Paul calls God the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, then immediately gives the purpose: so that we may comfort others with the comfort we ourselves received. Comfort in that sentence is not a private possession. It is passed on.
Isaiah reaches for the plainest image available: as one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you. Nothing theological, nothing elevated. A mother with a distressed child.
Psalm 23 is the most read passage in the Bible and the reason is in the fourth verse. It does not say the valley is avoided. It says though I walk through — and the comfort named is a rod and a staff, which are working tools, not decorations.
The verses
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2 Corinthians 1:3Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Open → 2 Corinthians 1:4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Open → Psalms 23:4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Open → Matthew 5:4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Open → Psalms 34:18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Open → Isaiah 66:13As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
Open → Psalms 94:19In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
Open → Psalms 119:50This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
Open → Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Open → John 14:18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Open → Search this and more on FirstVerseIf you are in the middle of something hard right now, please tell a real person. A page can sit with you; it cannot answer back.
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Scripture: King James Version, public domain. Last updated August 15, 2026.