In heaven, will there be tears?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In heaven, there will be no more tears of sorrow after the final judgment, as God will wipe them away, and death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more (Revelation 21:4). However, before the judgment, there may be tears, as believers face the testing of their work at the judgment seat of Christ and martyrs await justice for their suffering (1 Corinthians 3:13–15; Revelation 6:9–11). It’s also possible that those in heaven may mourn over loved ones who reject Jesus or witness souls being sent to hell during the great white throne judgment. Despite these temporary moments of sadness, heaven is ultimately a place of complete peace, joy, and comfort. God sees our tears now and promises to transform our mourning into eternal joy when we are fully united with Him.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Isaiah 25:8 looks forward to a time when God will defeat death and wipe away all sorrow and shame. It’s a prophetic promise that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the new creation, especially as seen in Revelation 21:4.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• As John received a revelation about end times and what heaven will be like, he heard a loud voice coming from the throne in the New Jerusalem, after the great white throne judgment, saying, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). This is a reflection of a prophecy from Isaiah 25:8. So, it appears there may be tears in heaven before the judgment, prior to the establishment of the New Jerusalem. Though that seems inconsistent with what we initially think about heaven, there are some activities in heaven that might produce tears.
• At the judgment seat of Christ, believers will have their work tested (1 Corinthians 3:13–15). Those believers whose work is consumed by the fire may experience loss and shed tears.
• As the persecution of believers intensifies during the tribulation, many will be martyred and found waiting under the altar in heaven for the Lord's vengeance (Revelation 6:9–11). As they wait and seek justice, they may shed tears. "They cried out with a loud voice, 'O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?'" (Revelation 6:10).
• It is possible that those in heaven have access to see what happens on earth and know when a person they care for rejects Jesus and enters eternity separated from God. And, during the great white throne judgement, those in heaven may be able to see when souls are sent to hell. This would cause much lament and tears.
• Heaven is described as a place of complete peace, rest, comfort, praise, and joy. Any tears shed before the great white throne judgement will be removed after. The eternal state for believers is not one that includes tears of sadness. Conversely, Jesus describes hell as a place of "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Luke 13:28).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

In this world, we have tears, particularly as we face sorrow, pain, and loss. God is not indifferent to our pain. Psalm 56:8 reminds us that He sees each tear, keeping count of them and offering His comfort: "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle." His presence in our lives is a source of strength, and in our moments of sorrow, He promises to draw near, providing peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7). Even though we may face tears of sadness now, God assures us that one day, He will wipe away every tear and transform our mourning into eternal joy, where our rejoicing in His presence will be beyond compare. The joy we experience now is a glimpse of the unimaginable joy we will feel when we are fully united with Christ in the new heaven and earth.

UNDERSTAND

• God will wipe away all tears in heaven after the final judgment.
• Before the final judgment, there may be tears from believers’ struggles and martyrs’ suffering.
• Heaven will be a place of eternal joy and peace, where all tears will be replaced with joy in God’s presence.

REFLECT

• How do you currently experience and handle moments of sorrow, knowing that God sees each of your tears?
• How does the promise of God wiping away all tears in heaven impact your perspective on present struggles and suffering?
• How can you hold on to the joy that will come in God's presence despite the pain and loss you may face now?

ENGAGE

• What are some ways we can support each other through tears and struggles while anticipating the eternal joy promised in heaven?
• How does understanding that tears may exist in heaven before the final judgment shape our view of both earthly suffering and the afterlife?
• How might the idea of heaven’s joy and peace inspire us to engage with those who are hurting today?