Bible Verses for Hospice & End of Life
KJV scriptures to read aloud at a bedside — peace, God's nearness, and the hope of the life to come.
There comes a point where treatment stops and presence is all that is left. Reading Scripture aloud at a bedside is one of the oldest Christian practices, and hearing is generally the last sense to go. These King James verses are chosen to be read slowly, in a low voice, to someone who may not respond. Family members can read them in turns. Chaplains and hospice volunteers are welcome to print and use them freely.
KJV scriptures to read aloud at a bedside — peace, God's nearness, and the hope of the life to come.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." — Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
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A 7-Day Hospice and End-of-Life Reading Pack
For families sitting with someone who is dying, and for the patient themselves.
10 pages · US Letter · one verse and devotion prompt per day, writing space, the rest of the verse collection, and a closing prayer. No signup.
A 7-Day Hospice and End-of-Life Reading Pack
For families sitting with someone who is dying, and for the patient themselves.
How to use this pack
- Read aloud at the bedside; hearing is often the last sense to go.
- The prompts can be answered by the family when the patient cannot.
- Chaplains and hospice volunteers may reprint this freely.
- Day 1
Fear no evil
Psalm 23:4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
Prompt: Psalm 23 is read at deathbeds because it says through, not around. What does 'thou art with me' mean in this room?
The printed pack leaves writing space here.
- Day 2
Words that need saying
John 14:1-3Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you.John 14:1-3 (KJV)
Prompt: The four sentences that matter: thank you, I forgive you, forgive me, I love you. Which one is still unsaid?
The printed pack leaves writing space here.
- Day 3
Peace, not fixing
2 Corinthians 5:8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV)
Prompt: What are you still trying to fix that cannot be fixed? What would it be to simply be present instead?
The printed pack leaves writing space here.
- Day 4
The patient's wishes
Psalm 116:15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.Psalm 116:15 (KJV)
Prompt: What has the person said they want — music, silence, visitors, Scripture? Honour it, not your own preference.
The printed pack leaves writing space here.
- Day 5
Exhaustion of the family
Revelation 21:4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying.Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
Prompt: Who is carrying the most, and who will relieve them tonight?
The printed pack leaves writing space here.
- Day 6
Hope of resurrection
Romans 8:38-39For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life... shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)
Prompt: What do you believe happens next? Say it plainly at the bedside if it would help.
The printed pack leaves writing space here.
- Day 7
A blessing at the end
Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
Prompt: Choose the verse and the words you want spoken at the last. Write them out so you are not searching in the moment.
The printed pack leaves writing space here.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, you have been through death and out the other side. Give peace in this room, gentleness at the end, and hope to everyone left in it. Amen.
Psalm 23:4
The passage most often asked for
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."Read in context
John 14:1-3
Christ's own words about what comes next
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you."Read in context
2 Corinthians 5:8
Absent from the body, present with the Lord
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."Read in context
Psalm 116:15
God is not indifferent to this hour
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."Read in context
Revelation 21:4
The end of pain
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying."Read in context
Romans 8:38-39
Nothing separates, not even this
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life... shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."Read in context
Isaiah 41:10
For fear in the night hours
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God."Read in context
Luke 23:46
A prayer to pray on someone's behalf
"Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit."Read in context
Numbers 6:24-26
A blessing to speak over the bed
"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee... and give thee peace."Read in context
How to Use These Verses
- •Read slowly and repeat the same few passages rather than covering many — familiarity comforts more than variety.
- •Psalm 23 and John 14 are the two most requested; know where they are without searching.
- •Close each visit with Numbers 6:24-26 spoken as a blessing, then silence.
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