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
How do you choose a funeral reading?
Choose a funeral reading that fits the family's beliefs, the ceremony's purpose, and the time available. Read the complete text before selecting it, then confirm the translation, exact verses, reader, and placement with the officiant or venue. For Catholic services, the parish should approve the reading and liturgical translation before it is printed.
| Part | What to include or confirm |
|---|---|
| Tradition | Confirm whether the service is Catholic, Christian, another faith, or non-religious. |
| Theme | Choose comfort, hope, resurrection, gratitude, or remembrance. |
| Length | Read the full passage aloud and make sure it fits the ceremony time. |
| Final approval | Confirm the text, translation, reader, and placement with the officiant or venue. |
By the Funeral Program Maker Editorial Team · Updated · Editorial standards
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.