Does the Bible say anything about loneliness?

TL;DR:

People were built for relationship—with both God and one another. Although feeling loneliness is very difficult, believers are assured that they are loved and are never alone.

It is both ironic and tragic that in a time where we are more connected technologically than ever, we also see some of the highest recorded rates of loneliness in history. Loneliness is not about being with people—we can feel lonely surrounded by others and not feel lonely when we are alone. Loneliness is an emotional state in which we feel isolated or completely alone in the world. And though it seems this emotional state is becoming more commonly chronic, loneliness itself is not a new phenomenon. Throughout Scripture, we see the importance of companionship, friendship, and fellowship. People were built for relationship—with both God and one another. Although relationships are not perfect this side of heaven, they can be restored, established, and strengthened by the grace of God.

from the old testament

The first mention of loneliness is found in Genesis 2:18, where God states that it is not good that man should be alone. God's remedy for Adam's loneliness was the creation of Eve and the institution of marriage (Genesis 2:21–24). God provided Adam with a companion—a helpmate also made in the image of God—to join him in life.
When Adam and Eve sinned, relationships broke down. Not only was humanity separated from God, but human relationships were also damaged (Genesis 3:16, 24).
Even as God pronounced the consequences of Adam and Eve's sin, He also granted hope: the protoevangelium (Genesis 3:15). This hope was the promise of a Savior, who would defeat Satan and restore peace between God and mankind.

from the new testament

The Savior promised in the garden is Jesus Christ, and He is the only true and lasting remedy for loneliness (2 Corinthians 5:18–21).
Jesus laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13–15).
In Jesus, we are never isolated or alone. Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to live inside us and be with us forever (John 14:15–17). God promises that He is with us always (Matthew 28:20).
Through God's work, we are also reconciled to other people (Ephesians 2:11–22).
Having received the Spirit of God and the example of Christ, we learn to put pride aside and seek to meet the needs of others and not ourselves only (Philippians 2:3–8).
God has put us in families to practice loving and serving others. As husbands and wives grow in their love for and service to Jesus Christ, they learn to love and serve one another (Ephesians 5:22–25). Likewise, children learn loving submission to parents and parents learn not to exasperate their children (Ephesians 6:1–4). Restored relationships functioning in mutual submission mean less loneliness.
As believers in Christ, we've joined God's vast spiritual family, far greater than any natural one. While loyalty to Christ may cause tension with our earthly families, God more than compensates, both now and eternally (Matthew 19:29). In this family, no one needs to be lonely—we can love and value one another.

implications for today

If you are feeling lonely, ask yourself if you have been reconciled to God by believing in Jesus Christ. If you have, then remind yourself of the promise that God has made to you, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus, who died for you, has gone to prepare a place for you where you will dwell with Him and all who belong to Him eternally (John 14:1–3). In the meantime, He has given us His Spirit to dwell within us, teach us, and comfort us (John 14:16–18). No believer in Christ is ever truly alone. Regarding human relationships, we must ask what we are doing about our loneliness. There is no reason to despair. God has given us opportunities to reach out to people, express how we are feeling, and seek to love and serve well. Loneliness is very real, but we can combat it by living the way God calls us to live: in real community with others. That requires us to do something about it, but we have God’s strength to do it.

understand

People were created for relationships—with both God and others.
Believers are never truly alone because God promises His presence through the Holy Spirit.
In God's family, loneliness can be alleviated through love, service, and genuine community with other believers.

reflect

How have you experienced God's presence in times of loneliness, and how does that impact your faith today?
What practical steps can you take to reach out to others and build meaningful relationships within your community, even when you are feeling lonely?
How can you rely on God's strength to overcome feelings of isolation and engage with those around you?

engage

Although we are more virtually connected than ever, loneliness is rising dramatically. A 2021 survey revealed that 58% of Americans felt like no one in their life truly knew them, highlighting an increase in emotional isolation despite frequent virtual interactions. Additionally, people report having fewer close friendships and feeling less emotional support from others. This loneliness epidemic spans generations, with young adults and older people alike feeling disconnected. Contributing factors include longer work hours, delayed marriage, and increased mobility, which reduce opportunities for building lasting friendships. How does the way God calls us to live combat this loneliness?
To paraphrase Pascal, "There is a God-shaped vacuum in every human heart." That vacuum manifests itself in the ache of restlessness and loneliness, which is only soothed by the peace and love of God found in Jesus Christ (John 14:27; Matthew 11:28–30). How does the promise of God's constant presence (Matthew 28:20) shape our understanding of loneliness in today's world?
What role does the church play in combating loneliness, and how can we better support one another as a spiritual family?