Funeral Readings and Bible Verses
Find Bible verses for funerals and funeral readings by tradition, theme, and length; read public-domain text or open official Catholic sources.
- Public-domain full text
- Official Catholic sources
- Build a reading shortlist
Compare readings by tradition, theme, and length. Read public-domain text here, use official Catholic sources where required, and save a shortlist for the officiant and reader.
Choose a reading by faith, theme, and length
A useful choice must fit the family's beliefs, the venue's rules, the available reader, and the time in the ceremony. Review the actual wording before choosing from a familiar title or reference.
- 1Choose
Select the tradition, theme, and reading length.
- 2Read
Review the actual text or open the official source.
- 3Confirm
Shortlist the reading, assign a reader, and confirm with the officiant.
Choose the ceremony and reading style
Choose all three options. We will show the closest readings with text, source, and timing information.
World English Bible text shown here is public domain. Catholic links open the USCCB's NABRE chapters; the parish must confirm the exact verses and approved liturgical translation before printing.
Common questions
What Bible verse is good for a funeral program?
Psalm 23, John 14:1-3, Matthew 5:4, Revelation 21:4, and Romans 8:38-39 are common references. Choose the passage that fits the family's faith and service tradition.
Can I print Bible verses in a funeral program?
Usually, but the translation matters. The World English Bible is public domain; many other translations have copyright rules. A church or parish may also require a specific liturgical translation.
Are funeral readings and Bible verses the same thing?
Bible verses are one type of funeral reading. A funeral reading can also be a psalm, Gospel passage, poem, personal reflection, or family memory.