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6 Bible Verses about Visiting Of The Sick

Most Relevant Verses

naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

So King Joram returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Arameans had inflicted on him at Ramah when he fought against Hazael king of Aram. Then Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel because he was sick.

When Elisha became sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash the king of Israel came down to him and wept over him and said, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!”

Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him.

Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;

Bible Theasaurus

Sick ( 138 instances )
Visiting ( 18 instances )

25 Bible Verses About Visiting The Sick (With Commentary)

When a loved one falls ill, it’s natural to feel concerned and unsure about how to offer support. Luckily, the Bible provides guidance through verses that emphasize the importance of visiting the sick, offering comfort, and showing compassion. Let’s explore some of these comforting passages together.

Also Read: Bible Verses About Caring For The Sick And Elderly

Bible Verses About Visiting The Sick

James 5:14-15.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual support and prayer when one is sick. The act of calling upon the elders of the church signifies the communal aspect of faith, as the sick person is surrounded by the support and prayers of the community.

The anointing with oil symbolizes the healing power of the Holy Spirit and represents a physical reminder of God’s presence and love. This verse also highlights the connection between physical and spiritual healing, as praying in faith can bring about not only physical restoration but also forgiveness and spiritual renewal.

“The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”

God’s love and care extend to the sick, as expressed in this verse. It reminds us that even in times of illness, God provides sustenance and restoration. The image of being sustained on a sickbed suggests that God’s presence is a source of strength and healing even in moments of physical weakness.

This verse offers comfort and hope to those who are sick, assuring them that they are not alone in their suffering and that God is actively working to bring about their recovery and restoration.

Matthew 25:36

“I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Jesus teaches the importance of compassionate care for the sick in this verse. It serves as a reminder that our actions towards those who are sick have a significant impact. By visiting and providing care, we demonstrate love and compassion, mirroring Jesus’ actions when He was on earth.

This verse challenges us to go beyond simple words of encouragement and actively engage in acts of service and support for the sick. It emphasizes the transformative power of our actions, as they have the potential to bring comfort, healing, and encouragement to those who are suffering.

Proverbs 17:22

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

This verse highlights the impact of emotional and spiritual well-being on physical health. It emphasizes the connection between a cheerful heart and overall well-being, suggesting that a positive attitude and perspective can contribute to healing and wholeness.

In times of sickness, maintaining a joyful and positive outlook can have a profound effect on one’s recovery. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of joy and gratitude even in the midst of illness, recognizing that a cheerful heart can bring about healing and restoration.

Psalm 103:2-3

“Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”

This psalm exudes gratitude and praises God for His faithfulness and goodness. It reminds us to remember the many ways in which God has blessed us, including the forgiveness of sins and physical healing.

By acknowledging God’s role in our healing, we are encouraged to put our trust and hope in Him. This verse affirms that God has the power to heal all diseases, both physical and spiritual, and invites us to seek His healing touch in times of sickness.

Proverbs 4:20-22

“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”

This verse encourages us to heed and treasure God’s Word. By giving attention to His teachings and keeping them in our hearts, we find not only spiritual life but also health for our entire being.

God’s Word is a source of wisdom and guidance that directs us towards living healthy and wholesome lives. It provides principles and insights that contribute to physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This verse reminds us of the transformative power of God’s Word in bringing healing and wholeness to our lives.

Matthew 9:35

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.”

This verse portrays Jesus as the ultimate Healer and emphasizes His desire to bring healing to all areas of life. It highlights His compassionate ministry, addressing not only spiritual needs but also physical ailments.

Jesus’ healing ministry serves as an example for us to follow in caring for the sick. It reminds us of the holistic nature of our faith, encompassing both the spiritual and physical dimensions. Just as Jesus went out to heal and proclaim the good news, we are called to extend His healing touch to those who are sick through prayer, support, and acts of service.

Psalm 147:3

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

This psalm emphasizes God’s healing power, not only in physical ailments but also in emotional and mental anguish. It assures us that God is present in our brokenness and provides restoration and healing.

When visiting the sick, we must not only address physical needs but also acknowledge emotional and spiritual pain. Just as God binds up wounds, we are called to offer comfort, love, and support to those who are hurting. This verse encourages us to be agents of healing, bringing hope and restoration to the brokenhearted.

Jeremiah 33:6

“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”

This verse reveals God’s promise of healing and peace. It reassures us that no matter the sickness or affliction, God is able to bring about restoration and wholeness.

When visiting the sick, we carry the hope and assurance of God’s healing power. Our presence and prayers are a reminder to those who are suffering that there is a God who cares and brings comfort and security. This verse encourages us to pray and believe for healing, trusting in God’s faithfulness and His ability to bring about abundant peace and well-being.

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

This verse offers comfort and encouragement to those who are sick, assuring them of God’s presence and support. It reminds us that even in times of illness, we do not need to fear or be discouraged because God is with us.

When visiting the sick, we can share this verse as a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. By affirming God’s promise of strength and help, we provide reassurance and foster faith in His ability to bring about healing and restoration.

“Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.”

This psalm reflects an honest cry for healing from the depths of physical and emotional pain. It highlights the vulnerability and desperation that often accompany sickness, acknowledging our need for God’s mercy and healing touch.

When visiting the sick, we can embrace their raw emotions and offer comfort and empathy. By listening to their pleas and joining them in prayer, we encourage them to bring their fears and pain before the Lord, who is compassionate and can bring relief and healing.

Isaiah 53:5

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.”

This verse points to the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross, where His wounds brought healing and peace to humanity. It reminds us that our spiritual and physical healing is made possible through His sacrificial love.

When visiting the sick, we can share this verse to inspire faith and trust in Jesus’ ability to heal. It encourages us to bring our infirmities and illnesses to Him, believing that His wounds can bring about transformative healing and restoration in our lives.

“Yes, my soul, finds rest in God; my hope comes from him.”

This psalm emphasizes finding rest and hope in God, even in the midst of sickness and challenges. It reminds us that our ultimate source of rest and hope is not in our circumstances but in God Himself.

When visiting the sick, we can encourage them to place their trust and hope in God’s faithfulness. By reminding them of His love and provision, we help them find a sense of peace and rest that transcends their physical condition.

Psalm 73:26

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

This verse acknowledges the frailty of our physical bodies and affirms God as our ultimate source of strength and sustenance. It reminds us that even when our bodies fail, God’s presence and strength remain constant.

When visiting the sick, we can remind them of this verse to instill faith and resilience. By pointing them to the eternal truth of God’s strength, we help them find courage and hope even in the face of physical weakness or pain.

1 Peter 2:24

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you have been healed.”

This verse speaks of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, where His wounds brought about spiritual and physical healing. It emphasizes the transformative power of His atonement, enabling us to live righteous lives.

When visiting the sick, we can share this verse to remind them of Jesus’ redemptive work and His ability to bring healing. It encourages them to surrender their sufferings to Him, trusting that His wounds can bring about healing and restoration in all aspects of their lives.

2 Corinthians 12:9

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Paul’s words in this verse affirm that God’s grace is sufficient, even in times of weakness and infirmity. It reveals that God’s power is often manifested most profoundly in our moments of vulnerability.

When visiting the sick, we can share this verse to inspire courage and trust in God’s grace. By embracing our limitations and acknowledging our need for Him, we allow His power to work through us, bringing comfort, strength, and healing to those who are sick.

Romans 8:26

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

This verse highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives, particularly in times of weakness and uncertainty. It reassures us that the Spirit intercedes and prays on our behalf, even when we struggle to find the right words.

When visiting the sick, we can remind them of this verse to offer comfort and assurance. It encourages them to lean on the Spirit’s guidance and to trust in the power of His intercession on their behalf.

2 Timothy 4:20

“Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.”

This verse mentions one of Paul’s associates, Trophimus, who was sick and had to be left behind in Miletus. It serves as a reminder that sickness is a part of human experience, and not all illnesses are immediately healed.

When visiting the sick, it is important to acknowledge the reality that not everyone experiences immediate healing. We must be sensitive to their journey, providing support, prayer, and encouragement while trusting in God’s timing and purposes.

Acts 28:8-9

“His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.”

This passage recounts an incident where Paul prayed for and healed Publius’ father, who was sick with fever and dysentery. The miraculous healing led to other sick individuals on the island seeking Paul’s help and experiencing their own healing.

When visiting the sick, we can draw inspiration from Paul’s example of prayer and laying on of hands. While recognizing that healing may not always come instantly, we can still intercede and offer our prayers, trusting in God’s power to bring about physical and spiritual restoration.

Matthew 10:7-8

“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in this passage entail proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of heaven while also ministering physical and spiritual healing. It demonstrates the integral connection between the message of the Gospel and acts of compassion and healing.

When visiting the sick, we can emulate Jesus’ teachings by sharing the message of hope and salvation while also offering our prayers and support for their physical well-being. This verse calls us to freely give what we have received from God, extending His love and compassion to those who are sick.

“…they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

This verse is part of Jesus’ commission to His disciples, outlining the signs that will accompany those who believe in Him. It includes the laying on of hands as an act of faith that is often associated with healing and restoration.

When visiting the sick, we can follow this example by laying hands on them as a gesture of faith and prayer. While recognizing that healing ultimately comes from God, this act demonstrates our trust in His power and invites His intervention in the healing process.

Matthew 14:14

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”

This verse highlights Jesus’ compassion and His willingness to heal the sick. It showcases His deep love for humanity and His desire to address both the physical and spiritual needs of those who were hurting.

When visiting the sick, we are called to emulate Jesus’ compassion and extend His love to those who are suffering. By showing empathy, offering our prayers, and providing practical support, we become agents through which God’s healing touch is extended to the sick.

What Does the Bible Say About Visiting The Sick?

Visiting the sick is an important aspect of our Christian faith, as it reflects the love, compassion, and care that Christ calls us to embody. In the book of James, we are encouraged to visit and care for the sick as a demonstration of our faith in action (James 5:14-15). This passage exemplifies the importance of physical and spiritual care for those who are unwell.

Furthermore, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches that when we visit the sick, we are in fact ministering to Him directly (Matthew 25:36). This highlights the profound spiritual significance and value that the act of visiting the sick holds in the eyes of God. It is an opportunity to show Christ-like love and kindness to our fellow human beings who are suffering.

In addition, the Bible emphasizes the power of prayer in the context of visiting the sick. James 5:16 encourages us to pray for one another, particularly for those who are sick, affirming that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Overall, the Bible teaches us that visiting the sick is an expression of love, compassion, and solidarity, and it is a way in which we can actively live out the gospel. It serves as a means of offering comfort, support, and spiritual nourishment to those who are facing illness and adversity.

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What Should We Do When We Visit the Sick?

More by kevin.

The greatest need which a man ever has of the spiritual doctrine of our Lord is when His hand visits him with afflictions, whether of disease or other evils, and especially at the hour of death, for then he feels more strongly than ever in his life before pressed in conscience, both by the judgment of God, to which he sees himself born to be called, and the assaults of the devil, who then uses all his efforts to beat down the poor person, and overwhelm him in confusion. Advertise on TGC And therefore the duty of a minister is to visit the sick, and console them by the word of the Lord, showing them that all which they suffer and endure comes from the hand of God, and from his good providence, who sends nothing to believers except for their good and salvation. He will quote passages of Scripture suitable to this view. Moreover, if he sees the sickness to be dangerous, he will give them consolation, which reaches farther, according as he sees them touched by their affliction; that is to say, if he sees them overwhelmed, with the fear of death, he will show them that it is no cause of dismay to believers, who having Jesus Christ for their guide and protector, will, by their affliction, be conducted to the life on which he has entered. By similar considerations he will remove the fear and terror which they may have of the judgment of God. If he does not see them sufficiently oppressed and agonized by a conviction of their sins, he will declare to them the justice of God, before which they cannot stand, save through his mercy embracing Jesus Christ for their salvation. On the contrary, seeing them afflicted in their consciences, and troubled for their offenses, he will exhibit Jesus Christ to the life, and show how in him all poor sinners who, distrusting themselves, repose in his goodness, find solace and refuge. Moreover, a good and faithful minister will duly consider all means which it may be proper to take to console the distressed, according as he sees them affected: being guided in the whole by the word of the Lord. Furthermore, if the minister has anything whereby he can console and give bodily relief to the afflicted poor, let him not spare, but show to all a true example of charity. ( Catechism of the Church of Geneva )

In summary, then, Calvin encourages all Christians, and especially ministers, to keep several things in mind as they visit the sick.

People need the gospel more than ever when they are ill.
Remind the sick from the word of God that God is sovereign over their illness and has sent it for their good.
If the illness is severe, comfort the sick with the sure knowledge that those who die in the Lord have nothing to fear.
If the sick consider their sins to be light and trivial, teach them of the justice of God and call them to embrace the mercy of Christ.
If the sick are afflicted in their consciences, help them find rest in Christ.
Don’t be afraid to bring some small token of physical relief—books, flowers, balloons, games, movies, a homemade card.

Kevin DeYoung (PhD, University of Leicester) is senior pastor of Christ Covenant Church (PCA) in Matthews, North Carolina, and associate professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary (Charlotte). He is the author of more than 20 books and a popular columnist, blogger, and podcaster. Kevin’s work can be found on clearlyreformed.org . Kevin and his wife, Trisha, have nine children.

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The Corporal Works of Mercy

The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise. They "are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs" ( USCCA ). They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life.

The seven Corporal Works of Mercy are listed below. After each work of mercy there are also suggestions and words of advice for living them out in our daily lives. Have your own suggestions? Let us know @USCCB and use the hashtag #mercyinmotion .

Feed the hungry

Two young girls receive food at an outdoor soup kitchen in Washington in late January, 2009. CNS photo/Jim West

Having delicious food at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? Donate to a Thanksgiving or Christmas food drive so everyone can have something to eat.
Research, identify and contribute financially to organizations that serve the hungry.
The next time you make a recipe that can be easily frozen, make a double batch and donate one to your local food pantry or soup kitchen.
Try not to purchase more food than you are able to eat. If you notice that you end up throwing groceries away each week, purchasing less groceries would eliminate waste and allow you to donate the savings to those in need.

Give Drink to the thirsty

Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ do not have access to clean water and suffer from the lack of this basic necessity. We should support the efforts of those working towards greater accessibility of this essential resource.

We take it for granted that we have access to clean water. Donate to help build wells for water for those in need
Organize a group of children involved on a sports team (e.g. soccer) or a summer camp. Invite them to collect bottled water to distribute at a shelter for families. If parents can be involved, ask them to accompany their children in delivering the water to the families.
Do the same for youth and young adult groups.
Make an effort not to waste water. Remembering to turn off the water faucet when you are brushing your teeth or washing dishes can help, especially in regions suffering from drought.

Shelter the homeless

A homeless man rests on a bench in Baltimore. CNS Photo/Bob Roller

See if your parish or diocese is involved with a local homeless shelter and volunteer some time.
Donate time or money to organizations that build homes for those who need shelter.
Many homeless shelters need warm blankets for their beds. If you can knit or sew that would be an extra loving gift.
There are millions of children and families who are on the move, fleeing from war, illness, hunger and impossible living conditions, and searching for peace and safety. Engage parish groups of children, youth, young adults, and families in doing some research on the causes and challenges that these families face to survive. Contact Catholic Social Services, or diocesan offices of peace and justice for help with your research. Seek ways to provide shelter for the homeless locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.

visit the sick

Those who are sick are often forgotten or avoided. In spite of their illness, these individuals still have much to offer to those who take the time to visit and comfort them.

Spend time volunteering at a nursing home – Get creative and make use of your talents (e.g. sing, read, paint, call Bingo, etc.)!
Take time on a Saturday to stop and visit with an elderly neighbor.
Offer to assist caregivers of chronically sick family members on a one-time or periodic basis. Give caregivers time off from their caregiving responsibilities so they can rest, complete personal chores, or enjoy a relaxing break.
Next time you make a meal that can be easily frozen, make a double batch and give it to a family in your parish who has a sick loved one.

visit the prisoners

Pope Francis blesses an inmate at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia in September, 2015. CNS Photo/Paul Haring

See if your parish, or a nearby parish, has a prison ministry and if so, get involved.
Volunteer to help out or donate to charities that give Christmas presents to children whose parents are in prison.

bury the dead

Funerals give us the opportunity to grieve and show others support during difficult times. Through our prayers and actions during these times we show our respect for life, which is always a gift from God, and comfort to those who mourn.

Send a card to someone who has recently lost a loved one. Make your own card and use some of these prayers .
Visit the cemetery and pray for those you have lost.
Spend time planning your own funeral mass, read through the Order of Christian Funerals and find our hope in the Resurrection.

give alms to the poor

Donate money to organizations that have the ability to provide support and services for those in need. Do research and find organizations that put people in need first, rather than profit.

Skip the morning latte and put that money in the collection basket at church.
Find a charity that is meaningful to you and volunteer your time or donate.
This Lent, give up eating out at restaurants. Pack you meals and donate the extra money to charities.
Participate in CRS Rice Bowl

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Bible Verses About Caring For The Sick

What does the bible say about caring for the sick.

Just like doctors and nurses, Christians are to take care of the sick. It can be your spouse, friend, parents, the elderly, siblings, or even people when on mission trips. When you serve others you are doing the same thing for Christ. Be imitators of Christ.

Just like Jesus had compassion for others we are to have compassion as well. It’s always great to help in any way you can and it is also great to pray for and with people who are in need. Give your time and comfort to people who need comforting. Do all things for the glory of God.

Let’s learn what Scripture teaches us about caring for people who are sick and needy.

1. Matthew 25:34-40 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you , or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me .”

2. John 13:12-14 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

3. Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

4. Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5. Romans 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

6. Romans 12:13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality .

7. Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

The Golden Rule

8. Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

9. Matthew 7:12 “ Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”

Loving the sick

10. Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

11. 1 John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

12. John 13:34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

Prayer for the sick

13. James 5:13-14 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

14. James 5:15-16 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Don’t care for the sick to be seen by others

15. Matthew 6:1 Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

16. Ephesians 4:32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

17. James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Examples of caring for the sick in the Bible

18. Luke 4:40 As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one.

19. Matthew 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

20. Matthew 8:16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.

21. Ezekiel 34:16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

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21 Comforting Bible Verses for the Sick

Whitney Hopler Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
Updated May 11, 2022

Getting sick sometimes is a painful part of living in our fallen world. But you can always ask God for encouragement and healing, and take comfort in what the Bible says about illness. If you’re suffering from sickness or know someone who is, use these comforting Bible verses for the sick and prayers for the sick to find hope.

How Does the Bible Talk about Sickness?

The Bible reveals that sickness is a reality that anyone can encounter in this fallen world, which has been corrupted by sin from God’s original perfect design. In John 16:33 , Jesus tells us that trouble is guaranteed in this world, but he also offers us the help we need to overcome that trouble: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

God calls us to love rather than judge. The Bible makes it clear that we shouldn’t judge people who are sick. In John 9:1-3 , Jesus speaks to his disciples about that: “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

While we can’t anticipate whether or not God will heal someone’s body, God will always respond to prayers for healing with encouragement for the soul. We can be assured that God cares and will help the sick somehow when we pray. As Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” The key to whether or not God decides to heal someone physically is if doing so is his will, which represents what is truly best spiritually, given all factors involved. 1 John 5:14 tells us that we can pray with confidence if we ask for what aligns with God’s will: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

The Bible also helps us look forward to heaven, where sickness won’t exist, because the environment reflects God’s perfect design. Revelation 21:4 reveals that “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.”

hands together praying over bible with lit candle, christians prayer closet

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang

More Comforting Bible Verses for the Sick

In addition to the 8 verses we’ve just explored together, here are 13 more comforting Bible verses for the sick:

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

“Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” – Jeremiah 17:14

“‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.’” – Jeremiah 33:6

“He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.’” – Exodus 15:26

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

“… You restored me to health and let me live. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” – Isaiah 38:16-17

“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. … And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 ,19

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” – Psalm 73:26

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

2 Prayers We Can Say for Those Who Are Sick

Praying for those who are sick can be a powerful way to help them. My book Wake Up to Wonder describes research on emotions that reveals the power of prayer. A study showed that when small groups of people expressed their emotions together with a common request – such as healing – in prayer, they often reported awe-inspiring events like healing happening as a result. Another study found that when people practice prayer and meditation to manage stressful emotions – such as their feelings about managing illness – their telomeres (the protective caps on their chromosomes) can lengthen, boosting their physical health by increasing their cellular protection. Here are 2 prayers to adapt for those you know who are sick:

A prayer for acute illness: “Dear God, thank you for always being present with me. I believe you see the suffering I’m going through right now with this illness, and I know you care. Please send me the strength I need to recover soon. Encourage me while I’m sick and make a way for me to be healthy again, please. Help me gain compassion through this experience so that after I recover, I can use what I’ve learned to love and serve with a deeper faith. Thank you, God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Sickness is a painful part of living in a fallen world. However, God cares when people fall ill, and he stands ready to help. Bible verses for the sick reveal that it is always worthwhile to pray for God’s intervention when someone is sick. While you can’t predict when God will physically heal someone’s body, you can be assured that God will respond with healing for the soul. Be assured that God will accomplish something good spiritually from even the most challenging situations – such as illness – when you ask him to work in those circumstances.

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Does the pastor have the responsibility to visit and help the sick?

Bible question:.

If a member of a congregation gets sick, who is responsible to go and see about that member, especially if we do not have a missionary ministry? Is it the pastor? The Bible says when you are sick you need to call upon the elders of the church.

Bible Answer:

The answer to your question is found in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan and several other New Testament passages.

Good Samaritan

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:30-37, a man was robbed, stripped of his clothes, and beaten by some robbers. Sometime later a priest and Levite saw the man, ignored him, and walked by. Later a Samaritan saw the man. He stopped and cared for him. The Samaritan left the injured man at an inn with directions for the innkeeper to take care of him. When Jesus was finished with the parable, he asked a question. Here is His question and the answer of a Jewish lawyer to whom Jesus was speaking,

“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he [Jewish lawyer] said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.” (NASB) Luke 10:36-37

What does Jesus want us to do for those who are wounded and need help? He wants us to help them just as the Good Samaritan did.

“ You Gave Me “

In Matthew 25, Jesus illustrated the future judgment and said the following,

Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.” (NASB) Matthew 25:34-36

It is clear that Jesus expects all of us to take care of the sick, the naked, strangers, and prisoners. These two illustrations indicate that Jesus expects us to take care of those who are beaten, sick, and in need. He also expects us to care for widows, orphans (James 1:27), strangers (Heb. 13:2), prisoners (Heb. 13:3), and the poor (Prov. 28:27).

Call For The Elders

Church leaders or elders have a special role to the sick beyond that of the other church members. James 5:14-15 tells us that those who are sick should call the elders of the church and ask them to pray for them. If they committed sins that resulted in their sickness they will be forgiven.

Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. (NASB) James 5:14-15

Conclusion:

God wants everyone of us to care for the sick, poor, strangers, orphans, widows, and anyone else who is in need. It is an act of love and mercy. That is what God does for us. He shows us mercy and love. Jesus did that when He died on the cross to forgive the sins of those who trust Him.

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17 Bible Verses about Visiting The Sick And Elderly

Acts 16:40 esv / 4 helpful votes helpful not helpful.

So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

Galatians 5:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

Matthew 25:1-46 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. ...

Matthew 24:34 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

Proverbs 31:1-31 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows? Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. ...

1 Timothy 2:11-14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

Galatians 3:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

1 Corinthians 12:1-31 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; ...

Romans 16:1-27 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. ...

Romans 11:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.

Acts 21:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.

John 3:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:1-36 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ...

Isaiah 42:6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“I am the Lord ; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,

Psalm 119:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.

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Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles , a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.

Bible Verses about Sickness

James 5:14-15.

Matthew 25:36

Matthew 10:8, matthew 25:43, matthew 4:23-24, matthew 10:1, matthew 14:14, matthew 8:16-17, matthew 4:23, matthew 9:12, matthew 9:35, james 5:14-16, matthew 14:35-36, 1 corinthians 11:30, exodus 23:25.

Psalms 41:3

Deuteronomy 28:61, proverbs 13:12, deuteronomy 28:59-61, ezekiel 34:4, exodus 15:26, jeremiah 17:14.

1 Samuel 12:15

Deuteronomy 32:39, jeremiah 30:17, isaiah 53:4, proverbs 17:22.

Isaiah 53:5

Matthew 8:13

Isaiah 38:12, isaiah 38:20.

The Religious Necessity of Visiting the Sick

The sick, like the poor, are ever with us. This provides for us almost unlimited opportunities to put our Christian religion into practice. Every week this format and the announcements of the elders inform us as to who is in need of help and prayers. How do we respond to it? Do we ever offer prayer? Do we ever go see these brethren? If we don't - we must begin. If we do - we must continue. Consider these biblical reasons why. The Golden Rule. The lofty goal of Christian behavior is "all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them" (Matt. 7:12). What would be our desire if sick? We would all hope that when we are aged or grossly infirmed that one would come and care tenderly for us. Yet if we do not now lay up the treasure of doing this good work for others in the time of our health how can we rightfully call for such care for ourselves later? Is it not the very definition of selfishness to expect others to do for you what you refuse to do for them? Instead we must "not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." (Phil. 2:4). This is the very law of Christ, "Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal. 6:2) A Sign of Familiar Love. Many of those that are sick among us in this congregation also have family here. In fact, there are very few sick anywhere who do not have relatives. If all relatives did their divinely ordained duties society and the church would be much less burdened. However among this congregation are many sterling examples of this love put into practice: spouses caring for the ones to whom they pledged to be faithful "in sickness and in health," parents caring for children for whom they must provide, children "making a return" (1 Tim. 5:4) unto their parents, and grandchildren and grandparents showing an active love and concern that spans the generations. In fact this rightful love in action is an example to us, for as the scriptures point out, it only those most dilatory in their faith who are neglectful of this. "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Tim. 5:8) This is, as the pagans were, "without natural affection, unloving." (Rom. 1:31) An Exercise in Humility. One excuse often given by those who refuse to do their duty is how uncomfortable it makes them feel. To be in the presence of the seriously ill, those of greatly advanced age or serious medical condition is not pleasant. It is disconcerting to see bodies so weakened and distorted by time and disease. These bodies are not the way we wish them to be and they are graphic reminders of the approaching death that awaits every man. We naturally don't like to think about death - and disease is an extension of it. To face the one who is sick we must face within ourselves the real possibility that such conditions are to be our fate as well. Our response to this can be to become morose or to be thankful for the health that we do have. A New Appreciation For Health. One of the greatest ways that we can be reminded of the blessings that we have is to deal with those who don't have them. Some things become much more obvious by their absence. If we have lived with something a long time we tend to take it for granted. A visit to the home of the poor helps us appreciate our wealth. A visit to the bed of the sick makes us appreciate our health. Who would not be moved to thanking God for their good health after spending time with those who lack it and so desperately want it? A New Appreciation For Prayer . Many who are healthy and well supplied do not pray as they ought for they don't see the need. A visit to the sick - for whom grave danger of life is present or soon expected, or for whom medical science can offer no hope, or for whom pain and suffering attend their every movement and activity - helps us see that prayer is the only response possible. Prayer - for their spiritual security and encouragement as the physical fails. Prayer - for their physical comfort and relief. Prayer - for those who patiently and lovingly care for them that they might be blessed in and for their efforts and have the strength to continue. In all things - prayer. Also, having so closely prayed with them in suffering we are more likely to continue in prayers for them when absent. But if always absent where is the reminder of the need of prayer? A Sign of True Faith. Many are Christians by loud profession having once made the good confession, but their obsession with self and their own interests is obvious when the continually absent themselves from sick beds and benevolent opportunities. It is not my decision that such faith it vain, it is the proclamation of the divine writer: "This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (Jas. 1:27) It not true religion if it continually shirks duty. The Duty of Elders, Preachers and All Christians to Visit. Some see this duty is one primarily, or even only, for the leaders of the church. Let the elders (they're the ones appointed after all) and the preacher (he's on the payroll) or others go. By this same logic only the elders and preacher should pray, teach, sing or encourage (after all, they're appointed, he's paid). Do elders have a duty to visit the sick? Yes, the scripture says that the sick should call for them to pray with them (Jas. 5:13). Also they should go under the general heading of "caring for the flock." (1 Pet 5:20) The preacher has no specific instruction to go "as the preacher" to the sick (if so, where is the passage?), only the general instruction to "strengthen and encourage" (2 Thess. 3:2). Every passage (save Jas. 5:13) that deals directly or by implication with visiting the sick is addressed equally to ALL Christians. The importance of this duty to every Christian cannot be overstated - for eternal salvation hangs in the balance. The Basis of Judgment. Jesus speaks of the separation of the goats and sheep to the left hand and to the right in Matt. 25.

37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You drink? 38 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 'And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'40 "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me....' 45 "Then He will answer them, saying, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' 46 "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Which side of the divide do your actions put you on?

By Jay Horsley From Expository Files 7.3; March 2000

https://www.bible.ca/

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How to Plan a Pastoral Hospital Visit

Showing kindness to the sick from a distance—paying bills, meal trains—is surely not wrong, but what is interesting about the biblical command to visit the sick is the emphasis Scripture places on embodied presence.

I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. (Matt 25:35–36)

Pastors, in particular, are to visit the sick:

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (Jas 5:14)

What things are done in a pastoral hospital visit? Are there helpful resources for preparing such visitations?

Presence is the very first thing that is achieved in a pastoral visitation to the sick. A pastor may trip over his words; a care-team member may have forgotten the cards from the Sunday school class; there may or may not be the ability to administer anything in the way of the sacraments ( baptism , communion , anointing with oil)—but what a pastor can do is be there .

One of the chief things that illness or surgery or childbirth effects is social disintegration. The person being visited has had limits imposed upon their relationships, upon their ability to move through space, and upon their participation in community. Central to the pastor’s visit to the hospital or the sick-bed is that pastor’s presence.

Application: While observing proper boundaries and medical regulations, pastors should be as present as possible in their hospital visits—representing to the visited the community from which their illness has separated them.

Pastoral care is the second thing that a pastoral hospital visit affords the opportunity to do. The weak and infirm, the shut-in, the postpartum mother, those about to perish, and those coming out of a medical procedure—all need to receive the counsel, care, edification, instruction, and encouragement brought by the pastor. Come ready with Scripture verses and good questions, but avoid turning the visit into catechesis. See if there is anything they want to talk about, and prepare to receive from them the kind of conversation that they are ready to give. This conversation may be more or less than you had prepared for. The Lord draws near to the brokenhearted; you draw near to them also.

Application: You are there for the love and care of the ailing person’s soul. Christ has entrusted you with the precious moments with one of his sheep in their hour of trouble. Trust in the Lord, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and do not lean on your own understanding.

As limited as time often is for pastoral hospital visits, one can still bring the Word of the Lord into the space of the visit by preparing well ahead of time. Avoid preparing a Bible study, but do come equipped with key verses which speak to those in need, distress, or illness. The following Scriptures are ready comforts for the minister to offer:

Christ came into the world to save sinners (1 Tim 1:15).
God does not delight in the death of a sinner (Ezek 33:11).
Christ ever intercedes for us (Heb 7:25).
The Spirit helps us in our weakness when we don’t know what to pray (Rom 8:26–28).
The Lord seeks the lost, brings back the strayed, binds up the injured, and strengthens the weak (Ezek 34:16).

Application: Let the Word of God do the work that only it can do. Come prepared with short, manageable passages (no more than a few verses), which will give them hope in the goodness of the Lord. The Logos Counseling Guide can assist you in this task.

Reading a psalm (individually or responsively), or, better yet, softly singing or chanting a psalm over the person makes the moment a place of worship and precious communion with the Lord. It brings the sufferings of the patient into the life of Jesus, for, per Rowan Williams,

The Psalms are the words of Jesus, the Word who speaks in all scripture. … He speaks for us, makes his own the protesting of troubled cry of the human being, so that his own proper and perfect prayer to the Father may become ours. 4

Psalms 4, 37, 46, 91, 103, and 146 are excellent for such moments which proclaim the truth that God is our refuge.

Application: So much of the experience of the sick and needy is that of being muted. Bringing the songs of the Psalter into their experience, though chanted respectfully and quietly, gathers their moments and their pain and their fears into worship. It gives voice to their affliction, and names as meaningful their moments of infirmity.

The pastoral hospital visit is also a time for prayer. This is central to what James instructs the church to do when it visits its members who are ill: have the pastors pray for them (Jas 5:14). Such prayers must be freed from any artificial weight applied by the pastor to “be super meaningful.” I know the temptation, but that is not what these prayers are about. Simple, honest prayers, prewritten or spontaneous, are aimed at nothing other than collecting the prayers of many who are praying (family members, folks from church throughout the week, the prayers of the sick person themself, prayers of friends who live a long ways off) who may or may not be present, in a unified prayer to the Lord.

Given the sensitivity of such visitations, I often find that coming prepared with prewritten prayers (memorized and internalized is better) can be incredibly fruitful. It takes all the pressure off of the situation. There is no magic to be worked here, no brilliance of pastoral charism; just the words prayed by many Christians other than ourselves in similar situations to a God they too put hope upon and whom they also found mighty to save.

Application: Be prepared to pray. Either in the room with the visited, with the family, perhaps even with the staff or professionals who are providing care. The best thing that prayer can be is simple and honest. Most prayer books have prayers for such purposes. Find a good prayer book and keep it handy.

Finally, a pastoral visit to a hospital (or other such situation) presents an opportunity for the administration of the rites and sacraments of the church. Again, usually these visits are shorter in length than other pastoral occasions and so economy of time is important. Planning out three brief 5–15 minute visits is usually more fruitful than planning a single visit in which a pastor feels the unbearable (unbearable for all involved) weight of having to “do everything.” There are, however, minimally two rites which the pastor should be able to administer appropriately and flexibly which the sick, bedridden, postpartum, recovering, ill, or dying person will be benefited by: the anointing with oil (cf. Mark 6:13; Jas 5:14) and baptism (where necessary).

Depending on the tradition in which one ministers (I for instance, am an Anglican pastor), two more rites may be available to offer those being visited: Communion to the sick (in which the elements of Holy Communion are brought from the gathered worship of the church to the site of the visitation), and what is called “last rites.” While both of these are far more common practices in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox communities, there are ways to offer them which conform to more evangelical , Protestant, and/or Reformed churches.

There are ways for a pastor to administer these within whatever tradition he may be a part, and there are manuals and service books available for such services which can all be meaningfully adapted for the circumstances. I keep a “visiting bag” with me throughout the week. Among other things that are in it I always have:

A small container of water
A phial of oil
A Book of Common Prayer

The nature of human ailment usually precludes a pastor’s ability to plan long in advance. Just as an expectant young couple prepares a “go bag” when they near the time of childbirth, so also pastors can prepare things so that they are ready at all times to respond to the needs of their flock.

Application: Be versed in the rites for administering oil, a brief service of Holy Communion, baptism, and last rites. These are not things that a pastor should “not be really certain how to do” when and if they are requested during a hospital visit.

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What are the different types of pastoral visits?

It is helpful to think through the ways in which different kinds of pastoral visits might differ.

Firstly, there is the most general and most common kind of pastoral visit. That of a general health-related need. This includes everything from the visitation of outpatients following significant (but not necessarily life-threatening) procedures, the visitation of those under care that keeps them recovering at home or in a hospital, those who are dealing with mental-health events that confine their movement beyond home or medical facilities, and situations of intense hospitalization.

Secondly, there is the occasion of the birth of a child which usually occurs in a hospital setting but can also occur at home or in birth centers. While it is not the result of bodily or mental ailment, childbirth carries within itself many of the same features of sickness to which pastoral care is applied: the proximity to mortality, the need for recovery, the application of medicine, the exhaustion and expansion of physical needs, and the unquestionable disintegration of what had been “normal life.” The presence of a pastor, with the family’s permission, in response to the birth of a child, with prayers, presence, and words of comfort, do much to proclaim to the gospel to a family whose world has undergone a fundamental transformation.

The last kind of pastoral visitation is the kind wherein the proximity of death and the gravity of illness place peculiar constraints on all those involved. We cannot treat these situations as the same as those listed above. Certain conversations must now be had that have not occurred before, and difficult decisions must now be made. The pastor occupies a strange position in these moments. The pastor is usually not a medical professional, nor the one who is dying, nor—usually—a family member. Many of the decisions are not the pastor’s to make. Yet, the pastor is often looked to with a kind unspoken authority of one whose job it is, even in some attenuated way, to be present in the place of death. Many pastors, rightly or wrongly, also feel a sense of being in the way and not knowing what to do. Extreme care, therefore, and respect for the family and the caregivers, must be exercised here while finding the appropriate place to perform the pastoral role. Usually, I limit myself in these cases to saying three things at the right time unless asked to do more:

Has this person been baptized? Do they want to be baptized?
Should I administer last rites (according to one’s tradition)?
I’ll be over here praying, please let me know if there’s anything else I can do.

What are some common challenges pastors may encounter during hospital visits—and how can they overcome them?

Pastors, especially newly ordained or inexperienced pastors, often encounter a heightened sense of “not knowing what to do” during a pastoral hospital visit. Hopefully the above sections have helped to diminish that feeling. In addition, it is not unwise to do some research and preparation beyond what I’ve discussed so far: Look into the hospitals, care facilities, birth centers, clinics, mental health wards, etc., in the area in which you minister. Do some research. Where is the visitor parking? Do they have special rules or policies in place for pastoral visits? Do they have chaplain staff that you can reach out to with questions? Will you ever need to get special access to military hospitals, and, if so, how do you go about that process?

Another challenge that pastors can experience, regardless of years in ministry, is the difficult relational tension within and among family and friends of the person being visited. Family feuds, arguments, heightened emotions, stress, unclear advanced directives, legal and financial problems—all create circumstances that are ripe for discord. Here there is little a pastor can come “prepared” to handle apart from a charitable disposition and a willingness to sustain a prayerful peaceability in the face of what can be a really difficult situation for a whole web of relationships.

Rarely are hospital visits something a pastor can carefully plan out weeks in advance. Emergencies are just that. Pastors, especially pastors who minister without a team, can easily feel overwhelmed by the unscheduled needs which the care of a parishioner in such situations can present. Healthy communication, brevity of visitation time, and clear protocols for what to do when you arrive at the hospital (or other facility) will be critical for ensuring the long-term viability of the pastoral care you offer. Additionally, it is always wise to be honest with your church about your limitations while being respectful to the privacy of the visited party. A Wednesday email that reads, “Hey, everyone, I’ve needed to respond to a couple of medical emergencies in our church this week, so we will be cancelling Bible study on Saturday,” usually is a wiser move than a half-prepped study led by a weary pastor whose sermon is also not prepared and who won’t be honest about his exhaustion.

What are some practical tips for pastors to ensure a smooth and meaningful hospital visit experience?

To conclude, I’d like to offer five very practical tips for pastors looking to do hospital visitation.

1. Communicate effectively

Clear communication is critical for hospital visitations. Consider the following situations:

Are you bringing communion? Do they know this? Or—worse yet—are they expecting you to bring communion, but you are not?
Do they have family with them? Should you communicate with them? Are their family members elsewhere? How can you keep them in the loop?
Do you know the hospital’s guidelines for visiting hours? Are you respecting them?
Did you bring oil? Have you asked the hospital staff if the patient can receive applications to the skin?
Do you have the right address?
Are you visiting a mother who just gave birth? What do you do if you arrive and the baby is out of the room for post-natal check-ups? Can you wait? Can you come back?

As much as you can communicate with all the parties involved—ahead of time, during the visit, and afterward—the more fruitful your visit will be.

2. Come with a plan that is both formal and adaptable

Hospital visitations are not usually the place in which a pastor should ask, “What can I do?” They are often times where what is most comforting for all parties involved is to be able to hear what the pastor has come prepared to do. They can say “yes” or “no” to that plan, but it is not the job of either the visited person, the family and friends of the visited, or the caregivers. Often the more dire or tense the situation the more helpful a plan is. I do not need my presence creating a situation in which doctors and patients, or the infirm and their children, or ailing mothers and sorrowful children need to curate my care of them. This plan can be adapted, expanded, or shortened as necessary; but coming with a plan places the awkwardness of the visit where it belongs: on the pastor. I usually arrive and share with whoever has the voice in the room, “Here’s what I was planning on doing”; and then I ask for their permission and their thoughts.

3. Follow up

Follow-up is a critical part of a healthy pastoral visitation to the sick. Often the primary recipient of the visitation is not going to be able to manage all of the communication, so it is good to identify who to do that follow-up communication with. It is also best to plan out follow-up care before the conclusion of the visit. “Unless I hear from you all saying not to come, then, I’ll be here Thursday at 12:00 p.m.” does a lot more to ensure meaningful pastoral care than does, “Well, let me know when you’d like me to come again.”

Additionally, there are usually things that a pastor can engage the local church in doing to provide support for those who have been visited, things which go beyond the central but certainly no solitary gift of the pastor’s presence. This would include arranging meals, running errands, tending to yards, caring for pets, etc. All are a part of follow-up; they include the greater community in the care of the sick, the dying, or postpartum.

4. Respect confidentiality (and know where those boundaries are)

This one is simple. Know who is supposed to know what. Pastors are not entitled to know everything that a doctor does; and just as the pastor needs to respect those boundaries, there are things that a pastor is going to be privy to that are not appropriate to share indiscriminately. Know what you are supposed to know and know how much of that you need to keep confidential.

5. It’s not about you

It is, finally, important to remember that a pastoral hospital visit is not about you, the pastor. It is not your job to be amazing, to “fix” anything, or to weigh-in like some sleuth on a daytime drama offering unlooked-for medical advice. It is not your strength in this moment that is going to bless the person you are visiting. It is the Lord’s strength perfected in your weakness which offers hope and life (2 Cor 12:9). Avoid the temptation to believe that you must make the situation “meaningful” in some abstract way. You are there to do the work of a shepherd, and the gifts of our vocation are simple things: presence, touch (as possible and permitted), words of Scripture, prayers, sung psalms, dribbles of oil, the offer of the sacraments, the willingness to hear, “No, thank you.”

We are there to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the Law of Christ” (Gal 6:2). Christ came not merely to pay the debt of sin from a distance, but to dwell among his people, to care for us, to heal us, to touch us and to be touched by us—and, ultimately, to take up residence within us as his living Temple (1 Cor 3:16). So also, as the body of Jesus, we are called to be present with those who suffer and are sick.

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For our purposes here, I want to broaden the parameters of what constitutes a “hospital visit” to include other moments of visiting the sick or infirm which may happen outside of formal hospital facilities, such as homes where people are bedridden or shut-in, the dwellings of those in hospice, elder care complexes, emergency rooms (which may or may not be located within the precincts of a hospital), psych wards, or birth centers. All of these constitute places in which a gospel concern for the whole person—soul and body—finds expression in the pastoral visit.
Walter Brueggemann, Praying the Psalms: Engaging Scripture and the Life of the Spirit (Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2007), 30.
Byung-Chul Han, The Palliative Society, trans. Daniel Steuer (Medford, MA: Polity, 2021), 20.
Rowan Williams, On Augustine (London: Bloomsbury Continuum, 2016).

Mark Brians

Mark Brians is the rector of All Saints Anglican Church, in urban Honolulu. His has written for various digital and print publications including reading Religion, Themelios, Christianity & Literature, Canadian Journal of American Studies, and the Theopolis Institute blog. He is a contributor to the recent 'Theology and Tolkien' (Lexington, 2023), edited by Douglas Estes, and a co-author with Drew Knowles of a forthcoming Theopolis Exploration volume on Hospitality (Athanasius Press). He lives in Liliha with his wife and five children.

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Matthew 25:36 English Standard Version

36 ( A ) I was naked and you clothed me, ( B ) I was sick and you ( C ) visited me, ( D ) I was in prison and you came to me.’

Cross references

Matthew 25:36 : [See ver. 35 above]; Isa. 58:7; Ezek. 18:7, 16; [James 2:15, 16]
Matthew 25:36 : [Luke 10:33, 34]
Matthew 25:36 : James 1:27
Matthew 25:36 : 2 Tim. 1:16; [Heb. 10:34; 13:3]

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Matthew 25:36

Matthew 25:36 new international version ( niv ).

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Matthew 25:34-36 The Message ( MSG )

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’

Matthew 25:36 King James Version ( KJV )

naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Matthew 25:36 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 ( NASB1995 )

naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’

Matthew 25:36 New Century Version ( NCV )

I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

Matthew 25:36 American Standard Version ( ASV )

naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Matthew 25:36 New King James Version ( NKJV )

I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

Matthew 25:36 Amplified Bible ( AMP )

I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me [with help and ministering care]; I was in prison, and you came to Me [ignoring personal danger].’ [Is 58:7]

Matthew 25:36 New Living Translation ( NLT )

I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

Matthew 25:36 The Passion Translation ( TPT )

and when I was poorly clothed, you covered me. When I was sick, you tenderly cared for me, and when I was in prison you visited me.’

Matthew 25:36 English Standard Version 2016 ( ESV )

I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

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IMAGES

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6 Bible verses about Visiting Of The Sick
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COMMENTS

6 Bible Verses about Visiting Of The Sick
Matthew 25:36. Verse Concepts. naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'. James 1:27. Verse Concepts. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. 2 Kings 8:29.
Matthew 25:36-40 ESV
English Standard Version. 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And ...
What Does the Bible Say About Visiting The Sick?
Bible verses about Visiting The Sick. ... Visit the Bible online to search for words if you don't know the specific passage your're looking for. Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English ...
Matthew 25:39-41 NIV
39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'. 40 "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'. 41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and ...
25 Bible Verses About Visiting The Sick (With Commentary)
Matthew 25:36. "I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.". Jesus teaches the importance of compassionate care for the sick in this verse. It serves as a reminder that our actions towards those who are sick have a significant impact.
What Does the Bible Say About Visit The Sick?
Ephesians 5:1-33 ESV / 4 helpful votesHelpfulNot Helpful. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Matthew 25:39 When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?'
The Sheep and the Goats. … 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?' 40 And the King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.'…. Matthew 25:38.
What Should We Do When We Visit the Sick?
If the sick consider their sins to be light and trivial, teach them of the justice of God and call them to embrace the mercy of Christ. If the sick are afflicted in their consciences, help them find rest in Christ. Don't be afraid to bring some small token of physical relief—books, flowers, balloons, games, movies, a homemade card.
James 1:27
To visit the fatherless... and to keep himself unspotted. Observe that our duty towards our fellow-men is placed first; then that towards ourselves. Ἐπισκέπτεσθαι is the regular word for visiting the sick; cf. Ecclus. 7:35, "Be not slow to visit the sick (μὴ ὄκει ἐπισκέτεσπθαι ἀῥῤωστον)."
Matthew 25:35-45
Matthew 25:35-45 GNBUK. I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.' "The righteous will then answer him, 'When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink?
The Corporal Works of Mercy
visit the sick. Those who are sick are often forgotten or avoided. In spite of their illness, these individuals still have much to offer to those who take the time to visit and comfort them. Give blood; Spend time volunteering at a nursing home - Get creative and make use of your talents (e.g. sing, read, paint, call Bingo, etc.)!
What Does the Bible Say About Caring For The Sick?
James 5:15-16 ESV / 13 helpful votesHelpfulNot Helpful. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is ...
21 Helpful Bible Verses About Caring For The Sick (Powerful)
20. Matthew 8:16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 21. Ezekiel 34:16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy.
21 Comforting Bible Verses for the Sick
In addition to the 8 verses we've just explored together, here are 13 more comforting Bible verses for the sick: "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well ...
Does the pastor have the responsibility to visit and help the sick
Call For The Elders. Church leaders or elders have a special role to the sick beyond that of the other church members. James 5:14-15 tells us that those who are sick should call the elders of the church and ask them to pray for them. If they committed sins that resulted in their sickness they will be forgiven.
17 Bible Verses about Visiting The Sick And Elderly
John 3:1-36 ESV / 2 helpful votesHelpfulNot Helpful. Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.". Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say ...
Visiting the Sick
Visiting the sick ( bikur holim) is considered an act of loving kindness ( gemilut hasadim ). The concept of bikur holim is first introduced in the Bible when God visits Abraham while he is recovering from circumcision ( Genesis 18:1 ). It is from this instant on that Jews are required to emulate God in visiting the sick.
Matthew 25:36-40 NKJV
New King James Version. 36 I wasnaked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me;I was in prison and you came to Me.'. 37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when ...
The Top Bible Verses about Sickness in Scripture
15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Matthew 25:35-40 ESV
English Standard Version. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you ...
The Religious Necessity of Visiting the Sick
A visit to the sick - for whom grave danger of life is present or soon expected, or for whom medical science can offer no hope, or for whom pain and suffering attend their every movement and activity - helps us see that prayer is the only response possible. Prayer - for their spiritual security and encouragement as the physical fails. Prayer ...
How to Plan a Pastoral Hospital Visit
As limited as time often is for pastoral hospital visits, one can still bring the Word of the Lord into the space of the visit by preparing well ahead of time. Avoid preparing a Bible study, but do come equipped with key verses which speak to those in need, distress, or illness. The following Scriptures are ready comforts for the minister to offer:
Matthew 25:36 ESV
English Standard Version. 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'. Read full chapter. Matthew 25:36 in all English translations. Matthew 24. Matthew 26. English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016.
Matthew 25:36
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in ...

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17 Bible Verses about Visiting The Sick And Elderly

Galatians 5:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 25:1-46 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 24:34 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 31:1-31 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 2:11-14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Galatians 3:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful