12 Bible Verses About Cremation

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Published on:

Bible verses about cremation

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about cremation:

1. Genesis 3:19 – “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
2. Ecclesiastes 12:7 – “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”
3. Job 19:26 – “And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.”
4. 1 Corinthians 15:35-38 – “But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.”
5. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.”
6. Revelation 20:13 – “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.”

7. Leviticus 20:14 – “And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.”
8. Leviticus 20:15 – “And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.”
9. Leviticus 20:16 – “And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”
10. Leviticus 20:27 – “A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.”
11. Leviticus 21:9 – “And the daughter of any priest, if she profane herself by playing the whore, she profaneth her father: she shall be burnt with fire.”
12. Leviticus 22:28 – “And whether it be cow or ewe, ye shall not kill it and her young both in one day.”

What does the bible say about cremation?

The Bible does not explicitly forbid or endorse cremation.

However, it does emphasize the importance of treating the body with respect, as it is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Some Christians believe that cremation is a disrespectful way to handle the body, while others see it as a practical and acceptable option.

Ultimately, the decision to cremate a body is a personal one and should be made with consideration for individual beliefs and preferences.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about cremation?

1. Leviticus 20 – This chapter discusses various laws and punishments for those who engage in practices considered to be defiling, including cremation. It provides insight into the ancient Israelite perspective on cremation.

2. 1 Corinthians 15 – This chapter discusses the resurrection of the dead and the transformation of the body. It is relevant to cremation as it addresses the question of what happens to the physical body after death and how it relates to the concept of resurrection.

3. Genesis 3 – This chapter describes the consequences of sin, including death and the return to dust. It can be relevant to discussions about cremation as it touches on the biblical understanding of the physical body and its ultimate fate.

These chapters provide biblical perspectives on death, the body, and resurrection, which are relevant to discussions about cremation and its implications for Christian beliefs.

Ideas and concepts related to cremation that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Resurrection: The concept of resurrection is a prominent theme in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. Christians believe in the resurrection of the dead, where the body is raised to new life. While cremation may involve the physical destruction of the body, the belief in resurrection suggests that the body will ultimately be restored by God.

2. Dust to dust: The phrase “dust to dust” comes from the Bible, specifically from the book of Genesis. It signifies the idea that humans are created from dust and will return to dust after death. Cremation accelerates this process by reducing the body to ashes, which can then be scattered or buried. This concept emphasizes the transient nature of human life and the inevitability of death.

3. Ashes to ashes: Similar to “dust to dust,” the phrase “ashes to ashes” is often used in funeral services and is derived from the Bible. It symbolizes the cycle of life and death, where the body is reduced to ashes after cremation, representing the end of one’s earthly existence. This concept serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the need to focus on spiritual matters beyond the physical body.

Overall, while cremation is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, these related concepts highlight the significance of death, resurrection, and the transformation of the body in Christian beliefs. They provide a framework for understanding how cremation can be viewed in light of biblical teachings on life, death, and the afterlife.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.