Although they are sometimes seen as a sign of sadness, tears have profound spiritual significance in the Bible. Tears reveal the depth of human emotions and our need on God, whether they are shed in prayer, joy, repentance, or grief. According to the Bible, God sees tears and provides consolation and healing instead of forgetting them. Numerous verses serve as a reminder that God is always there to dry our tears and that there is a reason why we cry. Examining these bible verses about tears gives comfort in knowing that no tear is wasted in God’s eyes.
The Bible verses about tears is filled with instances of individuals pleading with God for assistance when they are in dire straits. The Bible makes clear that crying is not a sign of weakness but rather a means of growing closer to God, as shown in David’s psalms and Jesus’ own tears. Tears can be a sign of profound gratitude, a request for forgiveness, or even an act of repentance. These verses exhort us to have faith that God hears our prayers and is prepared to grant us the serenity and solace we require.
Tears also represent a healing and rejuvenating process. According to the Bible, gladness arrives in the morning, even though sadness may linger for a night. God promises to create beauty from ashes and to transform grief into dance. This guarantee provides us hope even during our darkest hours by serving as a constant reminder that God is at work in our lives, even when we are unable to see it. These bible verses about tears encourage us to maintain our faith and think that our suffering is never in vain.
God sees and comprehends our difficulties, whether we are crying in prayer, shedding tears of repentance, or grieving a loss. For those who seek Him, the Bible is replete with promises of joy and restoration. We are reminded of God’s unending love and the solace He offers as we study these verses concerning weeping. No matter what we go through, we can take comfort in the fact that He knows we cry and will eventually offer us peace.
30 Most Painful Bible Verses About Tears in 2025
1. Psalm 56:8
“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?”
This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s deep concern for our sorrows. When we face hardships, we may feel like our pain is unnoticed or insignificant. However, this verse assures us that God sees every tear we shed and keeps record of our struggles. The imagery of God collecting our tears in a bottle suggests that our pain is precious to Him. It is a testimony of His compassion and care. Even in our loneliest moments, we can find comfort knowing that God acknowledges our suffering and will bring justice and healing in His perfect time.
2. 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 offers a glimpse of the eternal hope we have in Christ. Life on earth is filled with pain, suffering, and loss, but God promises that all of this will one day come to an end. In heaven, every tear will be wiped away, and we will experience perfect peace in the presence of God. This verse encourages us to persevere through trials, knowing that a future without sorrow awaits those who remain faithful to Him. It is a promise that no matter how much we cry now, joy and restoration will come in God’s kingdom.
3. John 11:35
“Jesus wept.”
This short yet profound verse reveals the depth of Jesus’ empathy. Even though He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead, He still wept alongside those who mourned. This moment shows us that God is not distant or unfeeling—He understands our grief and shares in our pain. Jesus’ tears remind us that it is okay to cry and express our emotions. When we are hurting, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus, who suffered on our behalf, understands our sorrow and stands with us in our darkest moments.
4. 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.”
Life is full of trials that bring tears, but this verse reassures us that sorrow is temporary. We may endure difficult nights filled with grief, but God promises that joy will follow. His favor and grace last far beyond our moments of suffering. Just as the morning sun rises after a dark night, God’s blessings will shine on us again. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s timing and remain hopeful, even when we are in the midst of despair.
5. 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.”
This verse is a prophecy of God’s ultimate victory over sin, death, and suffering. It echoes the promise of eternal restoration, where all pain and sorrow will be erased. When we cry over losses, disappointments, and hardships, we can find hope in this promise. God Himself will personally wipe away our tears, ensuring that we will never experience grief again. This verse reassures us that even in the most painful moments, God’s plan is for eternal joy and peace.
6. 2 Kings 20:5
“Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you.”
This verse is a powerful reminder that God hears our prayers and sees our tears. When King Hezekiah cried out to God in desperation, God responded with healing and mercy. This verse reassures us that our cries do not go unnoticed. When we bring our pain before God, He listens and responds with compassion. Whether we are seeking physical healing, emotional restoration, or spiritual renewal, we can trust that God sees our tears and will act according to His perfect will.
7. Psalm 126:5
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!”
This verse speaks to the redemptive power of suffering. When we go through seasons of sorrow, it may feel like our pain is in vain. However, God promises that tears are not wasted—they are like seeds that will produce a harvest of joy. If we remain faithful through hardship, we will eventually experience God’s blessings and restoration. This verse encourages us to endure our struggles with hope, knowing that God will turn our sorrow into joy in His perfect timing.
8. Jeremiah 31:16
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the Lord, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy.'”
This verse is a message of hope and restoration. The people of Israel had faced exile and suffering, but God reassured them that their tears were not in vain. He promised to bring them back from their struggles and reward their faithfulness. In our own lives, we may feel like we are losing battles, but God assures us that our perseverance will be rewarded. He sees our tears and will bring restoration in due time.
9. Ecclesiastes 3:4
“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
This verse acknowledges that life is a mixture of joy and sorrow. We will experience times of weeping, but they will be followed by times of laughter. Mourning is a natural part of life, but it is not the final destination. God has designed life in seasons, and He assures us that times of joy will come after times of pain. This verse teaches us to embrace both the hard and happy moments, trusting that God has a purpose for every season.
10. Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Jesus’ words in this verse offer great comfort to those who are grieving. He promises that those who mourn will receive divine comfort. This verse reminds us that God does not ignore our pain—He is near to the brokenhearted and will provide the peace we need. Our suffering is not meaningless; rather, it draws us closer to God’s presence, where true comfort is found.
11. Lamentations 2:11
“My eyes are spent with weeping; my stomach churns; my bile is poured out to the ground because of the destruction of the daughter of my people, because infants and babies faint in the streets of the city.”
This verse expresses deep sorrow over the suffering of God’s people. The prophet Jeremiah, known as the “weeping prophet,” laments the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of innocent lives. His tears symbolize the pain of witnessing injustice and calamity. This verse reminds us that it is natural to grieve over the brokenness of the world. However, even in our tears, we can turn to God, who offers hope and restoration beyond our present pain.
12. Luke 7:38
“And standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.”
This powerful moment highlights deep repentance and love. The woman’s tears were an outpouring of her heart, reflecting sorrow over her past sins and gratitude for Jesus’ forgiveness. Her actions demonstrate that genuine repentance is not just about words but about a heartfelt response to God’s grace. This verse encourages us to bring our brokenness before Christ, knowing that He welcomes us with open arms, no matter our past.
13. Job 16:20
“My friends scorn me; my eye pours out tears to God.”
Job’s suffering was immense—he lost everything, including his health, children, and support from his friends. This verse shows his deep distress but also his unwavering faith. Instead of giving up, he turned his tears to God. This verse teaches us that even when others misunderstand or abandon us, God is always available to hear our cries. We can pour out our pain to Him, knowing that He is our ultimate source of comfort.
14. Jeremiah 9:1
“Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!”
Jeremiah’s sorrow over the sin and suffering of Israel led him to tears. His mourning was not just personal but for the entire nation. This verse encourages us to have compassion for others, especially those who are suffering or lost in sin. When we see injustice or brokenness in the world, it is okay to grieve, but it should also move us to prayer and action, trusting God to bring healing.
15. Genesis 45:2
“And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it.”
Joseph’s tears in this verse came from a place of deep emotion. After years of hardship, betrayal, and separation, he finally revealed himself to his brothers. His weeping was a mixture of relief, love, and forgiveness. This verse teaches us that tears are not a sign of weakness but of genuine emotion. It also reminds us of the power of reconciliation—when we forgive those who have wronged us, God brings healing to our hearts.
16. Psalm 39:12
“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers.”
David pleads with God to hear his prayer, emphasizing his dependence on Him. His tears reflect his humility and recognition that life is temporary. This verse teaches us to bring our emotions before God openly, knowing that He listens and understands our struggles. Our tears are not meaningless; they are a form of prayer that reaches the heart of God.
17. Mark 9:24
“Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!'”
This verse highlights a desperate father’s plea for his son’s healing. His tears reveal both faith and doubt, showing the struggle many believers face. Sometimes, we want to trust God, but our fears and uncertainties hold us back. This verse teaches us that God honors even our imperfect faith. When we cry out to Him in honesty, He strengthens our trust in Him.
18. Malachi 2:13
“And this second thing you do: You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand.”
This verse warns against false repentance. The people of Israel cried and wept, but their hearts were not truly turned toward God. Their tears were empty because they continued in disobedience. This reminds us that tears alone do not move God—what matters is a sincere heart that seeks Him in truth.
19. Hebrews 5:7
“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.”
Even Jesus, the Son of God, cried out in prayer. His tears show us the depth of His suffering and His dependence on the Father. This verse reassures us that God hears our cries, just as He heard Jesus’. It also reminds us that Jesus understands our pain because He experienced it Himself.
20. Acts 20:19
“Serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews.”
Paul speaks about the hardships he endured while serving God. His tears were not signs of defeat but of perseverance. This verse teaches us that following Christ does not mean a life without struggles, but it does mean that God will sustain us through them. Our tears can be part of our faithful service to Him.
21. 2 Timothy 1:4
“As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.”
Paul writes to Timothy, acknowledging the deep emotional bond they share. Timothy’s tears were likely due to their separation and the struggles of ministry. This verse reminds us that tears can reflect love and longing, not just sorrow. It also teaches us that God brings comfort through relationships, providing people who encourage and uplift us in difficult times.
22. 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.”
This verse is a powerful promise of God’s ultimate victory over suffering. It reassures us that, no matter how much we cry now, there is a future where God will remove all pain and sorrow. It reminds us to place our hope in Him, knowing that He has a plan to bring everlasting peace.
23. 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.”
In this vision of heaven, God’s care is described as that of a loving shepherd. The promise of tears being wiped away signifies eternal comfort and rest. This verse teaches us that while suffering is part of life now, it is not permanent. Our hope lies in Christ, who will one day restore everything.
24. Psalm 126:5
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!”
This verse highlights the relationship between pain and joy. Hard times may bring tears, but they also prepare us for future blessings. Just as a farmer plants seeds before harvesting crops, our struggles can lead to future joy if we remain faithful.
25. Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Jesus assures us that God sees our sorrow and promises comfort. This verse teaches that mourning is not a sign of weakness but an invitation to receive God’s peace. When we bring our tears to Him, He gives us strength and reassurance.
26. Genesis 50:1
“Then Joseph fell on his father’s face and wept over him and kissed him.”
Joseph’s tears at his father’s death reflect genuine grief. This verse reminds us that expressing sorrow is natural and that even the strongest believers mourn. It reassures us that God understands our pain and does not expect us to suppress our emotions.
27. Ecclesiastes 3:4
“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
This verse reminds us that life is full of seasons. Tears are not permanent, and joy will come again. It teaches us to embrace each season, trusting that God is in control and will bring restoration.
28. Psalm 6:6
“I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping.”
David expresses deep sorrow, possibly due to sin, betrayal, or suffering. His honesty in crying out to God shows that it is okay to bring our pain before Him. This verse reassures us that God listens to our cries and understands our struggles.
29. John 11:33-35
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled… Jesus wept.”
Jesus’ tears at Lazarus’ death show His deep compassion. Even though He knew He would raise Lazarus, He still shared in the pain of those mourning. This verse reminds us that God is not distant—He feels our pain and cares for us deeply.
30. 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.”
This verse reminds us that sorrow is temporary. While pain and tears are real, they will not last forever. God’s grace brings new beginnings, and we can trust Him to turn our mourning into joy.
Conclusion
Whether they originate from joy, longing, grief, or repentance, tears are a common human emotion. The Bible recognizes the importance of tears and demonstrates that God not only observes them but actively responds to them by providing consolation and healing. Scripture shows that crying is not a sign of weakness but rather a way for us to get closer to God, as evidenced by David’s sobs in the Psalms and Jesus’ tears over Lazarus. They remind us that we are never alone in our suffering since God is always close by, willing to dry our tears and give us His comfort.
Even though we could go through periods of intense grief, God’s promises guarantee that happiness will come. There will be no more sorrow when He wipes away every tear, as Revelation 21:4 states. In the interim, we can draw courage from His Word, knowing that He gathers our tears and transforms our sorrow into happiness. We may put our faith in His constancy no matter what happens, knowing that our tears are not in vain but rather are a part of His larger plan for healing and hope.
