The death of a spouse can be one of the most life-altering events a person can experience. No one ever wants to have to face this terrible reality, yet the Bible offers comforting words of assurance for those who have to go through this suffering.
What does the Bible say about Death of a Spouse?
Despite the sorrow, many people find solace in the Bible’s promises that death is not necessarily the end of their relationship with their deceased spouse.
The Bible mentions several passages that reflect the importance of marriage and offer comfort for those mourning the death of a partner. In 1 Corinthians, it states: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” Additionally, Psalm 116:15 says: “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” As these verses explain, life after death as a believer can allow us to remain united with our spouse and remain in the presence of God.
The Bible also offers many statements throughout its content that confirm God has fully taken charge of death and so even during times of mourning, He is in control and aware of the pain we are facing. John 5:24 says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
One of the main objectives of Christianity is to learn to put our faith and trust in God during our most difficult moments. Although the death of a spouse may alter someone’s life, being devoted to God and following His teachings can bring remarkable changes in one’s life and allow them to understand the value of a legacy left behind.
Furthermore, Scriptures like Isaiah 57:1 allude to how God’s Spirit guides us through the most painful times. It states, “The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.” This implies that God is conscious of the hardship brought on by death and offers His comfort to those who remain faithful to Him and trust His verdict.
Romans 8:38-39 offers more uplifting scriptures that inspire grief-stricken spouses by illustrating how nothing can ever separate us from the love of God. It says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor any power, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The Marriage Bond
The bible additionally encourages couples to be held together in marriage regardless of what the future may bring and through death as well. As it mentions in Ecclesiastes 9:9, “Live happily with the woman you love through all the unpredictable days of life that God has given you under the sun.” This verse illustrates that regardless of the differences between two individuals, one should cherish the moments spent with a partner, and how even in death one should stay connected.
It further cites in Romans 7:2-3, “For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man.” This explains that even after death, the bond of marriage remains unbroken.
Moreover, in Corinthians 7:39-40, it speaks about a married partner not needing to separate after death and how a wife isn’t at liberty to remarry. “A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is — and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.”
The bible also speaks about the suffering and anguish that the death of a spouse brings. It is mentioned in Job 2:11-13, “Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each of them came from his own place —Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him. When they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. And they raised their voices and wept; and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven.” These verses describe the kind of sorrow and grief that one experiences after the death of a spouse.
Comfort After Death
The Bible also offers consolation to those coping with the death of a spouse, encouraging them to have faith in God and to trust in the Lord’s plan. It is written in 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 suggests that in the midst of sorrow, having faith in the Lord and submitting prayers can lead to peace after the death of a spouse.
Moreover, in Psalms 71:20-21, it gives guidance to those enduring grief by suggesting to remember God and His promises. It states: “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.” This instruction helps to restore peace and rebuild the faith of those affected by the death of a spouse.
The Bible also discusses how comfort and strength can be obtained after enduring the death of a spouse by calling on the Lord for help, as stated in Isaiah 40:29-31. It says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.” meaning, with help from the Lord one does not need to suffer completely alone and can reach out and get help to bear the pain.
Hope In Death
In addition to the scripture which encourages us to find comfort in the God, the Bible also provides passages that give hope to those grasping with the death of a spouse. In Revelations 21:4, it states: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” This means that although we may suffer from physical pain due to the death of a spouse here on Earth, in Heaven we will be free from all suffering and heartache.
In Isaiah 25:8, it speaks about a time when God will make an end to death: “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the Earth.” This implies that in Heaven, the suffering brought on by death will be abolished and that we will be made new in the Lord’s image.
Finally, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 gives hope to those mourning the death of their spouse. It says, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” This explains that although it may be hard to cope with the passing of a beloved partner, we can still have hope that we will be reunited with them after death.
The Afterlife
The afterlife is mentioned several times throughout the Bible. In John 5:28-29, it states, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out — those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”
This verse illustrates that despite the death of a spouse, we have hope that we will be reunited with them again and that our attachment will not fade away within the grave. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 supports this notion with its reassurance. It says, “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’”
The Bible additionally speaks about Heaven and how those who remain true to God will ultimately be invited into God’s kingdom. It is cited in 2 Peter 3:13, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
Furthermore, Isaiah 25:9 amplifies the scriptural message of hope after death by saying: “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” This speaks of a time when believers will be joined together with their spouses and have everlasting peace and joy.
