You may add Bible verses to a headstone to make it personal and unique while providing a beautiful memory of your loved ones. Keep reading for: short verses for tombstones, Bible verses to use on your parent’s headstone, or heart-warming Bible quotes for a child.
Short verses for tombstones
There are a number of short Bible verses that may provide hope, comfort, and reassurance when used as headstone inscriptions.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1 NIV
If you need something short, simple, and powerful to go along with the date of birth and date of death then this text is a comforting choice.
It will tell anyone who views the headstone not to be worried. These words were used by Jesus in John chapter fourteen and they provide hope for anyone who believes in the Lord and the second coming of Jesus Christ.
He told believers that there are many rooms in his father’s house, that He’s going to prepare a place for them, and that He will return again.
Here is what the King James Version says in verses two and three.
“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV
This is a well-known text and one of the best Bible verses that provides hope for the future and consolation in trying times.
Believing in Jesus Christ gives each of us the power and victory over death and the grave.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 states, “…Death has been swallowed up in victory.” ⁵⁵ “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? ⁵⁶…The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ“.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; John 11:25 NIV
Martha believed that Jesus was the resurrection and the life even before He called her brother Lazarus from the tomb.
Jesus laid His life down and took it up and He has the same power to call your loved one who is resting in the grave to life eternal.
Hebrews 11:6 explains that the children of God who exercise faith will receive a crown of life. It says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”.
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. Romans 8:28 NIV
If you love God, He will work things out for you. You just have to trust His will and patiently wait for His purpose to be revealed to you. If the Lord takes you to a problem, have faith that He will take you through it.
The word of God says you only need to have faith. Matthew 17:20 gives the assurance that, “…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you“.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 NIV
This text provides hope because it promises two things for those who mourn. Jesus said that those who mourn will be comforted. He didn’t stop there but described these individuals as blessed.
Even while going through the midst of difficult life experiences, you can be assured that you are blessed by Christ Jesus because He loves you and all your family members dearly.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalms 23:4 KJV
The 23rd psalm says that even when you go through the valley of the shadow of death the Lord will be with you and comfort you.
Bible verses for headstones for parents
There are some biblical quotes that have the perfect words to use as the headstone epitaph for parents who have passed on.
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3 NIV
This is a great verse that will help you to cherish the memories of a parent. It may also help you to keep things in perspective and be grateful to God that you actually have experiences and memories of the beautiful life your parent had before he or she passed away.
This verse is also the perfect inscription for you to focus on the positive legacy left behind by your parent. Conjure up those fond memories and give praises to God, because you have more than enough to be thankful for.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV
As God’s children we are confident that we can take our concerns to Him and trust that He will help us. Jesus Christ bids us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened and He will give us rest.
Dealing with the death of your parents may be quite a burden to bear but you are assured that with Christ in the vessel you can smile at any storm.
Calling on the name of the Lord provides a refuge and a fortress. That is why the psalmist proclaimed this in the ninety first psalm. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. ² I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” Psalm 91:1 ESV
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 NIV
Losing a parent is a heartbreaking experience. You may start to think about how final death is and how different life will be without them.
But remember, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”. Psalms 34:18
These psalms promise that the Lord will comfort you in your moment of hurt. He will heal your broken heart and He will bind up your wounds. Just allow Him to work on you as you work through things with Him.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NIV
These words by Nehemiah are a powerful source of encouragement. The children who came out of captivity had much to grieve for and they wanted to but they were told not to.
In your sorrow you are strengthened and you do not have to weep because the joy of the Lord is your strength. Though you have lost a loved one you have joy in the Lord.
Your loved one is just resting for a moment. Be joyful as you think about all those who died in Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 has an amazing promise.
It states, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first”.
Focus on that joyful day when the Lord himself will call your parent from the grave to be a part of the resurrection of life.
Bible verses for headstones for mother
With the use of Bible verses you are able to add a powerful inscription on the headstone of your mother that will reflect her good qualities as a faithful servant of the Lord.
Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. Proverbs 3:17 NIV
You may wish to remember your mother as a Proverbs 31 woman because she has certain qualities that make her stand out. This text is a great verse that may sum up all the pleasant ways of your mom.
An added bonus of using this text is that it points to the peace that Jesus has to offer all those who are now resting in Him. With this you too are able to find peace in the midst of turmoil.
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. John 14:27
There is no need to be troubled or worried because the Prince of Peace gives everlasting life and you accept the peace He offers to all who believe in Him.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 NIV
As he came close to the end of his ministry Paul used these words. He was confident that he did all he could to minister to others. Throughout all he did, he kept the faith.
Even though you have lost a loved one, you can keep the faith and be hopeful that a crown of life will be given to your mother.
Paul had a conviction of things that he hoped for and you too can have this same assurance by exercising faith.
The English Standard Version of Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”.
Keep walking by faith until that blessed day when you reunite with your loved ones in the kingdom of heaven.
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV
The loss of a mom is a very emotional situation. However, this is the perfect Bible verse to give you courage, strength, and firmness in faith as you process and endure this difficult period.
The word of the Lord in Psalm 62 declares, “In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God”. Psalms 62:7 KJV
Be resolute as you allow the love of God to comfort and strengthen you.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29 NIV
The scripture says that God will not withhold good things from you. When you are weak, He will give you strength, when you are sad, He will be your joy, and when you are down, He will lift you up.
Verses thirty and thirty-one of this chapter goes on to say, “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; ³¹ but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”.
What a blessed hope you have in the glory of God. He will not only give you strength and power but will lift you up and allow you to soar on wings like eagles.
Bible verses for headstones for father
There are many biblical quotes that may be used on the tombstone of a father to bring cheer and hope.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NIV
David was able to testify that after seeking God, he got an answer and received deliverance. Maybe you and your father know personally what it is like for God to step in and fix a problem for you.
With this inscription you’ll call to memory the mercy and goodness of God while encouraging others to seek God when they are fearful or in need of help.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21 NIV
The life we have is a gift from the father above. He entrusted us with it and He expects us to be faithful stewards as we serve Him and others.
At the end of our little time here on earth we should have lived our lives in such a way that we will be welcomed into the glory of the Father.
Heaven is going to be a great place and we all hope to hear the welcoming voice of Jesus saying to us, “… ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world”. Matthew 25:34
Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Psalm 103:1 NIV
The book of Psalm has many powerful texts to inspire us as we go through various life experiences. With this scripture you are forced to consider how blessed you are to have an amazing Heavenly Father.
The chapter continues to look at God’s forgiveness, loving kindness, and tender mercies. These may also be qualities that reflect your father, making Psalm 103:1 the perfect inscription for his headstone.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NIV
This text is a well-suited inscription for a father who lived a life of service to others. Many fathers dedicate decades to ministry in the service of the Lord.
They would have placed personal needs aside as they served others with love and great sacrifice.
Some fathers make it their life’s duty to fulfill civic responsibilities. If your dad was a firefighter, public servant, police officer, or a member of the armed forces who made tremendous sacrifices then this biblical quote will inspire fond memories.
Bible verses for headstones for child
There are many Bible verses that may be used on the headstone of a little child to reflect their sincerity and generous heart.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8 NIV
The word of God says that except we become like a little child we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.
Children have kind hearts, they are forgiving and honest and that’s why this is a great verse to use as an inscription on a child’s headstone.
Psalm chapter twenty-four asks and answers an all-important question. Only those with clean hands and a kind heart may ascend into the hills of the Lord or stand in His holy place.
“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?
⁴ The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol
or swear by a false god”. Psalm 24:3-4
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42 NIV
While going through life’s challenges you may feel as though your burdens are too heavy to bear.
Jesus, while on earth expressed the same sentiments at a very dark hour. He pleaded to the Lord while accepting that the will of the Lord is more important than the pain endured in His hour of trial.
This verse is a nice choice if you are in search of headstone quotes. It’s a prayer that will help you to focus on the will of God instead of on your grief and trials.
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 NIV
Some individuals have favorite Bible quotes that they use as a mantra. Some quotes are for motivation, others help to cope with fear and anxiety, and some are affirmations of faith in God.
This text is not only a good choice for the headstone of a child but a powerful text that will affirm faith in God. It will compel you to trust God as you depend on Him for the strength to endure.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21 NIV
Sometimes we utter the words ‘gone too soon’ when someone who is very young passes away. We hope that they will live a long and full life but our knowledge is limited and the Lord knows what is best for all of us.
Our heavenly father is omniscient. He knows the beginning from the end and sometimes He sees it fit to call His saints to rest.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
The Lord has promised that He will be with you wherever you go. He wants you to be strong, courageous, and brave. The Lord is all-powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere.
Isaiah chapter forty-three demonstrates the steadfast love of the Lord. It reminds you that as you go through various life experiences, He will not only be with you but He will protect you.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; Isaiah 43:2
Conclusion
There are many Bible verses that may be used as inscriptions on headstones to reflect the faith of a loved one who passed away while encouraging those who view them to be hopeful even in the midst of death.
