Fits almost every funeral
The one most people know by heart. Fits almost anyone.
Scripture readings for a funeral
A funeral service has an Old Testament reading or a psalm and a New Testament reading. Pick one of each, or one reading for a celebration of life.
First reading
Psalms and Old Testament readings for a funeral
- Psalm 121: I will lift up mine eyes unto the hillsPsalm 121A psalm about help on the road. For someone who traveled, worked outdoors or watched over others.
- Ecclesiastes 3: a time for everythingEcclesiastes 3:1-8A time to be born and a time to die. Works for families who want the Bible without preaching.
- Isaiah 40: they shall mount up with wingsIsaiah 40:28-31Wings as eagles. For someone whose strength ran out, and for the family that needs some now.
Second reading
New Testament readings for a funeral
- John 14: in my Father's house are many roomsJohn 14:1-6Jesus promises a place prepared for you. The reading pastors reach for first.
- Romans 8: nothing can separate us from the love of GodRomans 8:35-39Nothing, not even death, can separate us from God's love. Strong words for a hard loss.
- John 11: I am the resurrection and the lifeJohn 11:21-27Martha tells Jesus he came too late. He answers with a promise. For a family that is angry as well as sad.
- Revelation 21: God shall wipe away all tearsRevelation 21:1-4God will wipe away every tear. The last word of the Bible on death, for the end of a service.
At a funeral the readings speak of loss, comfort and hope. Each reading here comes with a short note on what it says and when it fits, the King James text ready to print, and the length when read slowly. The funeral program shows the reference and the text in the right place in the order of service.
How the readings fit in the service
A funeral service in most Protestant churches has an Old Testament reading or a psalm, read by a family member or friend, and a New Testament reading, often from the Gospels, read by the pastor. A homegoing service has an Old Testament scripture and a New Testament scripture, read by members of the church. A celebration of life has one reading at most, often next to a poem; see the poems to read at a funeral.
Readings chosen most
Psalm 23, the Lord is my shepherd, is read at more funerals than any other text. John 14, in my Father's house are many mansions, is the Gospel reading most pastors suggest. Ecclesiastes 3, a time to be born and a time to die, fits a family that wants a reading without church language. Romans 8 says that nothing can separate us from the love of God, and Revelation 21 promises that God will wipe away all tears. For someone who worked outdoors or watched over others, families choose Psalm 121, I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. Isaiah 40, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, speaks to a family whose strength has run out, and John 11, Martha at the grave of Lazarus, to a family that is angry as well as sad.
The text in the program
Every reading here has the King James text, which is free to print and share in the United States. If your church reads a modern translation, you paste that text yourself and Ordofolio puts the credit line with it. Ask the pastor which translation the church uses before you print.
Put the readings in the funeral program
Choose a reading for each part. The program then shows the reference, and the King James text if you want it printed.
Frequently asked questions
How many scripture readings are there in a funeral service?
Usually two: an Old Testament reading or a psalm, and a New Testament reading. Many churches read the Gospel as the second reading. A celebration of life or a memorial service often has one reading, or a poem instead.
Who reads the scripture at a funeral?
A family member or a friend reads the first reading; in many churches the pastor reads the Gospel. In a homegoing service the Old and New Testament scriptures are often read by members of the church. Ask the pastor who reads what, and give each reader their text a day ahead.
Can we print the Bible text in the program?
The King James Version is in the public domain in the United States, so Ordofolio prints it for you. Modern translations such as the NIV, ESV or NRSV are protected: you paste the text yourself, within the publisher's limits, and Ordofolio adds the credit line.
Which reading is right for someone who was not religious?
Ecclesiastes 3, a time for everything, and Psalm 23 are read at many services for people who rarely went to church. A poem can also take the place of a reading in a celebration of life.