Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences in life. When someone we care for passes away, it is normal to grieve and mourn their loss. Many people find themselves overcome with emotions like sadness, anger, and confusion. Crying is a natural response during grief. But what does the Bible say about crying when someone dies? The Bible provides comfort, wisdom, and reassurance for those navigating grief and mourning.
Crying is a natural response
The Bible affirms that crying is a normal and expected reaction to the death of a loved one. When Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, died, Jesus himself cried (John 11:35). Many other examples in Scripture show people weeping when someone they cared about passed away (Genesis 23:2, 2 Samuel 1:11-12, Mark 5:38-39). God created us with the capacity to feel emotions deeply, including the sorrow, pain, and tears that accompany losing someone we love.
Crying can be an expression of grief
Tears are often an outward expression of inner grief and heartache. King David “wept aloud” when he learned of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, his friend and the former king’s son. David cried as a means of grieving their loss and honoring their memory (2 Samuel 1:11-12). Many times in Scripture, crying or weeping is associated with mourning and lament. The tears shed when someone dies can be a physical manifestation of the deep sense of loss and hardship felt after their passing.
Crying expresses love and the pain of separation
Tears at a death often flow from a place of great love. When Lazarus died, Jesus saw Mary, Lazarus’ sister, weeping along with the other mourners. Her tearful anguish moved Jesus deeply (John 11:33). The sadness and tears of losing a loved one show the depth of relationship, fondness, and care shared with the deceased. Crying also reflects the hardship of separation from someone meaningful and close in life.
God collects and records tears
Some verses indicate God is aware of each tear shed in grief. King David said God had “collected all my tears in a bottle” (Psalm 56:8). The prophet Malachi spoke of God keeping a “scroll of remembrance” to record the names of those who feared Him as well as “every tear from their eyes” (Malachi 3:16). For believers, there is comfort knowing God is cognizant of their deepest hurts and understands the emotions that cause their tears.
Jesus promises comfort to those who mourn
Jesus proclaimed blessings and comfort for those who mourn, including those grieving a death. As God incarnate, Christ understands the sorrow of bereavement. He pronounces special blessing on those who mourn and promises they “will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). Jesus himself met grief with compassion. Knowing Jesus identifies with loss provides reassurance that He will bring solace in the midst of mourning.
God is near the brokenhearted
Several verses describe God as closely attuned to those crushed in spirit from loss. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). He protects and defends the vulnerable. For the grieving facing emotional wounds, God’s nearby presence as a refuge and helper is a wellspring of comfort and strength.
The Bible gives examples of healthy grieving
The Bible provides models for going through the grieving process in a constructive way. Both Job and David took time to openly express their grief when facing terrible loss. They poured out their pain to God in prayer and lament (Job 1-3, Psalm 22). The book of Ecclesiastes notes there is “a time to weep and a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Healthy expressions of grief balance mourning with comfort and hope.
Crying releases tension and emotion
Many psychologists identify crying as beneficial. Letting oneself cry can release bottled up tension and emotion that need expression. Shedding tears activates the parasympathetic nervous system, part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body down after heightened stress. Though painful initially, crying has a soothing, cathartic effect. So the tears shed in mourning can serve as part of the healing process after losing someone dear.
God will wipe away all tears
Several prophetic passages describe the glorious future when God will bring an end to death, mourning, crying, and pain (Revelation 21:4). Those who put their faith in Christ will experience everlasting comfort and joy in God’s presence, without the sorrows of earthly life. This promise offers hope to believers in their seasons of bereavement and weeping.
Crying is time-limited
Though grief may linger, the most intense mourning gradually diminishes over time. As the psalmist said after suffering an apparent illness, weeping may last a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). With comfort from God, family, and community, most progress to less frequent tears and a renewed capacity for joy.
We grieve, but not without hope
For those who trust in Jesus, death does not have the final say. Christ conquered death through his resurrection. Though Christians still experience real loss when a loved one dies, they cling to unshakeable hope of eternal life. The apostle Paul encouraged fellow believers “not to grieve like the rest who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Because of Christ, grief is accompanied by confident assurance of resurrection and restoration.
God provides mercy and comfort to the bereaved
A recurring promise throughout Scripture is God’s bountiful mercy and comfort for those navigating loss. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). For the mourner facing constant tears, God’s Spirit brings help, peace, and tender care in each moment of need.
Examples of Biblical Figures Who Wept at Death and Loss
| Biblical Figure | Circumstance of Grief and Tears | Bible Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Abraham | After death of wife Sarah | Genesis 23:2 |
| Joseph | When reuniting with brothers who had betrayed him | Genesis 42:24 |
| David | Learning of deaths of Saul and Jonathan | 2 Samuel 1:11-12 |
| Jesus | At tomb of friend Lazarus | John 11:35 |
| Mary Magdalene | Discovering empty tomb after Christ’s crucifixion | John 20:11 |
| Paul | Over concern for unbelieving fellow Jews | Romans 9:2-3 |
| Jesus | Approaching Jerusalem before his crucifixion | Luke 19:41 |
Crying Can Accompany Spiritual Breakthroughs
Though most associated with grief, tears in the Bible also accompany times of profound joy, renewal, and encounter with God. Ezra the priest cried when reading the rediscovered book of the law (Nehemiah 8:9). When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, witnesses present “began to weep for joy” (John 11:45). The apostle Paul said he served God with “many tears and trials” along with joy from the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 6:10, Acts 20:19). Tears express the depth of human emotion in all of life’s most pivotal moments.
Reasons Crying Is Beneficial in Grief According to Psychology Research
Secular research in psychology affirms the value of tears during bereavement:
- Allows release of built up sadness, tension, and memories of the deceased
- Activates the parasympathetic nervous system to help calm heightened stress
- Serves as a visual expression of grief for comfort and empathy from others
- Promotes production of endorphins to relieve emotional and physical pain
- Supports processing of loss and re-stabilizing after disruption of death
Healthy Ways to Manage Crying After Losing a Loved One
Though an important part of mourning, frequent or uncontrollable crying can be draining. Here are some healthy tips for navigating tears in grief:
- Give yourself permission to cry but also set limits if needed
- Express your feelings to God in prayer and lament even when tearful
- Let close family and friends provide comfort through presence and support
- Balance crying with other self-care like rest, nutrition, gentle exercise
- Speak with your doctor if crying becomes completely unmanageable or disruptive
- Consider joining a grief support group to connect with others experiencing similar emotions
- Focus on beautiful memories of the deceased instead of just sad departure
Comforting Bible Verses About Crying and Tears
Here are some encouraging and sympathetic Bible verses to reflect on when grieving:
“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)
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)
“These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.” (Psalm 42:4)
Finding Hope While Grieving
Walking through grief is incredibly difficult. Crying and tears are to be expected after losing someone dear. The Bible offers truth, reassurance, and hope to comfort and sustain the bereaved. God promises to be near, providing all needed mercy and peace. His grace is sufficient to bring joy and purpose even after tragedy and loss. Though mourning may endure, light still dawns. The bereaved can cling to the bedrock promise that one day, God Himself will tenderly wipe every tear from their eyes.