Suicide is a deeply painful topic that touches the lives of countless individuals and families. Whether you are seeking answers for yourself, a loved one, or simply looking for guidance from the Word of God, it’s essential to understand how Scripture addresses this heartbreaking issue. The Bible may not use the word “suicide” frequently, but it does offer wisdom, comfort, and clarity regarding the sanctity of life, the depth of God’s mercy, and His desire for us to choose life over despair.
This blog post will help answer the question, what does the Bible say about suicide, and provide a list of powerful Bible verses to reflect on. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, we urge you to reach out for help and remember that you are not alone, God sees you, loves you, and wants to bring healing into your life.
What Does the Bible Say About Suicide?
When asking the question, what does the Bible say about suicide, it’s important to first acknowledge that Scripture upholds the value of human life from Genesis to Revelation. God created humanity in His image (Genesis 1:27), and every life is significant and valuable in His sight.
While the Bible does not give a direct commandment using the term “suicide,” it includes stories and principles that address despair, mental anguish, and taking one’s own life. Characters like King Saul, Judas Iscariot, and Samson are examples of individuals who ended their own lives, each with different motivations and spiritual contexts.
- Suicide Is Not God’s Will
Life is a gift from God. Throughout the Bible, we are called to preserve and cherish it. Scriptures such as Deuteronomy 30:19 encourage us to “choose life,” while passages like Psalm 34:17-18 show that God is near to the brokenhearted and rescues those crushed in spirit.
Suicide is often the result of intense pain, depression, hopelessness, or feelings of worthlessness. But God invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him (1 Peter 5:7), promising that His love and grace are sufficient even in our darkest moments. When asking what does the Bible say about suicide, one truth stands firm: God’s desire is to heal, not harm.
- The Bible Condemns the Taking of Innocent Life
Exodus 20:13 says, “You shall not murder.” This commandment applies to all human life, including one’s own. Suicide, from this perspective, is seen as the taking of a life that God created with purpose and love.
However, it’s vital to approach this topic with compassion. The Bible also emphasizes God’s mercy. Romans 8:38-39 assures us that nothing—not even death—can separate us from the love of God. While the act of suicide is a sin, it is not an unforgivable one. Salvation is not lost by a moment of despair when someone is in mental or emotional torment.
- God Offers Hope in the Midst of Hopelessness
A key message when answering what does the Bible say about suicide is that no situation is beyond God’s redemption. Even when people in Scripture despaired of life—like Elijah (1 Kings 19:4) or Job (Job 3:11)—God responded not with condemnation but with comfort, restoration, and a new sense of purpose.
God sees the struggles we face. He understands pain and offers peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). His Word is filled with reassurances that no matter how hopeless a situation feels, His plans are for our good (Jeremiah 29:11).
- Suicide is portrayed negatively in Scripture
There are a few examples of suicide in the Bible, and they are generally not presented in a positive light. For example:
- Saul (1 Samuel 31:4) took his own life after being mortally wounded.
- Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:5), after betraying Jesus, died by suicide in despair.
These accounts reveal the hopelessness that can accompany suicide, rather than endorsing or justifying it.
- Suicide is not the unforgivable sin
One of the biggest misunderstandings is the belief that suicide automatically results in eternal damnation. The Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through our ability to live perfectly (Ephesians 2:8–9). While suicide is tragic and contrary to God’s design, it is not beyond the reach of God’s grace. Only God can judge the heart and mind of each person.
So, what does the Bible say about suicide? It shows us that life is precious, pain is real, but God’s love is deeper than despair. The Bible calls us to choose life and trust God, even when it’s hard.
20 Bible Verses About Suicide
These verses offer comfort, encouragement, and clarity for those asking what does the Bible say about suicide. Whether you are experiencing personal struggles or helping someone through theirs, these Scriptures remind us that God is present, loving, and powerful enough to restore even the most broken heart.
- Deuteronomy 30:19 – “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
- Psalm 34:17-18 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
- 1 Kings 19:4-5 – “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”
- Psalm 42:11 – “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
- Job 3:11 – “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?”
- Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am convinced that neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 – “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself… But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”
- Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
- Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.”
- 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds.”
- Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
- Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”
- Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”
- Hebrews 4:15-16 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses… Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.”
- Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength… they will run and not grow weary.”
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
- John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Conclusion
Understanding what does the Bible say about suicide is more than just reading verses, it’s about embracing God’s heart for every soul. God does not turn away those who are struggling. He invites them in, offers comfort, and brings healing. If you’re in pain or feeling hopeless, turn to His Word, reach out to others, and seek help.
Life is precious, even when it feels unbearable. There is always hope, and there is always help. God’s grace is greater than our darkest moments, and His love is steadfast, even when we feel lost.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please speak to a counselor, pastor, or call a suicide prevention hotline. You are not alone and your life matters more than you can imagine.
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