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13 Bible Verses About Suffering (KJV)

The Bible never pretends suffering is not real, but it refuses to let suffering have the last word. Here is what Scripture says when you are in pain.

What the Bible says about suffering

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
2 Corinthians 4:17
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.”
1 Peter 4:12
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.”
Psalm 34:18
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
James 1:2-4

Trials, though painful, work patience in us and lead to a maturity that lacks nothing.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

God's grace is sufficient and his strength is perfected in weakness, so suffering becomes a place of power.

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”
Romans 5:3-4

Tribulation works patience, patience experience, and experience a hope that does not disappoint.

“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.”
Psalm 23:4

Even through the valley of the shadow of death we fear no evil, for the Shepherd is with us.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

Jesus promises tribulation in this world yet tells us to take heart, for he has overcome it.

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”
1 Peter 2:21

Christ suffered for us and left an example, so our own suffering can follow in his steps.

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
Isaiah 43:2

When we pass through waters and fire, God promises to be with us so they will not overwhelm us.

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We may be troubled and cast down yet never destroyed, held by a strength beyond our own.

God does not waste suffering; He is near in it and works even pain toward good and glory for those who love Him.

How these verses point to Christ

Suffering is not proof that God has abandoned us; the cross proves the opposite. Jesus, the man of sorrows, entered our pain fully, bearing grief and death itself. Because he rose, our suffering has both a companion and an end. He meets us in the valley, uses our trials to shape us, and promises a day when every tear is wiped away. In Christ, no sorrow is wasted and none is final.

Take this to heart, and to God

Read it in the app, ask for prayer, and see how Christ has met others here.

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People also ask

What does the Bible say about suffering?
Scripture promises God works all things, including suffering, for good (Romans 8:28), that present pain is not worth comparing to coming glory (Romans 8:18), and that He is near the broken-hearted.
Why does God allow suffering?
Scripture does not give every reason, but it assures us God is near in suffering, uses it for good and growth, and will one day end it entirely (Revelation 21:4).
How do I find hope in suffering?
Anchor in God's presence and promises: He works all things for good (Romans 8:28), and the glory ahead outweighs the pain (2 Corinthians 4:17).
More ScriptureVerses about trials and hard timesVerses about sharing your faithVerses about serving othersVerses about workVerses about truthVerses about God's faithfulnessVerses about purityVerses about confidenceVerses about relationshipsVerses about the crossVerses about discipline and self-controlVerses about God's plan for your lifeVerses by what you are facing
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