In cancer, there is anger, fear, and frustration. But there can also be perseverance, power, and love. There’s no sugar-coating it. Cancer is ugly. During this challenging time, God’s words and messages conveyed through scripture and verse can be most uplifting.
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From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we’ve found some words which may help you or your loved one find the strength to travel this road and believe in His plan for you. As you’re reading these scriptures and verses, we hope that your mindfulness also helps you fight with the goodness and grace He asks of you.
Below, we have chosen a few different translations of scripture and verse so that you may find peace and acceptance through prayer.
Scriptures for Cancer Patients
Even in the most difficult hardships, you can seek shelter in the words of God. Through faith, you can understand the magnitude of God's love.
1. "Love the Lord Your God" Deuteronomy 6:1-25 from Holy Bible: New International Version
God’s love is not an outward pursuit, but one that requires piety and obedience from within. To keep these oaths, even when you are sick with cancer, means He’ll deliver comfort, health, peace, and security.
2. "Future Glory" Romans 8:18-27 from Holy Bible: New International Version
If you have started end-of-life planning, the Book of Romans may offer some guidance by means of acceptance. Apostle Paul’s astute observation is that if life were perfect here on Earth, then there would be no reason to look forward to salvation with God.
3. "Jesus Heals Many" Matthew 8:14-17 from The Darby Translation
The Gospel of Matthew extolls the magnitude of Jesus's power to heal. This scripture in particular shares how Jesus healed Matthew's mother-in-law with His hands.
4. "Psalm 91" from Holy Bible: New International Version
If you’re not clear what to write in a sympathy card for a friend or family member with cancer, take a look at Psalm 91. Verses 15–16 are most encouraging and uplifting.
5. "Restoration of Israel [and the] Promise of Restoration" Jeremiah 30:1-24, 31:1-31, 33:1-26 from Berean Study Bible
These scriptures tell how powerful and great the Lord is. They are empowering verses, especially in times of poor health.
Jeremiah sermonizes that even through exile, plundering, peril, and pain (or cancer), God’s abounding love and compassion are patent.
6. "The Suffering Servant" from Isaiah 52:13-15, 53:1-12 Berean Study Bible
The Hebrew Prophet Isaiah sings the songs of the suffering servant. He reports that by continuing to seek faith in Him throughout your suffering, you’ll be rewarded as God blesses those who love Him.
7. "The Sermon on the Mount" Matthew 5:1-12 from Berean Study Bible
According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus will teach and guide you if you are willing. Even if you are weak in spirit, meek, or mourning, you’ll be shown God’s mercy and love.
8. "Christ's Sacrifice Once for All" Hebrews 10:1-18 from Holy Bible: New International Version
Scripture 10:1-18 of the Epistle to the Hebrews indicates that Jesus's sacrifice was sufficient for all future sacrifices. His sacrifice is unmistakably your redemption.
9. "A Call to Persevere" Hebrews 10:19-39 from Holy Bible: Young's Literal Translation
Do you remember the times you’ve sacrificed without reluctance, but with grace? God asks of you to recall the same goodness even when the roads are bumpy. Your reward will be Salvation.
10. "The Barren Fig Tree" Matthew 20:18-21 from Berean Study Bible
If you are praying for a friend or loved one who has cancer, you may find some solace in the story of "The Barren Tree."
The scripture teaches that if you need your words to be heard, your thoughts must have good intentions as well.
11. "The Shepherd and His Flock" John 10:1-21 from Holy Bible, New International Version
The Shepherd and the Flock are potent images to hold onto when you are battling cancer. In this parable, John explains how shepherds will lay down their lives for their flock—God will guide you safely along your journey.
12. "The Armor of God" Ephesians 6:10-20 from Holy Bible, New International Version
If you need a powerful and positive message to send to a friend who has cancer, "The Armor of God" will convey and reveal both His intent and one’s strength through Him. It says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."
13. "Thanksgiving and Prayer" Philippians 1:3-11 from Holy Bible, New International Version
If you are looking for the perfect scripture to express how grateful you are for your friend or loved one, Apostle Paul's words are timeless and relevant.
He writes, "It is right for me to feel this way about all of you since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me."
14. "To Everything, There is a Season" Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 from Berean Study Bible
God has had a plan all along for you, even now and even with cancer. In verse 15 the sad king announces: “What exists has already been, and what will be has already been, for God will call to account what has passed.”
15. "A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight" Luke 18:35-43 from Holy Bible, New International Version
The Apostle Luke affirms that the mystery and the power of the Lord is great. If He can cure a man’s sight because of the man’s faith in God, He can heal many things.
Bible Verses for Cancer Patients
Belief is the most powerful tool you possess. From protective to powerful, and nourishing to healing, if you believe in the glory of God, He will take care of you in your time of sickness.
16. Psalm 73:26 from The King James Bible
The King James Bible offers a slight variation to the English translation of the Aramaic Bible for Psalm 73:26. They say either God is the strength of your heart or your heart’s strength lives in God, respectively.
17. Isaiah 43:2 from Jubilee Bible 2000
The Jubilee Bible 2000 translates, “When thou dost pass through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou dost walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
18. Jeremiah 17:14
Jeremiah 17:14 is similar to Psalm 30:2, which says, "Jehovah my God, I have cried to Thee, And Thou dost heal me (NIV)." Here, too, the Prophet Jeremiah understands that he must request to be healed and saved.
19. Psalm 55:22 from Holy Bible: New International Version
Psalm 55:22 asks you to cast your burden unto the Lord. The definition of one's burden lies somewhere between one's situation and one's oppression. Still, if you have an unshaken resolve for God’s love, He’ll protect you.
20. Psalm 18:2 from Webster’s Bible Translation
God is strong, protective, and powerful. He’ll also be your Salvation if you put your trust in Him.
21. Matthew 8:2-3 from Berean Study Bible
With only his hand, Jesus healed the Leper's wounds. Similar to the scripture, "Jesus Heals Many" in Matthew 8:14-17, it is possible to be healed if you are willing.
22. Exodus 23:25-26 from Berean Study Bible
By serving the Lord, your thirst will be taken away and you’ll be blessed with health, harvest, and healing. Your life will be long and filled with joy.
23. Jeremiah 30:17
In the Restoration of Israel, the Prophet Jeremiah writes of the Lord’s promise to restore health to the ones who have been outcast.
24. Romans 8:18
The translation from the King James Bible is "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." So, pain and suffering are nothing compared to Salvation.
25. 2 Corinthians 1:3 from Berean Study Bible
From the “God of All Comfort” we read, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
26. Psalm 106:1
At a time when we forget to be grateful for the simple things, remember Psalm 106:1. It says that God is good, and we should thank Him for His everlasting love.
Sending Love to Cancer Patients
The Bible offers many stories, songs, prayers, and parables to find comfort and strength while you are sick. Share one that has meaning for you with family or friends, so that they may add this to their prayers at night. By your faith, you will come to know God’s love and His plans for you.
Sources
- Clarke, Adam. "Commentary on Psalms 118:17". The Adam Clarke Commentary. www.studylight.org/commentaries/acc/psalms-118.html.
- Darby, John Nelson. (1961) The Darby Translation (DBY). www.biblestudytools.com/dby/
- Isaiah, Matthew, Jeremiah, and John. Bible Hub. biblehub.com/isaiah/43-2.htm
- Isaiah 52:13-15, 53:1-12. Bible Hub. biblehub.com/isaiah/53-1.htm
- Scripture taken from The Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
- Young, R. (2018). Holy Bible: Young's Literal Translation (YLT). www.self.gutenberg.org/