Friendship and sisterhood are themes deeply woven into the fabric of the Bible. They are relationships that reflect love, mutual support, and a sense of community, illustrating how valuable connections can uplift, guide, and comfort us. The Bible contains an abundance of passages that celebrate friendship and sisterhood, encouraging believers to cherish and nurture these bonds.
Below is a collection of verses that highlight the beauty and strength of such relationships. Each verse is accompanied by relevant cross-references to further enrich your understanding of this divine connection.
Bible Verses about Friendship Sisterhood
1. Proverbs 17:17 – A Friend Loves at All Times
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
Cross-References
Proverbs 18:24 – “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Proverbs 27:10 – “Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.”
2. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – Two are Better than One
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Cross-References
Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Philippians 2:4 – “Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
3. Ruth 1:16-17 – Ruth’s Loyalty to Naomi
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.’” – Ruth 1:16-17
Cross-References
1 Samuel 20:17 – “And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.”
Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
4. 1 Samuel 18:1-3 – The Bond Between Jonathan and David
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.” – 1 Samuel 18:1-3
Cross-References
2 Samuel 1:26 – “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.”
Proverbs 20:6 – “Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
5. Proverbs 27:9 – The Sweetness of a Friend
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” – Proverbs 27:9
Cross-References
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
6. Job 6:14 – Kindness to a Friend
“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” – Job 6:14
Cross-References
Proverbs 3:3 – “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”
Matthew 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
7. Romans 12:15 – Rejoicing and Mourning Together
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 12:26 – “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”
8. James 4:11 – Do Not Slander
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.” – James 4:11
Cross-References
Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
1 Peter 2:1 – “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Titus 3:2 – “To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
9. Philippians 1:3-4 – Thanksgiving for Friends
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” – Philippians 1:3-4
Cross-References
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 – “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Colossians 1:3 – “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.”
2 Thessalonians 1:3 – “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.”
10. Ephesians 4:32 – Be Kind and Compassionate
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Cross-References
Matthew 6:14-15 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
1 John 4:19 – “We love because he first loved us.”
11. Hebrews 13:1 – Continue in Brotherly Love
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.” – Hebrews 13:1
Cross-References
1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
1 Thessalonians 4:9 – “Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.”
12. John 13:34-35 – A New Command
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
Cross-References
1 John 3:11 – “For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.”
1 John 4:12 – “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
2 John 1:5 – “And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.”
13. 1 John 4:11 – Love Among Friends
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – 1 John 4:11
Cross-References
1 John 4:7 – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
1 John 2:10 – “Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.”
1 John 3:16 – “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
14. Galatians 6:10 – Do Good to All
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10
Cross-References
Hebrews 13:16 – “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
1 Timothy 6:18 – “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
15. Proverbs 27:6 – Wounds from a Friend
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” – Proverbs 27:6
Cross-References
Psalms 141:5 – “Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.”
2 Samuel 12:7 – “Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.’”
Matthew 18:15 – “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
16. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is Patient and Kind
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Cross-References
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Romans 12:9 – “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
17. Colossians 3:13 – Forgive One Another
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Cross-References
Matthew 18:21-22 – “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”
Mark 11:25 – “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
18. Psalm 133:1 – Unity Among Brethren
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
Cross-References
Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Romans 15:5-6 – “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
19. 2 Corinthians 6:14 – Avoid Unequal Yoking
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14
Cross-References
Ephesians 5:11 – “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Deuteronomy 22:10 – “Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together.”
20. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Cross-References
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Romans 14:19 – “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
21. Proverbs 13:20 – Walk with the Wise
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
Cross-References
Psalm 1:1 – “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
Proverbs 9:6 – “Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”
22. Proverbs 17:9 – Overlook an Offense
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9
Cross-References
Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
James 5:20 – “Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
23. Ecclesiastes 4:12 – Strength in Unity
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12
Cross-References
Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
1 Corinthians 12:12 – “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”
Philippians 1:27 – “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
24. Job 2:11 – Friends’ Support in Suffering
“When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.” – Job 2:11
Cross-References
2 Corinthians 1:4 – “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
25. Philippians 2:2 – Being Like-minded
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Cross-References
Philippians 4:2 – “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.”
26. 1 Peter 4:10 – Use Gifts to Serve
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Cross-References
Romans 12:6 – “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.”
1 Corinthians 12:7 – “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Ephesians 4:11-12 – “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
27. Romans 15:7 – Accept One Another
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” – Romans 15:7
Cross-References
Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
James 2:1 – “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
28. 1 Corinthians 1:10 – No Divisions Among You
“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.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Cross-References
Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
29. Proverbs 22:24-25 – Choose Friends Wisely
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” – Proverbs 22:24-25
Cross-References
Proverbs 12:26 – “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
30. Proverbs 19:20 – Listen to Advice
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” – Proverbs 19:20
Cross-References
Proverbs 12:15 – “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Proverbs 24:6 – “Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.”
31. 1 John 3:18 – Love with Actions
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Cross-References
James 2:17 – “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
1 Corinthians 13:1 – “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
32. 1 Peter 3:8 – Be Compassionate
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” – 1 Peter 3:8
Cross-References
Romans 12:16 – “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
Ephesians 4:2-3 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
While you’re here, why not explore our latest article on: Bible verses about Sisters
Final Thoughts
The concept of friendship and sisterhood in the Bible is a source of profound guidance, teaching us how to cultivate meaningful and lasting relationships in our lives. These scriptures emphasize love, sacrifice, unity, and the power of mutual understanding. They remind believers not only to seek friends and sisters who uplift and strengthen them but also to strive to be such companions for others. The tapestry of friendship and sisterhood is one that is interwoven with love, empathy, encouragement, and forgiveness.
These precious bonds reflect God’s unending love for us and offer a glimpse into the unity and fellowship we all strive to achieve. By embracing the values illustrated in these scriptures, we can foster relationships that are as enduring and enriching as those celebrated in the Bible, thereby bringing forth a community that mirrors the loving kingdom of God.