What Does the Bible Say About Suicide?
Key Scriptures and spiritual guidance on suicide
The Bible addresses suicide in various ways, showing us examples of individuals who struggled with despair and hopelessness. While suicide is not specifically mentioned as a sin, the Bible emphasizes the sanctity of life and the importance of seeking help and finding hope in God during times of deep distress. One of the most well-known accounts is that of Judas Iscariot, who tragically took his own life after betraying Jesus. This serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of despair and the need for compassion and support for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Ultimately, the Bible encourages us to turn to God for strength and comfort in our darkest moments, trusting in His love and mercy.
Bible Verses About Suicide
Matthew 27:5
“So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.”
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
Psalm 34:17-18
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Psalm 42:11
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”