40 Bible Verses about Survival

The theme of survival, often entwined with resilience and hope, is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s endurance underpinned by divine grace.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles,” proclaims Isaiah 40:31, capturing the essence of survival not just as a physical endurance but as a spiritual triumph. In our own lives, as we face trials and tribulations, the Bible stands as an enduring source of strength and guidance, offering timeless wisdom on surviving and thriving against the odds.

Reflect upon the story of Noah, enduring the flood in the ark, or Daniel in the lion’s den, each narrative underscoring the theme of survival against overwhelming circumstances. Their stories resonate with us, not just as tales of old, but as reflections of our own struggles to persevere through life’s storms. In these accounts, we see the intersection of human resilience and divine intervention, a powerful combination that enables survival and transformation.

The Bible is rich with examples of survival, both physical and spiritual. From the Israelites wandering in the wilderness, relying on God’s provision, to Paul’s numerous trials and tribulations as he spread the Gospel, these stories highlight the multifaceted nature of survival. They teach us that survival is not merely about enduring hardships, but also about growing through them, deepening our faith, and understanding the profound value of hope and trust in God.

In this compilation, we have selected 40 Bible verses about survival. Each verse offers a unique perspective on the concept of survival, encouraging us to look beyond the immediate challenges and to see the bigger picture of God’s plan for us.

May these verses serve as a reminder that in every moment of difficulty, there is an opportunity for growth, a chance to witness the miraculous works of God, and a call to deepen our trust in His unending faithfulness.

Survival Through Faith

Matthew 14:31

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?'”

Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Romans 8:25

“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

James 1:3

“Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

1 Peter 1:7

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold.

Survival Through God’s Protection

Psalm 46:1

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Timothy 4:18

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.

Psalm 91:1-2

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”

Proverbs 18:10

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Survival in Times of Adversity

James 1:12

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Romans 5:3-4

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

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.”

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

1 Peter 5:10

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Survival through Wisdom

Proverbs 2:6

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Ecclesiastes 7:12

“For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense, but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.”

James 3:17

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

Colossians 4:5-6

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Psalm 111:10

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.”

Survival by God’s Grace

Ephesians 2:8

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

Romans 3:24

“All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'”

Titus 2:11

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”

1 Peter 4:10

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Survival in Unity

1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Ephesians 4:3

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Colossians 3:13-14

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Psalm 133:1

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

Acts 2:44-47

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”

Survival Through Endurance

Matthew 24:13

“But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Romans 15:4

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

Hebrews 12:1

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

James 5:11

“As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

Revelation 2:10

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

Survival Through Hope

Romans 8:24-25

“For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?”

Psalm 31:24

“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.”

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Lamentations 3:24

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

Hebrews 6:19

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”

Survival Through Love and Compassion

1 Corinthians 13:7

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Colossians 3:12

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

1 Peter 3:8

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

1 John 3:17

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”

Galatians 6:2

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Survival by Trusting in God

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Psalm 28:7

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.”

Nahum 1:7

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.

Isaiah 26:3

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

2 Chronicles 20:20

“Believe in the Lord your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so shall you prosper.”

Survival Through Divine Guidance

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Proverbs 16:9

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Isaiah 30:21

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’

John 16:13

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.

Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”