Choosing what to say on a headstone inscription is one of the hardest decisions you’ll make.

It’s just so difficult to try and encapsulate a life, everything that person meant to you and others, in a short line or two.

For Christians who put their faith in Christ, it can be a little easier. First, you know that the monument is not their only remembrance—they have an inheritance in heaven! But second, you also have the living and abiding word of God, which is timeless and enduring.

For any inscription, whether it be on a headstone, grave marker, cremation urn, or some other tribute, you want sayings and verses that are:

• Short (4-15 words)
• Meaningful to you
• Meaningful to others
• Memorable
• Timeless

Here are more than 40 passages from Scripture that meet those requirements. The verses below are listed in the order that they appear in the Bible.

Best Bible Verses for Headstone Inscriptions

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
– Deuteronomy 6:4

You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
– Psalm 16:11

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
– Psalm 23:1

I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
– Psalm 23:6

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust.
– Psalm 40:4

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
– Psalm 46:1

Be still, and know that I am God.
– Psalm 46:10

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
– Psalm 91:1

Return, O my soul, to your rest;
for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
– Psalm 116:7

The Lord is near to all who call on him.
– Psalm 145:18

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end.
– Lamentations 3:22

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
– Matthew 5:8

…the one who endures to the end will be saved.
– Matthew 10:22

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
– Matthew 11:28

Well done, good and faithful servant.
– Matthew 25:21

Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.
– Matthew 25:21

Not my will, but yours, be done
– Luke 22:42

Whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
– John 3:15

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
– John 3:16

Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.
– John 5:24

He…has passed from death to life.
– John 5:24

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
– John 8:32

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
– John 10:10

I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.
– John 11:25

I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
– John 14:6

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
– John 15:13

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.
– Acts 16:31

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
– Romans 5:8

We know that for those who love God all things work together for good.
– Romans 8:28

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
– Romans 10:13

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
– 2 Corinthians 5:9

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
– 2 Corinthians 5:17

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
– Galatians 2:20

For by grace you have been saved through faith.
– Ephesians 2:8

To live is Christ, and to die is gain.
– Philippians 1:21

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
– 2 Timothy 4:7
(often adapted to “He/she fought the good fight…”)

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
– 2 Timothy 4:18

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
– Hebrews 11:1

God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
– 1 John 4:16

God is love.
– 1 John 4:16

Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
– Revelation 2:10