Illness & Health is one of the themes Scripture returns to again and again. Sickness is hard and God is near. Scripture does not promise easy healing in every case — but it promises that no body is forgotten.
People reach for these passages when they're looking up sick, ill, illness, disease, or some version of "what does the Bible say about illness & health?"
Among the most-cited passages on this theme are Psalm 41:3, James 5:14-15, Isaiah 53:4-5, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, and others below. Psalm 41:3 is the passage many readers return to first.
The page also offers a written prayer that names illness & health plainly and asks God for what's needed in this moment. It is not a magic formula — it is a small, faithful starting point.
A short reflection question sits at the bottom of the page: Who is one person you can ask to pray with you this week? Sit with it for a minute, or carry it into a journal.
If this isn't quite the right doorway, try a closely related theme: Suffering, Hope, Comfort.
Verses
Psalms 41:3
The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.
James 5:14-15
Is any sick among you? 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: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Psalms 73:26
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Reflection
Who is one person you can ask to pray with you this week?
Related topics
Want to search by feeling instead? Type what's on your heart on the home page.