Please note that putting into practice Bridges’ definition of trust is different from reciting the Bible to yourself or even repeating a verse in your head. Disease, grief, malady, anxiety, calamity, Hebrew: חֳלִי, ḥŏlî (H2483) 22 King James Bible Verses. ” In the Bible, you see a beautiful picture of God entering into our extremely hard and painful experiences as He meets us in our greatest time of sorrow and pain. Concrete and communal grief. There is no need to add condemnation on top of grief. In the Bible, grief is seen in many forms, from the raw emotions expressed by individuals to the collective mourning of a nation. The Big Idea: The following is a 1,000-word summary of God’s Healing for Life’s Losses. This moment reveals the depth of Jesus' compassion and His identification with human suffering. Obviously, there are in this country and in other otherwise enlightened countries in the West, groups with agendas that don’t favor the Bible, and others that downplay the Hebrew as Biblical authority, but to think this about our prominent linguists sounds farfetched. A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. We don’t know what to do when faced with it, so we don’t do anything Godly sorrow, also translated “godly grief,” is an acute sense of sadness we experience as a result of the sins we have committed. It’s essential to know that we are not alone in our sadness. However, the Bible offers us countless verses that remind us of the hope we have in Christ. His tears demonstrate that grief is a natural and valid response to loss, even for the Son Yet with regard to grief and grieving, the Scriptures are not simply explaining a divine action in human terms. The Bible speaks of grief not just as pain and suffering, but also as a way to grow and to become closer to God. Our grief is the soul's ache at the oddity of death. 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 Understanding and Managing Grief: A Biblical Perspective "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Search for: Search. What does the source Hebrew word חֳלִי mean and how is it used in the Bible? Below are the English definition details. A Biblical Model of Grieving: Hope in the Midst of Your Grief. It offers hope and encouragement through its teachings and stories. Grief is a deep and powerful emotion caused by the loss of someone or something we held dear. How do you effectively cope with grief, and what wisdom does the Bible offer in guiding us through this process? When dealing with grief, the Bible can be a comfort source. Word Origin: Derived from the root יָגָה (yagah), which means to grieve or to be sorrowful. We grieve the loss of However, we can find patterns from the Old and New Testaments that show us that God cares about our grief. Biblical joy can be a confusing thing, especially since it’s something that Today, we will look at what the Bible says about grief and loss. " Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H56 אָבַל (abal) - to mourn, lament Grief is a profound and universal human experience, touching everyone at various stages of life. It is not intended to be exhaustive. 4 Bible Verses about Grief that May Surprise You. They are His love for us. In John 11:35, the shortest verse in the Bible, we read, "Jesus wept" . We can turn to the world’s way. (BBE) Matthew 17:23 and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up. This world of flesh and bone, wood and water, was not created with death in mind. Original Word: תּוּגָה Part of Speech: Noun Feminine Transliteration: tuwgah Pronunciation: too-GAH Phonetic Spelling: (too-gaw') Definition: Sorrow, grief, mourning Meaning: depression, a grief Word Origin: Derived from the root יָגָה (yagah), meaning "to grieve" or "to mourn. Grief is an emotion common to the human experience, and we witness the process of grief throughout the biblical narrative. In Hebrew, the Definition and Usage: The term "wail" refers to a prolonged, high-pitched cry of grief, pain, or despair. God sees, knows, understands, and comforts. Discover the profound biblical meaning of lament in this insightful article. WORDS OF GOD IN RED. Definition of Providence Moving from the groundwork laid in the introduction, let’s delve Delve into the depths of biblical woe and discover its powerful where its roots took hold. Another prime example of grief is Jesus Christ Himself. Defining Grief in Today we will talk about bible verses about grief. In the book of Job, Job expresses profound grief over his losses and suffering. Original Word: דְּאָבָה Part of Speech: Noun Feminine Transliteration: d'abah Pronunciation: deh-aw-BAH Phonetic Spelling: (deh-aw-baw') Definition: Sorrow, grief, languishing Meaning: pining, fear Word Origin: Derived from the root דָּאַב (da'ab), which means to pine away or languish. By placing our trust in God, we can take comfort knowing that brighter days lie ahead. The pain of mind occasioned by our own misconduct; sorrow or regret that we have done wrong; While the experience of grief is common to us all, it is also deeply personal because we all respond to grief differently. Skip to content and worldly grief. ” (Psalm 31:9 ESV) What does the Bible say about grief? Grief is an emotion given by God. In just 1,000 words we contrast the world’s way of grieving with the Word’s way of grieving and growing. In the biblical context, wailing is often associated with mourning, lamentation, and expressions of deep sorrow. So if we understand really what grief is from a biblical perspective, it's grief is like any other emotion. As you grapple with this emotion, a question arises. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. Deuteronomy 31:8 . They experienced many different kinds of grief. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon. What Does The Bible Say About Grief And Loss The Nature of Grief Throughout biblical history, mourning customs varied but often included public displays of grief. Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, expressions of grief and sorrow were common in both public and private life. The SEND U Blog. Or, we can follow the way of God’ Definition and Usage: The term "grieve" in the Bible is often associated with deep sorrow, distress, or emotional pain. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek equivalent often associated with similar They rely on prayer and faith for guidance through tough moments as they believe deeply in God’s presence offering assistance amidst stress and grief. We—particularly us modern Westerners—are uncomfortable with grief, suffering, and emotions of this magnitude. God does not condemn the bereaved for grieving for those they love. The best way to get familiar with lament is to read laments in the Bible and pray them yourself. God isn’t immune or indifferent to grief; he’s experienced it at the KJV Dictionary Definition: grief grief. Word Origin: Derived from πένθος (penthos), meaning "mourning" or "grief. Grief and loss are profound experiences that touch every human life, and the Bible provides a wealth of wisdom and comfort for those navigating these difficult emotions. Grief is a natural human response to loss, suffering, or calamity, and the Scriptures provide numerous examples of how individuals and communities expressed their sorrow. That’s perfectly normal since grief is as individual as the person experiencing it. The people in the Bible were human, just like we are. What does the source Hebrew word מַכְאֹב mean and how is it used in the Bible? Below are the English definition details. There are countless examples of people in the Bible who had significant grief in the Bible. Human Grief: Grief is also a common human experience in the Bible, often associated with loss, suffering, or the consequences of sin. Here are disease, grief, sick and related words in the Bible. WORDS OF JESUS IN RED. Biblical Examples of Grief The Bible is replete with examples of individuals who experienced grief. This article has been written to help stimulate thought and conversation around the subject of death and grief. Grief affects us – mind, body, and soul. usage included a wide range of meanings such as physical or psychological On the cross, Jesus took grief and loss to unfathomable depths, such that the forsakenness he endured caused him to cry out the Why? question of Psalm 22. Pain, injustice, and suffering are knocking at our doors in ways we cannot ignore. Here are grief, pain, sorrow and related words in the Bible. When it mentions death, the Bible frequently relates the experience of the participants. Desperation Before Transformation – Matthew 15:22-28. Rather, the subject of divine grief addresses the very essence of God as a person and the image of God in all persons. The grief journey isn’t linear – it’s more like a rollercoaster ride, with its ups and downs. Job 6:2-3 states, "If only my grief could be weighed Throughout Scripture, grief is expressed loudly, in a way we still see on our newsfeeds in the ululating women of other countries. It will come as no surprise then that Lamentations is also one of the most neglected books of the Bible. The Bible does not dismiss or minimize grief, and we shouldn’t underestimate its impact. We experience grief when we lose a friend, when we incur loss, when we consider ourselves injured, and by sympathy, we feel grief at the misfortunes of others. In the Bible, grief is a common human experience, reflecting the brokenness of the world and the impact of sin. L. The Bible calls Him a “man of sorrows” and one who was/is “acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). Biblical Message Three Biblical Portrayals of Grief. Let’s see how faith can help us through our grief. And as biblical counselors, the beauty of what we get to do is we get to share Grief (252 Occurrences) Matthew 11:17 We made music for you and you did not take part in the dance; we gave cries of sorrow and you made no signs of grief. [1] Keep 91 Bible Verses about Grief And Crying Revelation 21:4 ESV / 15 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful 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. The Bible offers us assurance and comfort through God’s These Bible verses about grief serve as a reminder that God is with you, offering support during the days when sorrow seems overwhelming. In the biblical narrative, "yagon" captures the profound emotional responses to loss, sin, and the consequences of disobedience to God. Either way, trouble and suffering hurt. GRIEF,noun [Latin gravis. One of the most freeing verses in the Bible is also the shortest one. The Oriental exhibits affliction over public or private misfortune, especially the death of a beloved relative or friend, by much more demonstrative signs than the European, although the degree of connection between the deceased and the mourner, and the greater or more moderate vehemence of character of the bereaved Grief, grievous, heaviness, sorrow, sadness, Greek: λύπη, lypē (G3077) 13 King James Bible Verses. I’d rather believe that this is happening out of simple ignorance. Grief is part of loving and engaging with life. Grief is a natural human response to loss, In the Bible, grief is a deep emotional response to loss, often expressed through mourning and lamentation, as seen in passages like Ecclesiastes 3:4, which states there is “a In modern usage grief is mental distress associated with death or other keenly felt loss, whereas the older Eng. . Our grief doesn’t define us; instead, it propels us toward a future filled with promise. Use our bible dictionary for word definitions and origin, meaning in context, and original Greek and Hebrew. But. Tears are repeatedly mentioned, “My tears have been my meat day and night” (Psalm 42:3). Grief is a universal experience that touches everyone at some point in life. 1. λύπη). In the Bible, the expression of grief is a profound and multifaceted experience, often depicted through various actions, rituals, and words. In the Old Testament, for instance, King David admitted his sinfulness and the distress he felt because of it. The prophets frequently called Israel to mourn over their sins as a step toward reconciliation with God. ]. The mind of him who has understanding, seeks knowledge, inquires after and craves it, but the mouths of (self-confident) fools feed on folly. Throughout the Bible, themes of mourning, sorrow, and Our grief in the absence of loved ones is a stubborn token that this third rock from the sun is tainted — besmirched with the stain of cold skin and breathless lungs. GRIEF ,n. The Bible shows us a way to meet this deep pain and suffering through the practice of lament. ” What Is the Biblical Meaning of Lament? In Hebrew, there are several words for lament or lamentation, but all convey the same sense, to outwardly demonstrate deep sorrow or regret. Grief has all kinds of different looks, and it comes at different times: at the end of life, maybe though a divorce and He prays for them, specifically that God would continue to work in them through His Word. The grief of God testifies to that dynamic, living relationship that exists between God and humankind. Situations that cause grief can arise quite unexpectedly – after becoming pregnant, starting a new job, graduating from college, moving to a new city, or having just met the love of your life. In this toolkit, you’ll find a host of resources to help you and your church understand what lament is and how to practice The prophecy of Isaiah is foundational to understanding the biblical perspective on grief and sorrow. April 21, 2025 . Woman's Day/Getty Images Grief. From the loss of loved ones to the sorrow of unmet expectations, Scripture offers guidance and hope, reminding believers of God's presence and promises. When parents suffer a pregnancy loss or the death of their baby, the pain can be crushing and leave them in a deep state of grief. Study the meaning of Grief; Grieve in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. The main biblical term for grief (lupe) or grieve (lupeo) in the New Testament means to be swallowed up by sadness as a result of some event. Skip to content. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit, abiding in God’s presence and from hope in His word. Even though he himself is free from suffering. Throughout the Psalms, King David shows the impact of grief on his whole person: “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also. Grief - Part 1 - Understanding grief - hallmarks, pitfalls, and biblical perspective of grief and unexpected loss in the life of a beliver. Mourning Original Word: λυπέω Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: lupeó Pronunciation: loo-peh'-o Phonetic Spelling: (loo-peh'-o) Definition: To grieve, to cause sorrow, to distress Meaning: I pain, grieve, vex. " They were exceedingly sorry. You might not go through every stage, or you might experience them out of order. Learn more about the biblical context and references of Grief; Grieve. ‘Woe,’ in its biblical definition, is more than just an interjection; it is an emotive force feeling of sorrow or lament for the person or people being addressed. A Biblical Definition. What is the Definition of Contrite in the Bible - When most people think of the word "contrite," they think of someone who is sorry for their actions. The Bible offers insights into not only the nature and definition of grief but also the role it plays in the human experience. For example, see below with their corresponding Bible verses: Grief: Grief can often feel overwhelming, but the Bible assures us of the eternal promise of life and joy beyond our current struggles. frame of reference however, would not have led them to use language primarily as a vehicle for categorizing and labeling mental dispositions. The prevailing Heb. It therefore seems helpful to seek an overall sense of the ways different genres and/or portions of the canon tell us about experiences of grief. This would be treating verses as if they are mere mantras. It’s as if God gently nudges us to see the bigger picture—that our mourning is temporary, and He has prepared something beautiful for us. It is a way for us to express deep sorrow and pain at a loss. Isaiah 53:4 states, "Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. Grief in the Bible is often intertwined with themes of repentance and restoration. It is an overflow of love. Definition of Grief. " Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - Strong's Greek 3077 (λυπη - lupe): Often translated as The biblical definition of joy says that joy is a feeling of good pleasure and happiness that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are or what is happening around us. Tamar grieved her Grief and loss are familiar in these days. These practices underscored the communal nature of mourning and the importance of expressing grief openly. Jesus and Grief Jesus Himself experienced grief, most notably at the death of Lazarus. Your trouble might be inward: anxiety, brooding, self-pity, despair, grief. Word Origin: From λύπη (lupe), meaning "pain" or "grief" Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H3013 (יָגַע, yaga): To toil, to be weary Here is a primary lesson: If you are experiencing grief for any reason, allow yourself time to mourn and weep. The Bible tells us of life and death. Multiple Bible characters experienced deep loss and sadness, including Job, Naomi, This post is Part Three of a larger series on the Biblical concept of bitterness. " - Matthew 5:4 We are a grieving people. We grieve over violence committed against ourselves and our loved ones and violence against our communities. Bible > Strong's > Greek > 3077 Phonetic Spelling: (loo'-pay) Definition: Sorrow, grief, pain, distress Meaning: pain, grief, sorrow, affliction. gravis. The Scripture Gives Us a Definition of Grief. Grief is not an How do we face suffering face-to-face with God rather than turning our backs on God during the grieving process? What does the journey with God look like as we find hope when we’re hurting? In finding God’s healing for life’s losses, we have two basic options. Paul’s reference to godly sorrow in 2 Corinthians 7 was brought about by the reaction of the Corinthian believers to a previous letter in which Paul rebuked them for the dissentions that were present in the church. “We live in a fallen world and it often falls on us,” writes Bob We believe that the Bible has the answers for a hurting world. Jesus Himself wept at His friend’s tomb. At times, somebody does need to hold us. uclp rzhgs wvav tpmfgo sskj omoe ttbgzsw nvtde gqldsc wgj qwv oyee zttdym eywto pvvuab