New Testament readings for funerals carry the heart of the Christian hope: Christ has been raised, and those who die in him will be raised too. This guide gives twenty-two New Testament funeral scriptures with their full words, from the letters, the book of Revelation and the Gospels, and helps you choose the right one.
Where the New Testament reading comes in the service
Most Christian funerals have two or three readings.
- The first reading, usually from the Old Testament.
- A psalm, said or sung.
- The second reading, from the New Testament letters or the book of Revelation.
- The Gospel, in Catholic, Anglican and many other churches. It is read by the priest, deacon or minister.
In a Catholic funeral Mass the family normally chooses each reading from a set list, and most of the readings below are on it. See Catholic funeral Mass readings for all of it. In other churches the choice is freer. Whatever your church, ask the minister before you settle the readings.
The words below are from the King James Version, which is free to print anywhere. In church, the reader will use the translation your church reads from.
Readings from the letters of Paul
Romans 8:31-39. Nothing can separate us from the love of God
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The most chosen second reading at funerals. It names death first among the things that cannot separate us from God. For a shorter reading, use verses 38 and 39 alone.
Romans 6:3-9. Buried with Christ, raised with Christ
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Baptism joins us to the death and the rising of Christ. Often chosen for someone whose faith began early and held to the end.
Romans 14:7-9. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Three verses, plain and strong. A good choice when the reader is nervous.
Romans 5:5-11. Hope does not disappoint
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
God showed his love for us while we were still sinners. A reading about mercy.
1 Corinthians 15:20-26. Christ, the firstfruits of those who sleep
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Christ's resurrection is the first of many. It ends, "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."
1 Corinthians 15:51-57. Death is swallowed up in victory
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
A reading of victory, often used at the graveside. It suits a service of thanksgiving.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and 5:1. A house not made with hands
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
The body fails, but what is unseen is eternal. Often chosen after a long illness or for a person of great age.
Philippians 3:20-21. Our citizenship is in heaven
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Short and hopeful. In this old translation, "conversation" means citizenship or way of life, and "vile" means lowly.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Not as those who have no hope
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. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Paul wrote this to people who were grieving. It is the source of "we do not mourn as those who have no hope", and it ends, "Comfort one another with these words."
2 Timothy 4:6-8. I have fought a good fight
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
The reading for a faithful believer after a long life: a pastor, an elder, a church worker.
Readings from the other letters and Revelation
1 John 3:1-2. We shall see him as he is
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
We are God's children now, and what we shall be has not yet appeared. A gentle reading, also used at the funeral of a child.
1 Peter 1:3-9. A living hope
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
An inheritance that does not fade, kept in heaven. It speaks openly of present grief.
Revelation 21:1-7. A new heaven and a new earth
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
God will wipe away all tears, and there shall be no more death. Read at funerals in every church, and often at the graveside.
Revelation 14:13. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
One verse. It is read at the committal in many service books, and suits a programme cover.
Acts 10:34-43. God shows no partiality
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Peter's summary of the gospel. In Catholic churches it is often the first reading in the Easter season.
Gospel readings for funerals
John 14:1-6. In my Father's house are many mansions
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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. 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. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
The most read Gospel at funerals. Jesus promises a place prepared, and says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
John 11:21-27. I am the resurrection and the life
Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Martha meets Jesus after her brother's death. Her grief and her faith are both in it, which is why families choose it.
John 6:37-40. I will raise him up at the last day
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Christ will lose none of those given to him.
Matthew 5:1-12. The Beatitudes
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." A reading for a person of gentle, upright character.
Matthew 11:25-30. Come to me, all who labour
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Rest for the weary. Often chosen after long suffering. For a shorter reading, use verses 28 to 30.
Luke 23:39-43. Today you will be with me in paradise
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
The promise of Jesus to the thief dying beside him. A reading of mercy at the very end.
John 12:24-26. Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
A seed must die to bear fruit. Chosen for someone whose life was given in service to others.
How to choose a New Testament reading
- Start with the person. Did they have a favourite passage? Was one marked in their Bible?
- Match the life. 2 Timothy 4 for a long life of faith. 2 Corinthians 4 after a long illness. 1 John 3 for a child. Luke 23 for one who came to faith late.
- Pair it with the first reading. If the Old Testament reading speaks of grief, let this one speak of resurrection.
- Think of the reader. Romans 14 and Revelation 14 are short and easy to read aloud. Romans 8 and 1 Corinthians 15 need a confident reader.
- Ask the preacher. The sermon is often built on the Gospel.
Choosing the reader and printing the reading
A family member or friend may usually read the second reading. The Gospel is read by the clergy. Give your reader the passage several days before, in the translation the church will use, and ask them to practise aloud.
In the programme, print the reference and the name of the reader, for example "Second reading: Romans 8, verses 31 to 39, read by her son". Print the full words if guests may not bring Bibles, and name the translation.
Questions people ask
What is the most popular New Testament reading for a funeral?
John 14, verses 1 to 6, is read most often as the Gospel. Among the letters, Romans 8, verses 31 to 39, and 1 Corinthians 15 are chosen most. Revelation 21 is close behind.
What are the New Testament readings for a Catholic funeral?
The list of second readings includes Romans 5:5-11, Romans 6:3-9, Romans 8:31-39, Romans 14:7-9, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 and 15:51-57, 2 Corinthians 4:14 to 5:1, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Timothy 2:8-13 and 1 John 3:1-2. In the Easter season, Acts 10:34-43 and Revelation 14:13 and 21:1-7 serve as the first reading. The family chooses one, and one Gospel.
What is a short New Testament reading for a funeral?
Romans 14, verses 7 to 9, is three verses. Revelation 14, verse 13, and Philippians 3, verses 20 and 21, are shorter still.
Which New Testament reading is used at the graveside?
1 Corinthians 15, verses 51 to 57, Revelation 21, verse 4, and John 11, verses 25 and 26. In many churches the words at the grave are fixed by the service book.
Can a family member read the Gospel at a funeral?
In Catholic and Anglican churches the Gospel is read by a priest or deacon. A family member may read the first or the second reading. In other churches the minister decides.
Beside the second reading
For the first reading, see Old Testament readings for funerals. For single verses to print on a cover or a card, see Bible verses for funerals. For the music, see funeral hymns.
Build the order of service with Homegoing
Homegoing starts you with an order of service for your church, with the readings in place. You can change each one, name the readers and print the words in full. Your minister approves the order before printing. Start a programme