Suffering is a universal part of life that affects everyone, regardless of time or culture. The Bible, a source of spiritual guidance for many, deeply and wisely addresses this reality with God’s Word. These 140 Bible verses about suffering explore these teachings, providing comfort and understanding. They serve as a source of hope and strength, guided by God, through tough times. Join us as we find solace in the enduring words that have supported many through their darkest moments.
Perseverance Amid Suffering
- Romans 5:3-4 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
- James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
- 2 Thessalonians 1:4 – “Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”
- Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
- Luke 21:19 – “Stand firm, and you will win life.”
- Romans 8:25 – “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
- James 5:11 – “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.”
- Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Faith During Trials and Suffering
- 1 Peter 4:12-13 – “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
- James 1:3 – “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.”
- Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
- 1 Peter 5:10 – “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”
- Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
- Psalm 34:19 – “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”
- Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hope in Suffering
- Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
- Romans 8:24-25 – “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?”
- Psalm 42:11 – “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
- Lamentations 3:24 – “I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’”
- 1 Peter 1:13 – “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope fully on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
- Psalm 71:14 – “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
- Titus 1:2 – “In hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.”
- 1 Thessalonians 1:3 – “Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Hebrews 6:19 – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”
Comfort in Affliction and Suffering
- 2 Corinthians 1:4 – “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
- Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
- Isaiah 51:12 – “I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass?”
- Psalm 119:50 – “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
- Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
- Isaiah 66:13 – “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”
- Psalm 94:19 – “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
- John 14:1 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”
- Isaiah 49:13 – “Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”
- Psalm 138:7 – “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.”
Redemption Through Suffering
- Colossians 1:24 – “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.”
- 1 Peter 2:21 – “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
- Hebrews 2:10 – “In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.”
- Romans 8:17 – “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
- Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
- Philippians 3:10 – “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
- 1 Peter 4:1 – “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.”
- Hebrews 5:8 – “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered.”
- Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the suffering of his peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Strength in Weakness and Suffering
- 2 Corinthians 12:10 – “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
- Philippians 4:12-13 – “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
- Isaiah 40:29-31 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
- 2 Corinthians 13:4 – “For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him.”
- Ephesians 6:10 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
- Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
- Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
- Hebrews 4:15-16 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
Deliverance from Suffering
- Psalm 34:17-18 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
- Psalm 50:15 – “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
- 2 Timothy 4:18 – “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
- Psalm 91:14-15 – “‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.’”
- Psalm 107:19-20 – “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.”
- Exodus 14:13-14 – “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.’”
- Psalm 33:18-19 – “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.”
- Psalm 40:1-2 – “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.”
- Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”
- Daniel 3:17 – “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.”
Joy in Trials and Suffering
- James 1:2-3 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
- 1 Peter 1:6-7 – “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”
- Acts 5:41 – “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”
- Romans 5:3 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.”
- 2 Corinthians 6:10 – “Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.”
- Philippians 1:29 – “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.”
- Colossians 1:11 – “Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”
- Hebrews 12:2 – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame.”
- 1 Peter 4:13 – “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
- Acts 16:25 – “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”
Endurance through Suffering
- 2 Timothy 2:3 – “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
- Hebrews 12:7 – “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?”
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
- Hebrews 10:36 – “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
Spiritual Growth from Suffering
- Romans 5:3-5 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
- James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
- 1 Peter 1:7 – “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
- Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
- Hebrews 12:10-11 – “They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
- Colossians 1:10-11 – “So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
- Ephesians 4:15 – “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Protection in Adversity and Suffering
- Psalm 91:1-2 – “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
- Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
- Psalm 46:1-3 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
- Isaiah 54:17 – “No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn.”
- Psalm 121:7-8 – “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life.”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
- Psalm 32:7 – “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
- Psalm 59:16 – “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”
Gratitude in Suffering
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
- Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
- Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
- Hebrews 12:28 – “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
- Psalm 100:4-5 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
- 2 Corinthians 2:14 – “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.”
- Ephesians 5:20 – “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Psalm 107:21-22 – “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:4 – “I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”
Divine Presence in Hardships and Suffering
- Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- Matthew 28:20 – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Psalm 139:7-10 – “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?”
- Exodus 33:14 – “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
- Psalm 46:5 – “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”
- Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
- Hebrews 13:5 – “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
Courage in Adversity and Suffering
- Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
- Psalm 31:24 – “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
- Philippians 1:28 – “Without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.”
- Psalm 118:6 – “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
- Acts 4:13 – “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”
- Psalm 112:7 – “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Peace Amidst Suffering
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
- Psalm 119:165 – “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:16 – “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
- Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
- Psalm 4:8 – “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
- Isaiah 32:17 – “The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.”
Restoration and Healing from Suffering
- Jeremiah 30:17 – “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.”
- Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
- Isaiah 58:8 – “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear.”
- Job 42:10 – “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”
- Psalm 51:12 – “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
- Hosea 6:1 – “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.”
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
- Malachi 4:2 – “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.”
- Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
Conclusion
Reflecting on these 140 Bible verses about suffering reminds us that there’s always hope and renewal ahead. These scriptures comfort us and strengthen our faith, guiding us to trust in the divine plan. May these words be a light in your journey, bringing peace and resilience during tough times. Remember, you are never alone in your struggles.