Bible Answers

What Does the Bible Say About Healing?

Scripture presents God as a healer — "I am Yahweh who heals you" (Exodus 15:26) — and records many healings, culminating in Jesus' widespread healing ministry. James instructs the sick to call the elders to pray over them, "and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick" (James 5:14-15). Believers are encouraged to bring illness honestly to God in prayer, trusting His compassion.

At the same time, the Bible is realistic. Godly people like Paul carried unhealed afflictions (2 Corinthians 12), and complete healing is ultimately promised in the resurrection, when there will be "no more pain" (Revelation 21:4). Christians hold together earnest prayer for healing, gratitude for medicine and doctors as God's provision, and trust in God's wisdom and timing when healing does not come as hoped. This is not medical advice; consult a qualified professional for health decisions.

Key Bible Verses

Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

James 5:14-15 (WEB)

He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3 (WEB)

Heal me, O Yahweh, and I will be healed. Save me, and I will be saved; for you are my praise.

Jeremiah 17:14 (WEB)

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (public domain).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does God still heal today?
Christians affirm that God can and does heal, and Scripture invites prayer for the sick (James 5:14-15). The Bible also shows that not everyone is healed in this life — Paul had an unhealed 'thorn' — with full healing promised in the resurrection. Faith and medical care are not opposed.