7 Powerful Bible Verses That Capture The True Meaning Of 'This Too Shall Pass'

The enduring adage, "This Too Shall Pass," has become a universal mantra for resilience, whispered during times of intense suffering and triumph alike. While many believe this phrase is a direct Bible verse, the reality is more complex and far more fascinating. As of today, December 11, 2025, no exact scripture contains this precise wording, yet its powerful message of impermanence and hope is deeply woven into the fabric of Christian scripture and global wisdom traditions.

This article will not only reveal the true, ancient origins of this famous saying—tracing it back centuries before its popularization—but will also unveil the seven most profound Bible verses that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of "This Too Shall Pass," providing a foundation of faith for navigating the inevitable ebb and flow of life.

The Surprising Non-Biblical Origin of the Famous Adage

The phrase "This Too Shall Pass" is not a direct quote from the Old or New Testament. Its true origin is a beautiful tapestry woven from Persian folklore, Sufi poetry, and Jewish tradition, which was later cemented into American consciousness by a struggling president. The story's primary entities include:

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• King Solomon (Folklore): The most common, though unverified, fable attributes the saying to King Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible. The tale suggests Solomon challenged his sages to create a phrase that would be true and appropriate in all situations—in moments of great joy and crushing despair.
• Attar of Nishapur (Sufi Poet): Historians and scholars trace the specific phrase, "īn nīz bogzarad" (Persian: این نیز بگذرد), to the 13th-century Sufi poet Farid ud-Din Attar. In his work, a king asks for a magical ring inscribed with a universal truth, and the sage presents the ring with the inscription: "This too shall pass."
• Abraham Lincoln (American Popularizer): The phrase gained immense popularity in the West after Abraham Lincoln used it in a 1859 address at the Wisconsin State Fair. He recounted the story of the Eastern monarch and the ring, noting the phrase was "how chastening in the hour of pride!—how consoling in the depths of affliction!" Lincoln, who famously struggled with lifelong depression, found profound personal meaning in the adage.

The core philosophy—that no state, whether good or bad, is permanent—is a concept known as impermanence. This idea is a central pillar in Stoicism, Buddhism, and, as we will see, the foundational teachings of the Bible regarding earthly trials and eternal hope.

7 Bible Verses That Perfectly Capture the Spirit of Impermanence

Though the exact words are absent, the Bible is saturated with the theology of "This Too Shall Pass." These scriptures offer the ultimate spiritual context for the phrase, reminding believers that suffering is temporary, and eternal glory awaits. These verses serve as powerful LSI keywords and topical entities:

1. The Promise of Joy After Sorrow (Psalm 30:5)

"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."

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This verse is perhaps the closest in spirit to the adage. It directly addresses the transient nature of suffering ("weeping may stay for the night") and contrasts it with the certainty of a brighter future ("rejoicing comes in the morning"). It is a pure distillation of the hope that difficult times have an expiration date.

2. The Lightness of Temporary Affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17)

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

The Apostle Paul frames all earthly suffering as "light and momentary." This psychological reframe is the essence of "This Too Shall Pass." It minimizes the pain by comparing it to the immeasurable, enduring weight of "eternal glory," encouraging perseverance and psychological flexibility.

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3. The Cycle of All Things (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

The Book of Ecclesiastes, often attributed to the very King Solomon mentioned in the fable, is a deep meditation on the cyclical nature of life. The phrase "a time for everything" is a philosophical statement on impermanence. It assures us that the "time to weep" will inevitably give way to the "time to laugh."

4. The New Thing God is Doing (Isaiah 43:18-19)

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

This powerful prophecy is a command to accept that the past—whether good or bad—has passed. It is a divine instruction to move forward, acknowledging that God is constantly working to bring about a "new thing," reinforcing the principle that change is constant and often restorative.

5. The Future Glory (Romans 8:18)

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

Similar to 2 Corinthians, this verse provides a powerful perspective on suffering. It's a key scripture for Christian resilience, urging believers to maintain an eternal focus. The "present sufferings" are definitively temporary when measured against the promised future glory.

6. The Peace Amidst Tribulation (John 16:33)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Jesus himself provides the ultimate validation for the phrase. He confirms that "trouble" is an inevitability of life, but immediately offers the antidote: "take heart!" The confidence that Christ has "overcome the world" means that the world's troubles, and by extension, all suffering, are ultimately finite and temporary.

7. The Enduring Word (1 Peter 1:24-25)

"For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

This verse provides the starkest contrast between the temporary and the eternal. It uses natural imagery to illustrate impermanence: people, glory, and beauty are all fleeting, like withering grass. The only thing that does not pass is "the word of the Lord," offering a spiritual anchor in a constantly shifting world.

The Modern Psychological Power of Impermanence

In contemporary life, the phrase "This Too Shall Pass" has transcended its religious and folkloric roots to become a cornerstone of mental wellness and mindfulness. Modern psychology recognizes the profound benefit of this simple statement, particularly in the areas of emotional regulation and overcoming rough patches.

When you are in the depths of a challenge—a job loss, a breakup, or a health crisis—the pain feels infinite. The mantra serves as a cognitive tool to interrupt the cycle of catastrophic thinking. By repeating the phrase, you are practicing self-compassion and acknowledging the reality of transience. It is a powerful reminder that the emotional state you are currently experiencing is a passing event, not a permanent fixture of your identity or future.

Conversely, the phrase is equally vital in moments of intense pride or euphoria. It acts as a grounding force, preventing the hubris that comes from believing success will last forever. As Abraham Lincoln noted, it is "chastening in the hour of pride," providing a necessary humility that encourages prudent action and gratitude.

How to Apply 'This Too Shall Pass' in Daily Life

To truly utilize the power of this ancient wisdom, integrate it into your daily perspective:

• During Stress and Anxiety: When a wave of anxiety hits, do not fight the feeling. Instead, label it: "This is a feeling of anxiety, and this too shall pass." This creates distance between you and the emotion.
• For Gratitude: When experiencing a moment of pure joy (a beautiful sunset, a hug from a loved one, a career success), pause and think, "This too shall pass." This is not meant to be sad, but to heighten your appreciation for the present moment, increasing your gratitude and presence.
• As a Tattoo or Art: The phrase is a popular choice for tattoos, serving as a permanent reminder of impermanence. It is a personal covenant to remember that life is a dynamic process of change, encouraging perseverance.

While "This Too Shall Pass" may not be a direct Bible verse, its spiritual authority is undeniable. It is a universal truth, affirmed by Sufi poets, Persian kings, American presidents, and the most comforting passages of Holy Scripture. It is a timeless message of hope: whether you are weeping or rejoicing, the current season is temporary, and a new morning is on the horizon.