25 Bible Verses About Tears (With Commentary)
Tears are a universal expression of human emotion. Join us as we delve into the Bible to discover verses that acknowledge the power of tears. These verses offer solace and hope, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, God is near to comfort us.
Bible Verses About Tears
Psalm 56:8
“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?”
This verse reminds us that God is aware of our tears and collects them as if they were precious. It brings comfort knowing that our tears are not forgotten or unseen by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“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, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
God is the ultimate source of comfort, and He can turn our tears into opportunities to comfort and encourage others who are going through similar struggles. He can use our experiences of pain and sorrow to bring hope to others.
John 16:20
“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.”
This verse reassures us that even though we may experience weeping and sorrow in this world, there is hope for a future filled with joy. Our present tears will be transformed into everlasting joy in the presence of God.
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
In times of weeping and sadness, it is important to remember that God’s favor and joy are always available to us. Our tears may last for a while, but they will eventually be replaced by the joy of a new day. God’s love and mercy endure forever.
Revelation 21:4
“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.”
This verse paints a beautiful picture of the future God has prepared for His people. In His presence, all tears will be wiped away, and there will be no more sorrow or pain. It is a reminder that our current trials are temporary, and there is a glorious eternity awaiting us.
Psalm 126:5
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!”
This verse encourages us with the promise that our tears and sorrows will not be in vain. As we trust in God and persevere through our trials, we will ultimately experience a harvest of joy. Our tears will be transformed into shouts of praise and thanksgiving.
Isaiah 25:8
“He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.”
God’s promise to wipe away every tear is a symbol of His power to overcome death and bring about complete restoration. In His presence, there will be no more mourning or shame. This verse gives us hope in the midst of our tears, knowing that God has the final victory.
Psalm 34:17-18
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
God is not distant and unaffected by our tears. He is near to those who are brokenhearted and listens to the cries of the righteous. When we are in distress, we can find comfort in knowing that God will come to our aid and deliver us from our troubles.
Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Jesus recognizes our pain and grief when we mourn, and He promises to bring comfort and solace to those who are deeply saddened. This verse reminds us that even in our tears, we can find a blessed assurance that God will bring healing and peace.
Psalm 42:3
“My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, ‘Where is your God?’”
This verse empathizes with the feeling of sorrow when others question the presence of God in our lives. It acknowledges the reality that tears can become constant companions during difficult times. However, it also encourages us to hold onto our faith and trust in God, despite the doubts and criticisms of others.
Psalm 34:15
“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.”
God sees and hears the cries of the righteous. He is attentive to our needs and is always ready to respond with His love and compassion. This verse assures us that when we shed tears before God, He pays attention and extends His grace and mercy.
Psalm 126:6
“He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”
As we persevere through times of weeping and sow seeds of faith and trust in God, we can expect a harvest of joy and blessings. This verse encourages us not to lose hope but to continue forward, knowing that our tears will one day be turned into shouts of joy.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
In the midst of our tears and burdens, this verse urges us to cast our cares upon God. When we surrender our troubles to Him, He promises to sustain and support us. Our tears may be heavy, but God is strong enough to carry them.
1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
God not only invites us to give Him our burdens but also our anxieties and worries. He cares deeply for us and wants us to experience His peace, even in the midst of our tears. This verse reminds us that we do not have to carry our troubles alone but can trust in God’s care and provision.
Psalm 6:8-9
“Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer.”
When we cry out to God, He hears our prayers. This verse assures us that God is attentive to our weeping and takes action on our behalf. It encourages us to have confidence in the Lord’s ability to bring deliverance and justice.
Psalm 56:11
“In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
Trusting in God enables us to face our sorrows with courage and confidence. Even though tears may flow, our trust in God’s sovereignty and protection gives us peace. This verse reminds us that God is greater than any human opposition and that He is our ultimate protector.
Isaiah 53:3
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
This verse refers to Jesus Christ, who experienced deep sorrow and grief during His earthly ministry. He understands our tears and can sympathize with our pain. As the Suffering Servant, Jesus is intimately familiar with suffering and offers us His comfort and understanding.
Psalm 30:11
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.”
God has the power to transform our mourning into dancing. Even though tears may be present for a time, He can bring about restoration and healing. This verse reminds us that God is able to replace our sorrow with joy and lift us up from the depths of despair.
John 11:35
“Jesus wept.”
Jesus, the Son of God, experienced tears Himself. This verse shows His deep compassion and empathy for our pain. He understands the depths of human emotions and is not distant from our tears. Jesus wept out of love for His friends, reminding us that He is a compassionate and caring Savior.
Psalm 102:9
“For I eat ashes like bread and mingle tears with my drink.”
This verse paints a vivid picture of despair and sorrow, using the metaphor of eating ashes and drinking tears. It captures the anguish and heaviness of a broken spirit. However, it also serves as a reminder that God sees our pain and can bring restoration and nourishment to our weary souls.
Psalm 31:9
“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also.”
During seasons of tears and distress, it is natural for our souls and bodies to feel drained and exhausted. This verse acknowledges the weariness that grief can bring. However, it also addresses God directly, asking for His grace and mercy in the midst of our afflictions.
Psalm 84:5
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.”
In times of weakness, tears, and trouble, this verse reminds us that our strength comes from God. By keeping our hearts focused on Him, we are blessed with the assurance of reaching our ultimate destination—Zion, the dwelling place of God. There is hope and purpose in our tears when our strength is rooted in the Lord.
Revelation 7:17
“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
This verse speaks of the future hope we have in Christ. The Lamb, who is Jesus, will be our shepherd, leading us to eternal refreshment and comfort. God Himself will wipe away every tear, signifying the end of all sorrow and pain. It is a beautiful promise that reminds us of the glorious future that awaits us beyond our tears.
What Does the Bible Say About Tears?
In the Bible, tears are mentioned numerous times, and they carry significant spiritual and emotional symbolism. They often represent a range of human experiences and emotions, and as we explore these references, we can gain a deeper understanding of how tears are perceived in the context of faith and spirituality.
1. Tears of Sorrow and Grief: The Bible acknowledges that we will experience moments of profound sadness and loss. Psalm 30:5 (NIV) reminds us that “weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” This verse suggests that tears are a natural response to grief, but they do not last forever. They eventually give way to joy and healing.
2. Tears of Repentance: In times of remorse and repentance, tears can be a powerful expression of our desire to turn away from sin and seek forgiveness. King David, in Psalm 51:17 (NIV), says, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” This indicates that God values a sincere and repentant heart, even if it is accompanied by tears.
3. Tears of Compassion: Throughout the Bible, we see instances where Jesus shows deep compassion for others and sheds tears. In John 11:35 (NIV), it’s recorded that “Jesus wept” when He witnessed the grief of Mary and Martha over the death of their brother Lazarus. This demonstrates that tears can be a reflection of our empathy and compassion for others.
4. Tears of Perseverance: Tears can also symbolize our struggles and perseverance in the face of adversity. In 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV), the apostle Paul speaks of godly sorrow leading to repentance. This suggests that tears shed in the process of enduring challenges can ultimately lead to spiritual growth and transformation.
5. Tears of Joy: The Bible acknowledges that tears can also flow from moments of overwhelming joy and gratitude. Psalm 126:5 (NIV) says, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” This verse suggests that tears shed during difficult times can eventually yield moments of profound happiness.
In summary, the Bible recognizes tears as a natural and meaningful part of the human experience. They can signify grief, repentance, compassion, perseverance, and joy. Through these emotions and experiences, tears connect us to our spirituality and remind us of our need for God’s comfort, forgiveness, and guidance.
