It is normal to feel uncertain or powerless about how to best provide help when a friend is sick. Nevertheless, the Bible offers a multitude of comforting, encouraging, and healing promises that we can extend to those in pain. These verses contain not just comforting words but also a reminder of God’s healing power, His profound love for us, and His unwavering presence during difficult times. The Bible provides potent prayers and guarantees of God’s constant presence in our lives, particularly during times of sickness or other hardships.
The Bible encourages you to pray with your sick friend, remind them of God’s faithfulness, and trust in His timing as you look to provide support. Some verses address God’s healing touch directly, while others offer peace and hope amid uncertainty. The Word of God is extraordinarily powerful, and by relying on it, we can help our ill friends have faith in God’s power to heal and provide solace. Sharing these verses can help elevate their spirits and serve as a reminder of God’s presence in their time of sickness.
With the power of prayer and the strength of biblical truth, you can assist your friend in experiencing God’s love and reassurance. As a friend, you are privileged to support them in prayer and encourage them with assurances of healing and peace. These Bible verses address your friend’s physical and emotional needs while reminding them that God’s grace is sufficient in every season, including times of illness.
Whether you are visiting a hospitalized friend, sending words of encouragement, or keeping them in your prayers from afar, sharing these Bible verses will demonstrate to your friend that they are not alone. God’s assurances go beyond our situations, and His restorative strength is always accessible. The Bible verses for a sick friend will serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the hope we hold in His provision for healing and restoration.
30 Painful Bible Verses For A Sick Friend in 2025
1. James 5:14-15
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”
This passage emphasizes the power of prayer and faith in healing. It encourages believers to seek spiritual support through prayer and anointing, showing that God’s healing power works through the faith of His people. When a friend is sick, this verse reminds us that we should not only pray for them but also involve the church community in interceding for their healing. The mention of forgiveness also highlights the holistic nature of healing—God not only restores the body but also the soul.
2. Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This verse is a reassurance of God’s presence during illness. It reminds the sick that they are not alone and that God provides strength, support, and healing in times of distress. When someone is going through a health crisis, fear and worry often set in, but this verse encourages them to rely on God’s strength rather than their own. His promise to uphold with His “righteous right hand” signifies divine power and protection, ensuring that no situation is beyond His control.
3. Jeremiah 30:17
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.”
God promises restoration and healing. This verse offers hope, showing that no illness is beyond God’s power to heal and restore. It serves as a powerful reminder that even when doctors give discouraging reports, God has the final say. His words are not empty promises but divine declarations, and when He speaks healing, it will surely come to pass. For a sick friend, this verse is a source of confidence that their health can be fully restored by God’s grace.
4. Exodus 15:26
“He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.’”
God reveals Himself as the ultimate healer. This verse encourages obedience and faith, affirming that divine healing is available for those who trust in Him. It also shows that there is a connection between walking in God’s ways and receiving His blessings, including good health. While sickness can sometimes be a result of natural causes, this verse reminds us that obedience to God’s will positions us under His divine protection and healing power.
5. Psalm 107:20
“He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”
This verse highlights the power of God’s word in bringing healing. It reminds us that God’s intervention can bring restoration even in the direst circumstances. The Word of God carries life and power, and just as He spoke creation into existence, He can speak healing into our lives. For a sick friend, this is a reminder that they should meditate on God’s promises, as His Word has the ability to bring supernatural healing and rescue them from the brink of destruction.
6. 3 John 1:2
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
John’s prayer expresses God’s desire for His people to be in good health. It shows that both physical and spiritual well-being are important to God. This verse encourages us to not only pray for healing when someone is sick but also to pray for their ongoing health and wellness. It reinforces the idea that God’s blessings encompass all areas of life, and He desires wholeness in both body and spirit.
7. Psalm 30:2
“Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”
This verse is a testimony of God’s healing power. It serves as encouragement to seek God in prayer, believing that He is able to heal. The psalmist is declaring gratitude for past healing, showing that God has a track record of restoring health. For someone struggling with illness, this verse can build faith, knowing that just as God has healed before, He can do it again.
8. Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus offers rest and comfort to those who are suffering. This verse reassures the sick that they can find peace in Him, even in the midst of pain and uncertainty. Sickness often brings exhaustion—not just physically but emotionally and mentally. Jesus extends an invitation to lay down our burdens at His feet, promising divine rest that goes beyond physical relief. It is a call to trust in Him fully, knowing that He can bring comfort in any situation.
9. Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This verse teaches that instead of worrying about sickness, we should turn to God in prayer. It reassures us that when we seek Him with gratitude, He will give us peace that surpasses human understanding. For a sick friend, this is a powerful reminder that anxiety and fear should be replaced with trust in God’s ability to heal and provide peace.
10. Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
This verse highlights the redemptive power of Jesus’ sacrifice. His suffering on the cross was not only for the forgiveness of sins but also for the healing of our bodies. The phrase “by His wounds we are healed” signifies that divine healing is part of God’s covenant with believers. When a friend is sick, this verse can be a source of faith, reminding them that Christ has already secured their healing through His sacrifice.
11. Psalm 41:3
“The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”
This verse reassures us that God is actively involved in the healing process. He not only provides strength to endure sickness but also brings restoration. When a friend is ill, this verse reminds them that even in weakness, God is their sustainer. It is a call to trust that the same God who strengthens will also bring complete healing in His perfect time.
12. Mark 5:34
“He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’”
This verse highlights the power of faith in receiving healing. Jesus spoke these words to the woman who had been suffering for twelve years, affirming that faith was the key to her deliverance. It serves as an encouragement to anyone facing illness that trusting in God’s power can bring complete restoration. If your friend is sick, this verse encourages them to believe that healing is possible through faith in Christ.
13. Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
This verse reminds us that God is present even in the darkest times, including sickness. The “darkest valley” can represent moments of severe illness, uncertainty, or fear. However, God’s presence provides comfort and assurance. Encouraging a sick friend with this verse will help them find peace in knowing that they are not alone in their struggles.
14. 2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
This verse connects prayer, repentance, and healing. While it speaks about healing a land, it also applies to personal healing. It encourages believers to turn to God in prayer, knowing that He is a compassionate healer who responds to sincere hearts. For a sick friend, this verse reinforces the need for persistent prayer and trust in God’s power to heal.
15. Matthew 8:17
“This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.’”
This verse confirms that Jesus’ mission included healing. He carried our sicknesses, meaning that we do not have to bear them alone. It is a great reminder that healing is available through Christ. When a friend is battling illness, this verse assures them that Jesus has already taken their sickness upon Himself, making divine healing a reality.
16. Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of joy and positivity in healing. A cheerful heart promotes health, while discouragement can worsen sickness. Encouraging a sick friend to stay hopeful and joyful can contribute to their recovery. This verse reminds us that while medicine is helpful, our attitude and faith also play a role in the healing process.
17. Isaiah 38:16-17
“You restored me to health and let me live. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.”
This verse speaks of God’s ability to restore health and preserve life. Sometimes, suffering can lead to spiritual growth, and God uses difficult experiences for our benefit. If a friend is sick, this passage reassures them that God is in control and can bring good out of their suffering, ultimately leading to healing and restoration.
18. Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
This verse encourages us to pray boldly, knowing that God’s grace and mercy are available. When a friend is sick, this passage reminds them that they can come before God with confidence, asking for healing and strength. God is compassionate, and He provides the help we need in difficult times.
19. Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Sickness can be overwhelming and bring fear, but this verse is a reminder that God never abandons His people. When encouraging a sick friend, this passage reassures them that they are not alone—God is with them, strengthening them through the process of healing.
20. Psalm 6:2
“Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.”
This verse is a direct cry for healing. The psalmist acknowledges weakness and pleads for God’s intervention. It encourages honesty in prayer, showing that we can bring our suffering to God. When praying for a sick friend, this verse reminds them that they can openly express their pain to God, trusting that He will respond with mercy and healing.
21. 2 Kings 20:5
“I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.”
This verse is a beautiful reminder that God sees and hears our cries for healing. It was spoken to King Hezekiah when he was sick, and God extended his life. It reassures a sick friend that their prayers are not in vain—God is attentive and able to bring restoration.
22. Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
This verse highlights God’s compassionate nature. He not only heals physical sickness but also emotional pain. If a friend is struggling with illness and despair, this verse reassures them that God is both their healer and their comforter.
23. Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
This verse reminds us of God’s never-ending mercy. Every day brings new hope and the possibility of healing. For a sick friend, it is an encouragement that their suffering is temporary and that God’s love sustains them.
24. Malachi 4:2
“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.”
This verse is a prophetic promise of healing. It reminds believers that God’s righteousness brings restoration. When a friend is ill, this verse encourages them to remain faithful, trusting that divine healing is on the way.
25. 1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
This verse reiterates that Christ’s suffering secured our healing. When praying for a sick friend, this passage serves as a powerful declaration of faith in God’s ability to heal.
26. Psalm 34:19
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”
Sickness is one of life’s many troubles, but this verse assures us that God is our deliverer. It brings hope that healing is possible through faith.
27. Matthew 9:35
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.”
Jesus’ ministry included healing. This verse encourages faith in God’s ability to heal all kinds of illnesses.
28. Luke 10:9
“Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
This verse shows that healing is part of God’s kingdom. Praying for the sick aligns with His will.
29. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Sickness can bring anxiety, but Jesus offers supernatural peace. This verse is a reminder to trust in Him.
30. Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Even in sickness, God’s purpose is at work. This verse encourages trust that healing or endurance will bring glory to Him.
Conclusion
During illness, drawing strength from God’s Word can provide solace and motivation for the ill and those interceding on their behalf. According to the Bible, God is our healer, refuge, and source of peace, even during the toughest times. These verses provide hope to those fighting illness, whether through direct assurances of healing, encouragement to have faith in God’s timing, or reminders of His unwavering love. When we pray on behalf of a friend who is ill, we need to cling to our faith. We can be assured that God hears our prayers, sees our tears, and makes sure everything works out for good.
These verses serve as a reminder of the spiritual and emotional healing that God offers, in addition to physical recovery. Illness can serve as a period for faith to deepen, for a closer relationship with God, and for fresh experiences of His grace. Even if healing does not come right away, believers can find peace in the knowledge that God is present with them, providing strength and sustenance. We can become vessels of His love and comfort for our sick friends in their time of need by standing firm in faith, supporting them with prayer, and speaking life through God’s promises.
