It can be difficult to have to write or choose a phrase for the tombstone of a loved one in the midst of the pain of physical loss. In the Word of God we find verses of comfort and hope that can serve this purpose.
Below are 25 biblical phrases that have been used on tombstones throughout the ages. You will see that with some of the verses there is also a shorter version that can be used for that purpose.
1. John 11:25
Then Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even if he dies.
(John 11:25)
Shorter version for tombstones:
Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life.
(John 11:25)
2. Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither what is present nor what is to come, nor powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love that God has manifested us in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:38-39)
Shorter version for tombstones:
Nothing can separate us from the love that God has shown us in Christ Jesus.
(Romans 8:39)
3. 1 John 2:25
This is the promise he gave us: eternal life.
(1 John 2:25)
4. 2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
(2 Timothy 4:7)
Shorter version for tombstones:
I have finished the race.
(2 Timothy 4:7)
5. 2 Timothy 2:11
This message is credible: If we die with it, we will also live with it.
(2 Timothy 2:11)
Shorter version for tombstones:
If we die with him, we will also live with him.
(2 Timothy 2:11)
6. Job 19:25-26
I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will triumph over death.
And, when my skin has been destroyed, I will still see God with my own eyes.
(Job 19:25-26)
Shorter version for tombstones:
I know that my redeemer lives.
(Job 19:25a)
I will see God with my own eyes.
(Job 19:25b)
7. John 14:2
In my Father’s home there are many dwellings; if it wasn’t so, he would have already told you. I’ll make you a place.
(John 14:2)
Shorter version for tombstones:
In my Father’s home there are many dwellings.
(John 14:2)
8. Romans 14:8
If we live, we live for the Lord; and, if we die, to the Lord we die. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
(Romans 14:8)
Shorter version for tombstones:
If we die, to the Lord we die.
(Romans 14:8)
9. Philippians 1:21
Because for me to live is Christ and to die is gain.
(Philippians 1:21)
10. Matthew 25:21
His lord replied: “You did well, good and faithful servant! In little you have been faithful; I’ll put you in charge of much more. Come and share the happiness of your lord!”
(Matthew 25:21)
Shorter version for tombstones:
You did well, good and faithful servant!
(Matthew 25:21)
Come and share the happiness of your lord!
(Matthew 25:21b)
11. 1 John 2:17b
He who does the will of God lives forever.
(1 John 2:17b)
12. John 3:16
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16)
13. Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart,
because they will see God.
(Matthew 5:8)
14. John 14:6
I am the way, the truth and the life, Jesus replied. Nobody comes to the Father except through me.
(John 14:6)
Shorter version for tombstones:
I’m the way, the truth and the life.
(John 14:6)
15. Isaiah 57:2
Those who walk the straight path die in peace;
They find rest on their deathbed.
(Isaiah 57:2)
16. 1 Corinthians 15:22
For just as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will live again.
(1 Corinthians 15:22)
Shorter version for tombstones:
In Christ all will live again.
(1 Corinthians 15:22)
17. 1 Corinthians 15:54
When the corruptible is clothed with the incorruptible, and the mortal with immortality, then what is written will be fulfilled: “Death has been devoured by victory.”
(1 Corinthians 15:54)
Shorter version for tombstones:
Death has been devoured by victory.
(1 Corinthians 15:54)
18. Revelation 2:10b
Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
(Revelation 2:10)
19. Psalm 23:6
Kindness and love will follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
(Psalm 23:6)
Shorter version for tombstones:
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
(Psalm 23:6)
20. Psalm 40:4a
Blessed is he who puts his trust in the Lord.
(Psalm 40:4a)
21. Psalm 36:7
How precious, O God, is your great love!
Every human being finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings
(Psalm 36:7)
Shorter version for tombstones:
Every human being finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings
(Psalm 36:7)
22. Luke 23:43
I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise, Jesus replied.
(Luke 23:43)
Shorter version for tombstones:
Today you will be with me in paradise.
(Luke 23:43)
23. Matthew 10:22
Because of my name everyone will hate them, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
(Matthew 10:22)
Shorter version for tombstones:
He who stands firm to the end will be saved.
(Matthew 10:22)
24. John 8:32
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
(John 8:32)
25. Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
shelters in the shadow of the Almighty.
(Psalm 91:1)
Shorter version for tombstones:
In the shadow of the Almighty.
(Psalm 91:1)
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