New Testament Readings for Funerals

Gaulden Monuments • September 9, 2026
New Testament readings for funerals: granite memorial bench beneath autumn oaks, Gaulden Monuments

New Testament readings for funerals do one thing the Old Testament readings do not: they speak about the resurrection directly. Where the Psalms give words for grief, the Gospels and the letters of Paul give words for hope. Most Christian services pair one of each, and this page covers the New Testament half. If you are still choosing the first reading, our guide to Old Testament readings for funerals has fifteen passages with the full text.

Each reading below is printed in full in the King James Version, followed by a short note on when it tends to fit. Read them aloud once before you decide; a passage that looks right on the page can feel very different in a chapel.

Readings about heaven and the Father's house

John 14:1-3

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

The most-read New Testament passage at Christian funerals. It works for almost anyone and is short enough for a family member to read without faltering.

2 Corinthians 5:1

"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

Fitting for someone who suffered a long illness; the "earthly house" is the body, and the verse is gentle about its end.

Revelation 21:4

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

Often chosen when the loss was hard or sudden. One verse, and it says everything.

Revelation 7:16-17

"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."

Readings about resurrection

John 11:25-26

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

Spoken to Martha at her brother's tomb, so it belongs at a graveside. Many ministers open the committal with it.

1 Corinthians 15:51-57

"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed... So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

The longest reading here and the most triumphant. Verses 54-57 alone work when time is short.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."

Chosen when the family wants the service to say plainly that grief and hope can sit together.

1 Peter 1:3-4

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you."

Readings about a life of faith

2 Timothy 4:7-8

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

The classic reading for a faithful elder, a pastor, a veteran, or anyone whose life was a long obedience. Verse 7 is also one of the most common Bible verses for headstones.

Philippians 1:21

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Romans 14:8

"For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's."

Revelation 14:13

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."

Good for someone known for hard work or service; "their works do follow them" is often used as the closing line.

Readings of comfort for those who remain

Romans 8:38-39

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Matthew 5:4

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."

Matthew 11:28

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

How to choose between them

  • One reading, two minutes: John 14:1-3 or Revelation 21:4.
  • Graveside committal: John 11:25-26 or 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.
  • A long, faithful life: 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
  • A sudden or painful loss: Romans 8:38-39 or Revelation 21:4.
  • A line for the headstone: most families take it from the same passage they read at the service. See our guide to headstone inscriptions for how the wording is laid out on the stone.

Frequently asked questions

How many readings does a funeral usually have?

One to three. A common pattern is one Old Testament reading (often a Psalm), one New Testament reading, and a Gospel reading, with a hymn between them.

Can a family member read instead of the minister?

Yes, and it is usually welcomed. Choose the shorter passages above and print the text in large type; reading from a phone is hard when your hands are not steady.

Which translation should we use?

Whatever the family knows. The King James text above is the one most people over fifty grew up hearing; the minister can read the same passage from the church's own Bible.

When the service is over, the reading you chose can live on in stone. Gaulden Monuments has crafted custom monuments for Carolina families since 1961, with showrooms across North and South Carolina and free cemetery shipping anywhere in the U.S. Contact us to talk through your ideas.

© 2026 Gaulden Monuments, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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In a world that increasingly values personalization, even the most traditional aspects of life are evolving to reflect our individuality. Headstones were once limited to simple names and dates but have now become canvases for personal expression. Have you ever wandered through a cemetery and noticed a headstone that made you pause and reflect? Perhaps it told a story, offered comfort, or made you smile. As we move further into 2024, the trend toward unique and meaningful headstone inscriptions continues to grow. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right words to encapsulate a loved one's life and legacy? Selecting the perfect inscription for a headstone is a personal and emotional task. It's an opportunity to honor a loved one and create a lasting tribute that speaks to their essence and legacy. But it can also be overwhelming. Many people find themselves struggling with questions like: How do I capture the spirit of someone in just a few words? 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This abundance of choice can lead to decision fatigue, making it even more difficult to choose the perfect inscription. What people truly want is an inscription that feels right—a message that reflects the individuality of their loved one, offers comfort to those who visit, and stands the test of time. They want something that will make them smile, bring peace, and inspire future generations. Most importantly, they want the process of creating this inscription to be as stress-free as possible, knowing that they have honored their loved one meaningfully. At Gaulden Monuments, we understand the challenges of choosing the perfect headstone inscription. We are here to help guide you through this important decision with care, compassion, and expertise. Our experienced team knows that every life is unique, and we believe every headstone should reflect that uniqueness. That is why we offer a wide range of options for custom inscriptions, allowing you to create a tribute that truly honors your loved one. Our process begins with a consultation, where we take the time to understand your vision, preferences, and concerns. We listen to your stories, learn about your loved one, and help you explore different ideas. Whether you're drawn to a classic approach or something more contemporary, we provide guidance on how to craft a message that feels personal and timeless. For those looking for inspiration, we offer a curated selection of popular phrases, quotes, and symbols, as well as examples of unique inscriptions we've crafted for other families. Our team is skilled in blending tradition with creativity, ensuring that your inscription is meaningful and respectful. In addition to traditional text-based inscriptions, we offer innovative options like QR codes that link to online memorials, allowing visitors to learn more about your loved one's life and legacy. For those interested in religious or cultural symbols, we provide a wide range of options that can be incorporated into the design. Our goal is to make this process as smooth and comforting as possible. We handle all the details, from helping you select the right words to ensuring the inscription is flawlessly etched in stone. With Gaulden Monuments, you're not just choosing a headstone, but creating a lasting tribute that will stand the test of time. We are here to help you every step of the way, ensuring that your loved one's memory is honored in the most meaningful way possible. Imagine visiting the resting place of your loved one and seeing a headstone that truly captures their essence. The inscription you carefully chose brings a smile to your face as you read the words that perfectly encapsulate their spirit. You feel a sense of peace knowing that you have created a tribute that honors their life and offers comfort to all who visit. The headstone is a testament to a life well-lived, a permanent reminder of the love and memories shared. In years to come, future generations will visit and find meaning in the words you chose for this monument. They will see the headstone not just as a marker of time but as a celebration of a life that continues to impact those who knew them. The inscription will endure, offering solace and inspiration to all who see it. By entrusting Gaulden Monuments with this important task, you have ensured that your loved one's memory is honored in a way that feels right to you. The process was smooth and supported, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction and peace. You have created something beautiful and meaningful that will last forever. If you're ready to begin crafting a unique headstone inscription, we are here to help. Contact Gaulden Monuments today to schedule a consultation, and let us guide you through this important decision. Together, we'll create a lasting tribute that honors your loved one's life and legacy in the most personal and meaningful way possible. Don't wait—reach out to us now and take the first step toward creating a headstone inscription that will stand the test of time.