What Does the Bible Say About Depression? 10 Verses to Comfort You

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a prevalent mental illness. Depressed mood, lack of interest in formerly pleasurable activities, or both characterize this condition.

Normal fluctuations in mood and emotional responses to daily events are not the same as depression. It has the potential to impact every facet of life, including connections with loved ones and neighbors. It may start with issues in school or the office and progress into additional problems.

Anybody can experience depression. Depression is more common in people who have experienced trauma, such as abuse or a significant loss. Depression affects women at a higher rate than men.

So, if it is such a large part of life and it affects so many people, what does the Bible say about it? What is the biblical stance on depression and what verses and wisdoms can people turn to in Scripture to overcome it?

Depression in the Bible

The Bible doesn't use the word "depression" anywhere, but it does talk about despair, hopelessness, and sorrow, which are symptoms of mental illness.

Consider the Old Testament account of Job, who suffered the loss of his possessions, the deaths of his children in a storm, and a series of illness. "My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul," he declared in Job 10:1, expressing his hopelessness.

Matthew 26:38 also records Jesus' confession of feeling "sorrow to the point of death" at Gethsemane Garden.

"I have heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you," Job stated in Job 42:5, describing how his trials brought him closer to God, but he still decided to look to God despite his troubles.

What Does the Bible Say About Suicide?

The Bible does not explicitly address suicide as a specific moral category, but it does provide guidance on the value of life, God’s compassion, and the hope 

He offers in times of despair. Scripture makes it clear that life is a gift from God, and He alone has the authority over life and death (Deuteronomy 32:39 – "There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life."). The Bible also records instances of individuals who took their own lives, such as King Saul (1 Samuel 31:4-5) and Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:5), often in moments of deep despair and hopelessness.

However, rather than focusing on condemnation, the Bible emphasizes God’s mercy, love, and desire to bring healing to the brokenhearted. Ultimately, Scripture teaches that God values every life, offering grace and redemption to those who feel lost. 

If someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the Bible encourages seeking help, whether through prayer, trusted friends, or professional support. God’s love is greater than any pain, and He offers hope even in the darkest moments (Romans 8:38-39 – "Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.").

Who Was Depressed in the Bible

Elijah, one of God’s prophets, is a figure full of contrasts. On one hand, he demonstrates great faith. In 1 Kings 17, he boldly confronts King Ahab, proclaiming that Israel will face a severe drought as a consequence of their idolatry. For three and a half years, no rain falls. 

Later, in 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a dramatic showdown to prove which deity is real. The test? Calling down fire from heaven. By the end of the contest, Jehovah’s power is undeniable—fire falls from the sky, consuming the offering, and the people recognize Him as the one true God. In response, Elijah executes all of Baal’s priests and priestesses.

Yet, in 1 Kings 19, Elijah’s boldness suddenly shifts to fear. When Queen Jezebel threatens his life, he flees into the wilderness, overwhelmed and despairing. 

"I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." — 1 Kings 19:4

He sits beneath a juniper tree, overcome with such deep sorrow that he asks God to take his life. In his exhaustion, he sleeps twice, and each time, an angel wakes him and provides food. Strengthened by this, Elijah embarks on a journey to Mount Horeb, also known as the mountain of God.

There, he spends the night in a cave, lamenting to God that he is the last faithful prophet and that his enemies are trying to kill him. In response, God instructs him to stand on the mountain. A powerful wind comes, shattering rocks, but God is not in the wind. Then an earthquake shakes the ground, but God is not in the earthquake. After that, a fire blazes, yet God is not in the fire either. Finally, a gentle whisper comes—and it is in this quiet moment that God speaks. 

He commands Elijah to return, anoint two new kings, and appoint his successor, Elisha. Together, they will deal with Israel’s unfaithfulness, preserving a remnant of seven thousand people who have remained loyal and have not bowed to Baal.

Other Depressed Figures in the Bible

1. King David 

"My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’" — Psalm 42:3

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." — Psalm 42:11

2. Jeremiah 

"Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me not be blessed!"— Jeremiah 20:14

"Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?"— Jeremiah 20:18

3. Moses 

"I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin." — Numbers 11:14-15

4. Jonah 

"Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." — Jonah 4:3

What Does the Bible Say About Taking Medicine for Depression

Whether it's a wonderful therapist, medication, time with God, a strong support system, a group of believers, or everything in between, God demonstrates his concern for our mental health by giving us what we need. Using what God gives us is one way to “love God with our mind.”

It was God who made the material cosmos. Your bodily form is what he made. It is comforting to know that God's good word is applicable to the physical realm and all its physical phenomena. 

This doesn't imply that we can do anything we want with the physical universe God created; on the contrary, there are ways to abuse it. The use of medication to alleviate a bodily ailment, however, is entirely consistent with the creative and subduing nature that God has endowed people with.

Take a stand against depression and do all you can to overcome it. No matter what comes your way in life, use spiritual disciplines to draw near to God and put your faith in His tremendous hand to guide you to eternal life. 

What Does the Bible Say About Hopelessness

The Bible acknowledges that feelings of hopelessness are real but reminds us that God is always present, offering comfort and renewal. It reassures us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. 

Psalm 34:18 declares that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit," emphasizing God’s nearness in times of despair. Hopelessness often stems from uncertainty, but Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan for our lives, one that includes "hope and a future." 

Even when we struggle to see a way forward, Romans 8:28 assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him." The Bible teaches that true hope comes from trusting in God’s faithfulness, knowing that His love never fails (Lamentations 3:22-23) and that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8).

10 Bible Verses for Depression

Sometimes, when you feel down, what you need is a Bible verse for mental health. While depression is a real and severe issue that requires professional help, these Bible verses can help you find the strength and motivation to seek that help and start working towards regaining your happiness.

1. Psalm 34:17-18: “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
2. Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
3. Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
4. Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
5. Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
6. Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
7. Deuteronomy 31:8: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
8. Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
9. Psalm 102:1-11: “A Prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord. Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you! Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call! For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace. My heart is struck down like grass and has withered; I forget to eat my bread. Because of my loud groaning my bones cling to my flesh. …”
10. Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Final Thoughts

The Bible acknowledges the reality of depression, showing that even the most faithful figures—such as Elijah, Job, David, and Jeremiah—experienced deep sorrow and despair. 

However, Scripture consistently points to God’s presence, comfort, and unshakable love as the ultimate source of hope. Verses like Psalm 34:18 remind us that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted," while Isaiah 41:10 assures us that God strengthens and upholds us in difficult times. 

Though depression can make it feel as if hope is lost, the Bible encourages us to trust in God’s plan (Jeremiah 29:11) and lean on His unfailing mercy (Lamentations 3:22-23). It teaches that even in our darkest moments, God walks with us, offering peace and renewal. While faith does not eliminate struggles, it provides a foundation of hope, reminding us that we are never alone and that healing is possible through God’s love and grace.