Bible Verses About a Broken Heart (KJV) and Prayer
Bible verses about a broken heart in the King James Version, with a short reflection and a prayer for when grief, loss or heartbreak feels too heavy to carry.
A Reflection and a Prayer for a Broken Heart
A broken heart can follow many things: the death of someone you love, a marriage that ended, a friend who walked away, a dream that did not come true. Whatever the cause, the pain is real, and Scripture never asks you to pretend otherwise. The psalmists cry, complain and weep, and God does not turn away from them.
Notice what these verses promise. They do not say the hurt will vanish by tomorrow. They say the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. He keeps count of your tears. He binds up wounds the way a careful hand wraps an injury, slowly and with care. Healing usually comes in small steps, and you are allowed to take them one at a time.
If you can, read two or three of the verses above aloud today, then sit quietly for a minute and tell God plainly how you feel.
A prayer for a broken heart
Lord, You see how heavy my heart is today. I do not have the right words, so I bring You the pain just as it is.
Draw close to me, as You promised. Hold the places that hurt, and quiet the thoughts that go round and round at night. Gather my tears, because You know every one of them.
Give me strength for this one day. Send people who will sit with me and listen, and help me to let them. Soften what has grown hard in me, and slowly bind up what has been broken.
When the morning comes, let me find a little of Your joy waiting. I trust that You are with me, even when I cannot feel it. Amen.
How to Use These Verses When Your Heart Hurts
You do not need to read all twelve verses at once. Choose one that speaks to you, write it on a card, and keep it where you will see it: the bathroom mirror, your phone, the dashboard of the car.
Pray it back to God. Take Psalm 34:18 and say, "Lord, You are near to me. Please be near to me now." Using the words of Scripture in this way gives you language when your own words run out.
Pray in the morning and at night. Grief often feels sharpest when the day begins and when the house goes quiet. A few lines of Scripture at those two moments can steady you.
Do not carry it alone. Speak with a trusted friend, a priest or a pastor. If the sadness feels too heavy or you have thoughts of harming yourself, please contact a doctor or a local crisis line right away. Prayer and professional help work well together.
Scripture to Pray With
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psalm 34:18 (KJV)
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3 (KJV)
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Psalm 51:17 (KJV)
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Psalm 73:26 (KJV)
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Isaiah 61:1 (KJV)
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Psalm 56:8 (KJV)
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalm 30:5 (KJV)
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 55:22 (KJV)
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4 (KJV)
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27 (KJV)
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
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.
Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about a broken heart?
It says God is close to those who are brokenhearted and that He heals them and binds up their wounds (Psalm 34:18 and Psalm 147:3). He also promises to wipe away every tear in the end (Revelation 21:4).
What is the best Bible verse for a broken heart?
Psalm 34:18 is the one most often chosen: "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." Psalm 147:3 is a close second.
How do you pray when your heart is broken?
Pray honestly and simply. Tell God exactly how you feel, ask Him to stay near you, and use a verse such as Psalm 34:18 as your own prayer when words fail.
Does God heal a broken heart?
Scripture says He does: "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Healing often comes gradually, through prayer, time and the support of other people.
What Bible verse helps with heartbreak after a breakup?
Psalm 147:3, Psalm 55:22 and 1 Peter 5:7 are good choices, because they speak of God healing wounds, carrying burdens and caring for you personally.
Last updated 2026-10-25