Difficult seasons have limits, and one particular phrase offers comfort about their temporary nature. The exact phrase “this too shall pass bible verse” is often searched by people looking for scriptural reassurance during hard times. While the specific wording “this too shall pass” does not appear verbatim in most Bible translations, its sentiment is deeply rooted in Scripture. This article explores the biblical foundations, related verses, and practical applications of this enduring message of hope.
This Too Shall Pass Bible Verse
Many people assume “this too shall pass” is a direct quote from the Bible. Actually, it’s not found in any standard translation like the King James Version or the New International Version. The phrase likely originated from Persian folklore and was later adopted into common Christian usage. However, the Bible contains numerous passages that echo this exact sentiment—reminding us that suffering, trials, and even seasons of joy are temporary.
Understanding where this idea comes from in Scripture can deepen your faith during difficult moments. Let’s look at the key biblical passages that support the message behind “this too shall pass.”
Biblical Foundations For The Phrase
The Bible consistently teaches that life on earth is fleeting. James 4:14 says, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” This verse directly supports the idea that both good and bad seasons pass quickly.
Another powerful passage is 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.” Paul here calls even severe suffering “light and momentary” when compared to eternity.
Psalm 30:5 offers another angle: “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” This verse directly promises that sorrow has a time limit.
Old Testament Verses About Temporary Hardship
The Old Testament is filled with reminders that difficult seasons don’t last forever. Here are some key verses:
- Psalm 34:19 – “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Notice it says “delivers,” not “might deliver.”
- Isaiah 54:7-8 – “For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back.” God acknowledges the hardship but promises restoration.
- Lamentations 3:31-32 – “For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.”
- Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This includes seasons of pain and seasons of joy.
These verses collectively teach that God’s character is consistent even when your circumstances change. The hardship you face right now is not your final destination.
New Testament Verses About Endurance
The New Testament emphasizes endurance through temporary trials. Consider these passages:
- Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Paul puts suffering in perspective against future glory.
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” This shows temporary pressure but not permanent defeat.
- 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.”
- Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” This is the ultimate promise that all suffering ends.
These verses don’t minimize your pain. Instead, they give you a framework to understand it within God’s larger plan. The suffering is real, but it’s also temporary.
Common Misconceptions About The Phrase
Many Christians mistakenly believe “this too shall pass” is a direct Bible quote. This misconception can lead to confusion when searching for it in Scripture. The phrase actually appears in various forms in Christian literature and sermons, often attributed to King Solomon or even Abraham Lincoln.
Another misconception is that the phrase promises immediate relief. Some people interpret it to mean that God will remove their hardship quickly. The biblical version of this truth is more nuanced—it promises that hardship will end, but not necessarily on your timeline.
A third misconception is that the phrase applies only to negative experiences. Actually, the Bible also teaches that good seasons pass. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there is a time for everything, including times of peace and prosperity. This balanced view helps you avoid becoming too attached to either suffering or comfort.
How The Phrase Became Associated With The Bible
The phrase “this too shall pass” gained popularity in the 19th century through a story about King Solomon. According to the tale, Solomon asked his wisest advisor to find a phrase that would be true in all circumstances—both good and bad. The advisor returned with a ring inscribed with “Gam zeh ya’avor,” which is Hebrew for “this too shall pass.”
While this story is likely apocryphal, it reflects biblical wisdom found in Ecclesiastes. The book repeatedly emphasizes the temporary nature of all earthly experiences. Solomon wrote, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2), which captures the fleeting nature of life.
Abraham Lincoln also referenced the phrase in a speech to the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society in 1859. He said, “It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: ‘And this, too, shall pass away.'”
This historical usage helped cement the phrase in Western culture, even though it’s not a direct Bible verse.
Practical Applications For Difficult Seasons
Knowing that “this too shall pass” is biblically grounded can help you navigate hard times with more hope. Here are practical ways to apply this truth:
During Grief And Loss
Grief feels permanent, but the Bible promises it won’t last forever. Psalm 30:5 specifically says weeping lasts only for the night. This doesn’t mean you should rush through grief or pretend you’re not hurting. Instead, it means you can hold onto hope while you grieve.
Practical steps:
- Allow yourself to feel the pain without guilt
- Remind yourself daily that this season is temporary
- Read Psalm 34 and focus on the promise of deliverance
- Connect with others who have experienced similar loss
- Journal about how God has been faithful in past seasons
During Financial Hardship
Money problems often feel overwhelming and endless. But Scripture reminds you that God provides for His children. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Practical steps:
- Create a budget that reflects your current reality
- Focus on needs rather than wants during this season
- Memorize Matthew 6:25-34 about not worrying
- Seek wise counsel from trusted believers
- Look for ways to serve others even while struggling
During Health Challenges
Illness can make you feel like your body is permanently broken. Yet the Bible offers hope for healing, whether in this life or the next. Romans 8:11 promises that the Spirit who raised Jesus will also give life to your mortal body.
Practical steps:
- Pray specifically for healing while trusting God’s timing
- Use Scripture as a source of daily encouragement
- Connect with a church community for support
- Focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t
- Remember that even if healing doesn’t come on earth, it’s guaranteed in eternity
During Relationship Struggles
Conflict with loved ones can feel like it will never end. But the Bible teaches that reconciliation is possible and that seasons of conflict are temporary. Ephesians 4:32 encourages you to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Practical steps:
- Take responsibility for your part in the conflict
- Pray for the other person genuinely
- Seek mediation from a pastor or counselor if needed
- Set healthy boundaries while remaining open to reconciliation
- Trust that God can restore broken relationships
How To Use This Truth In Daily Life
Integrating the message of “this too shall pass” into your daily routine can transform your perspective. Here are specific ways to make this truth practical:
Morning Affirmations
Start each day by reminding yourself that today’s struggles are temporary. You can say something like: “This season of difficulty will not last forever. God is with me now, and He will bring me through.”
Scripture Memorization
Memorize key verses that reinforce this truth. Start with these:
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
- Psalm 30:5
- Romans 8:18
- 1 Peter 5:10
Write them on index cards and place them where you’ll see them daily—on your mirror, in your car, or on your desk.
Journaling Practice
Keep a journal where you record both your struggles and God’s faithfulness. When you’re in a difficult season, look back at previous entries to remind yourself that God has brought you through before. This practice reinforces the temporary nature of hardship.
Sharing With Others
When you encourage others with this truth, it reinforces it in your own heart. Tell a friend who’s struggling, “This season won’t last forever. God is with you.” Speaking these words aloud strengthens your own faith.
Related Bible Verses For Comfort
Beyond the verses already mentioned, here are additional Scriptures that offer comfort during hard times:
| Verse | Message |
|---|---|
| Isaiah 43:2 | God is with you through the waters and fire |
| Psalm 46:1 | God is your refuge and strength |
| Nahum 1:7 | The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble |
| John 16:33 | Jesus has overcome the world |
| Romans 15:13 | God fills you with joy and peace |
These verses collectively remind you that God’s presence is constant even when circumstances change. The hardship is temporary, but God’s love is eternal.
When The Season Doesn’t Seem To Pass
Sometimes difficult seasons last longer than you expect. You might feel like you’ve been waiting for relief that never comes. In these moments, the message of “this too shall pass” can feel hollow or even cruel.
If you’re in this situation, remember that God’s timing is different from yours. 2 Peter 3:8 says, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” What feels like an eternity to you may be a brief moment in God’s perspective.
Also remember that some seasons don’t fully pass until eternity. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) never left him, but God’s grace was sufficient. Your suffering may have a purpose that you can’t see right now.
Practical steps for extended seasons:
- Focus on God’s character rather than your circumstances
- Find small joys and gratitude points each day
- Connect with others who understand long-term suffering
- Seek professional Christian counseling if needed
- Trust that God sees your struggle and cares deeply
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “This Too Shall Pass” Actually In The Bible?
No, the exact phrase “this too shall pass” is not found in any standard Bible translation. However, the concept is strongly supported by many verses that teach the temporary nature of earthly suffering and the eternal nature of God’s love.
What Is The Closest Bible Verse To “This Too Shall Pass”?
Several verses come close in meaning. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 is often cited because it contrasts temporary troubles with eternal glory. Psalm 30:5 is another close match, promising that weeping lasts only for the night.
How Can I Find Comfort When The Bible Doesn’t Use This Exact Phrase?
Focus on the verses that teach God’s faithfulness through trials. Verses like Isaiah 43:2, Romans 8:28, and 1 Peter 5:10 directly address suffering and offer hope. The message is biblical even if the exact wording isn’t.
Does “This Too Shall Pass” Apply To Good Times As Well?
Yes, the phrase applies to both good and bad seasons. Ecclesiastes 3 teaches that there is a time for everything. Enjoy good seasons while they last, but don’t become overly attached to them, because they too are temporary.
Why Do People Think This Phrase Is From The Bible?
The phrase has been used in Christian sermons and literature for centuries, often attributed to King Solomon. Its message aligns so closely with biblical wisdom that many assume it’s a direct quote. The story of Solomon’s ring also contributes to this misconception.
Final Encouragement
Whatever season you’re facing right now, remember that it won’t last forever. The pain you feel is real, but it’s not permanent. God sees your struggle, and He promises to be with you through it. The message of “this too shall pass” is rooted in Scripture, even if the exact words aren’t there.
Hold onto verses like 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, which remind you that your troubles are “light and momentary” compared to the eternal glory that awaits. Let this truth give you strength to endure today and hope for tomorrow.
You are not alone. God is with you in this season, and He will bring you through it. This too shall pass.