The Bible contains wisdom not just for the soul, but for our physical well-being too. Today, let’s explore some comforting and insightful scriptures about medicine and healing. These verses remind us of God’s care and the importance of seeking both spiritual and physical health in our lives.
Bible Verses About Medicine
Psalm 147:3 – God is a healer for the brokenhearted.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
James 5:14 – Calling on the elders for healing through prayer.
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” – James 5:14
Exodus 15:26 – God is our healer, providing us with health.
“He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.'” – Exodus 15:26
Proverbs 17:22 – A joyful heart is good medicine for the soul.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
Isaiah 53:5 – By His wounds, we are healed.
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Jeremiah 30:17 – God restores health and heals wounds.
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.'” – Jeremiah 30:17
1 Peter 2:24 – Jesus’ sacrifice brings us healing.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24
Psalm 103:2-3 – We bless the Lord for our healing and benefits.
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” – Psalm 103:2-3
Matthew 9:12 – Jesus came to heal the sick, not the healthy.
“On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.'” – Matthew 9:12
Mark 16:17-18 – Signs of healing through believers.
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” – Mark 16:17-18
Luke 9:11 – Healing from Jesus brings hope.
“But the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.” – Luke 9:11
Matthew 10:1 – Authority to heal in Jesus’ name.
“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” – Matthew 10:1
Luke 5:31-32 – The purpose of Jesus’ ministry includes healing sinners.
“Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'” – Luke 5:31-32
Matthew 4:24 – News of healing spread through the region.
“News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.” – Matthew 4:24
John 14:13-14 – Asking in Jesus’ name for healing.
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” – John 14:13-14
Philippians 4:19 – God provides for our needs, including health.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Romans 12:2 – Transformation and renewal lead to well-being.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
2 Chronicles 7:14 – Healing the land through humble prayer.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Proverbs 4:20-22 – Words of life can bring healing.
“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” – Proverbs 4:20-22
Psalm 30:2 – Crying out to the Lord for healing.
“O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.” – Psalm 30:2
1 Corinthians 12:9 – Gifts of healing are given by the Spirit.
“To another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 12:9
Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus remains the same, our constant healer.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
Matthew 11:28-30 – Finding rest and healing in Jesus.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Isaiah 58:8 – True social justice brings healing and light.
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” – Isaiah 58:8
Mark 5:34 – Faith in Jesus brings healing power.
“He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” – Mark 5:34
Galatians 6:2 – Carrying each other’s burdens promotes healing.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Romans 8:28 – God works all things, including health, for good.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Jeremiah 33:6 – Healing and health come from the Lord.
“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” – Jeremiah 33:6
Also Read: 25 Important Bible Verses About Tolerance
What Does the Bible Say About Medicine?
As we explore what the Bible says about medicine, it’s essential to recognize that while the Scriptures were written in an ancient context, the principles they convey can still be relevant to our modern-day understanding of health and healing.
Throughout the Bible, we see various references to the use of natural remedies and the practice of seeking medical help. For instance, the Apostle Luke, one of the authors of the New Testament, was himself a physician (Colossians 4:14), which indicates that early Christians acknowledged the legitimacy of medical practice.
In the Old Testament, we observe numerous instances where natural remedies are mentioned. In Ezekiel 47:12, God speaks of trees whose leaves are meant “for healing.” This shows that the use of natural substances for health was acknowledged and seen as part of God’s creation. Similarly, Proverbs 17:22 tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” This verse highlights the holistic approach to health, emphasizing emotional well-being alongside physical remedies.
Furthermore, the story of King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20 provides a clear instance of medical treatment. When Hezekiah fell ill, the prophet Isaiah instructed him to apply a poultice of figs to his boil, and Hezekiah recovered. This suggests that using treatments available at the time was in line with God’s will for healing.
One of the most compelling stories illustrating divine healing and the use of medicine together is found in the New Testament in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). The Samaritan treats the injured man’s wounds with oil and wine, both considered medicinal in the ancient world, before taking him to an inn for further care. This narrative underscores the importance of compassion and practical help in the healing process.
It’s also worth noting that while the Bible endorses natural remedies and medical treatment, it equally emphasizes prayer and faith in God’s power to heal. James 5:14 advises the sick to call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. This dual approach signifies a balanced perspective where medicine and spiritual care are complementary.
In conclusion, the Bible suggests that medicine, natural remedies, and prayer all play significant roles in the journey of healing. It encourages us to utilize available resources for physical health while maintaining a strong faith in God’s sovereign power to bring about recovery. By integrating these elements, we acknowledge the holistic way in which God has designed us to seek and experience healing.