What Does the Bible Say About Depression — Meaning Explained
The Bible shows that even great people of faith experienced depression, and offers God's presence, hope, and practical help as remedies.
The Bible shows that even great people of faith experienced depression, and offers God's presence, hope, and practical help as remedies.
"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." — Psalm 30:5 (KJV)
What "What Does the Bible Say About Depression?" Actually Means
Depression is not a sign of weak faith—some of the Bible's greatest figures struggled with it. Elijah, fresh from his greatest victory on Mount Carmel, sat under a tree and asked to die (1 Kings 19:4). David wrote: 'I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears' (Psalm 6:6). Jeremiah cursed the day he was born (Jeremiah 20:14-18). God's response to Elijah was remarkably practical: sleep, food, gentle companionship, and a new purpose. The Psalms model honest prayer in dark times—bringing raw emotions to God rather than hiding them. Scripture offers hope that 'weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning' (Psalm 30:5). God does not condemn the depressed; He draws near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Psalm 30:5
"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
1 Kings 19:4-5
"He requested for himself that he might die... And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat."
Psalm 40:1-2
"I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About Depression?
Daily Living
How to Overcome Depression Biblically?
Daily Living
What Does the Bible Say About Living Together Before Marriage?
Marriage & Family
1 Corinthians 10:31 Commentary
In-depth study • Living for God's Glory
Practicing Generosity
Scriptures about giving, generosity, and the blessing of open-handed living.
Bible Verses About Clean Living
10 curated KJV verses
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.