What does the Bible say about death?

Key verses and biblical answers about death.

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The Bible looks death in the face — "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) — but never stops there: "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus." Since Easter morning, death has lost the game: "death, where is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55).

For the believer, dying is no longer an end but a passage: "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will still live, even if he dies" (John 11:25). And at the end of the story, "death will be no more" (Revelation 21:4) — last enemy, first abolished.

Bible verses about death

  • « Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. »

    John 11:25

  • « Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. »

    Psalms 23:4

  • « For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. »

    Romans 6:23

  • « For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. »

    John 3:16

  • « “Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?” »

    1 Corinthians 15:55

  • « He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.” »

    Revelation 21:4

  • « We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. »

    2 Corinthians 5:8

  • « For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. »

    Philippians 1:21

Frequently asked questions about death

What happens after death according to the Bible?

For the believer: immediate presence with Christ ("absent from the body, at home with the Lord," 2 Corinthians 5:8), then the resurrection of the body at Jesus' return, and the new creation without death or tears.

Should I be afraid of death?

Jesus came to "deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:15). Death remains an enemy — but a defeated one, whose shadow only passes over (Psalms 23:4).

What does the Bible say about suicide?

Life is a sacred gift, and God is close to those who suffer to the point of thinking about it. If that is you, talk about it today — to someone close, a pastor, a doctor, or a crisis helpline in your country (988 in the US, 116 123 in the UK). Asking for help is an act of courage.

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