Many people say “this too shall pass” when life gets hard. It sounds like something straight from the Bible. But is it actually in Scripture?
The phrase is not found word-for-word in the Bible. However, the truth behind it runs deep through God’s Word. The Bible has a lot to say about suffering, hope, and God’s faithfulness through every season of life.
Bible Origins of “This Too Shall Pass”
- 2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
- Psalm 30:5 – “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
- 1 Peter 5:10 – “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
We Are Being Renewed Day by Day
- 2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
- Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
- Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
We Have Victory and Peace Through Christ
- John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
- Romans 8:37 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
- Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
We Are Comforted Through Christ and Able to Comfort Others
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to 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 receive from God.”
- Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
- Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
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We Learn Greater Perseverance, Strength, and Endurance Through Suffering
- Romans 5:3-4 – “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
- James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
- Hebrews 12:11 – “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
This Too Shall Pass Similar Bible Verse
- Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
- Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
- Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”
This Too Shall Pass Bible Verse Old Testament
- Psalm 30:5 – “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
- Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.”
This Too Shall Pass Bible Verse Meaning
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
- Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
- Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This Too Shall Pass Proverb
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Ecclesiastes 3:4 – “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
- Proverbs 24:16 – “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”
Did Jesus Say This Too Shall Pass?
- Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
- John 16:20 – “Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”
- John 14:1 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”
This Too Shall Pass Bible Verse KJV
- Psalm 30:5 (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.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:17 (KJV) – “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
- Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Suffering Reminds Us Where True Joy and Lasting Hope Are Found
- Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
- Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
- Habakkuk 3:17-18 – “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
His Power Works Within Us
- Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
- Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
When It Passes, We Will Come Out as Gold
- Job 23:10 – “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”
- 1 Peter 1:7 – “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
- Zechariah 13:9 – “I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.'”
God’s Faithfulness Endures Through Every Season
- Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
- Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
- Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “This Too Shall Pass” actually in the Bible?
No, the exact phrase is not in the Bible, but the idea is deeply rooted in Scripture.
Where does the phrase “this too shall pass” come from?
It is believed to originate from an ancient Persian fable, later popularized in Western culture.
What Bible verse is closest to “this too shall pass”?
2 Corinthians 4:17 is widely considered the closest match in meaning.
Does the Bible say suffering is temporary?
Yes, the Bible consistently teaches that earthly suffering is temporary and outweighed by eternal glory.
Can “this too shall pass” give Christians real comfort?
Yes, because it aligns with the biblical truth that God is faithful and seasons of hardship do not last forever.
Conclusion
The phrase “this too shall pass” may not be in the Bible, but it echoes a truth that God repeats throughout His Word. Pain is real, but it is not permanent. God sees every tear, every sleepless night, and every heavy heart. He has not forgotten you, and He is working even in the waiting.
Hold on to His promises. The same God who parted the Red Sea and raised Jesus from the dead is walking with you right now. Your current season is not your final chapter. Better days are ahead, and the best is yet to come — both in this life and in the eternal life He has promised to all who trust in Him.
Say This Prayer
Lord, I come to You in the middle of my pain and uncertainty. I choose to trust that You are good and that Your plans for me are good. Help me to hold on when things are hard. Remind me that this season is temporary, but Your love for me is eternal. Renew my strength today. Let Your peace fill my heart and guard my mind. I believe that when this passes, I will come out stronger and closer to You. Thank You for never leaving my side. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
