What Does Suicide Mean?
When a person deliberately and willingly takes their own life, it is a devastating loss of life. Suicide ideation can occur for many different causes, but it typically occurs when:
- The mental anguish they're going through is crushing
- They have no idea how to pull themselves together
- They feel like an outsider
- They can't see a way out of their current predicament
The widespread belief that just a tiny percentage of the population experiences suicidal ideation is deeply flawed. At any stage of life, they have the potential to impact anybody. Experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors—which encompass any concept, plan, or attempt to end one's own life—can be a terrifying, isolating, and stressful ordeal.
The manifestations of suicidal ideation and behavior can vary from person to person. Thoughts of suicide can be very frequent for some people, while they may only occur once or twice in a lifetime for others.
Some people may have spoken openly about their suicidality with loved ones, while others may have never told anybody. Although there may be commonalities in the thoughts and actions surrounding suicide, no two people will go through it in the same way.
Is Suicide a Sin?
According to the Bible, suicide is generally viewed as a sin. The basis for this view is rooted in several biblical principles:
- Sanctity of Life: Human life is considered sacred because humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This principle implies that taking one's own life is a violation of the divine order.
- Prohibition Against Killing: The commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) is interpreted by many Christians to include self-killing.
- The Body as a Temple: The New Testament teaches that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Therefore, harming oneself is seen as desecrating this temple.
While these points form the traditional Christian perspective, there are differing views within the Christian community, especially concerning the implications for salvation and God's grace.
Suicide in The Bible
Seven suicides and one attempted suicide are documented in the Bible.
One of Jesus' twelve followers, Judas Iscariot, has the most well-known narrative. Judas attempted to push Jesus's hand by betraying Him because he was disappointed that Jesus was not establishing an earthly kingdom. But even in the face of confrontation in Gethsemane, Jesus chose not to fight. Judas killed himself by hanging after realizing his scheme had failed (Matt. 27:5).
The legend of King Saul is another well-known tale. Having suffered severe injuries in combat, he requested his armorbearer to take his life. Saul committed suicide after his armorbearer refused (1 Samuel 31:4). The armorbearer "also fell on his sword, and died with him" (verse 5) after witnessing the king's actions. Fear of what the enemy might do to them drove their acts.
There are other, lesser-known tales of suicide in the Bible:
- Ahithophel, one of King Absalom's advisers hanged himself when he realized the king had disregarded his counsel (2 Samuel 17:23).
- After being severely injured by a millstone that a lady threw at him, Abimelech begged his armorbearer to murder him in order to avoid embarrassment (Judges 9:54).
- Following a coup d'état, Zimri became a king. However, upon seeing that his subjects did not approve of him, he entered "the citadel of the royal palace and set the palace on fire around him," ultimately taking his own life (1 Kings 16:18, NIV).
- As Samson engaged the adversary in combat, he ended his own life (Judges 16:29, 30).
There is also the story of Paul and Silas who traveled to Philippi in response to a vision, where they cast out a demon from a slave girl, baptized the powerful Lydia, and were summarily thrown into prison. That evening, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing, there was an earthquake that broke all the chains and opened all the doors. The jailer "drew his sword and was about to kill himself," believing that all of the convicts had escaped, when Paul shouted out to reassure him that not a single prisoner had escaped (Acts 16:25-28). Paul was able to persuade the jailer to give up his intentions to commit suicide and start over as a follower of Christ.
Do You Go to Hell If You Commit Suicide?
This is a common question within the community. While Christian interpretation of suicide is that it is a sin, does that mean it leads to certain damnation?
The question “if you commit suicide, do you go to hell?” on Reddit’s r/Christianity sparked multiple responses:
One user mentions: “What sends a person to hell are any unforgiven sins. Suicide is not biblically any more damnable. It's typically not the fruit of a saved person, but it's possible. Several saved biblical characters despaired of life at times: Paul (2 Cor 1:8), Jonah (Jon 4:8), Elijah (1Ki 19:4)..”
Another says: “Suicide is a sin, but that doesn't mean you will burn in hell for it. It means that it is something that God does not approve of.
It would be cruel to condemn people that committed or tried to commit suicide. None of us is free of sin and still most of us will be saved despite our sins by the grace of God. Also, it is not on us to judge others, but on God and he is all-knowing, forgiving and merciful. On the other hand, suicide is never a solution and not the christian way, I want to also be clear on that.”
Does God Forgive Suicide?
The article "Is Suicide the Unforgivable Sin? Understanding Suicide, Stigma, and Salvation through Two Christian Perspectives" by John Potter explores Christian perspectives on suicide via theological and historical frameworks. Since humans are created in God's image and life is holy, Christianity has always condemned suicide as an extreme sin against God.
Suicide, according to one viewpoint based on Augustine and Aquinas, is a fatal sin since it disobeys the rule "Thou shalt not kill," which includes self-murder. According to this perspective, suicide endangers the soul's salvation because it removes the possibility of repentance.
On the other hand, an alternative viewpoint highlights the infinite character of divine favor. According to this perspective, God's kindness can extend to all sins, including suicide. It emphasizes how one's responsibility may be diminished by mental illness or severe distress, which frequently precede suicide. God may therefore be able to grant redemption to individuals who commit suicide, demonstrating his understanding and love for them in spite of their actions.
These viewpoints highlight the diversity and complexity of Christian theology when it comes to suicide. The topic of pastoral compassion and understanding for those who are battling with suicide thoughts is also discussed, with an emphasis on the value of assistance rather than judgment.
Bible Quotes About Life
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Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) states: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." This verse emphasizes that believers are intentionally crafted by God for a life of purposeful good works, which He has preordained for them to fulfill through their union with Christ.
John 3:16 (NIV) says: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse is one of the most well-known and frequently quoted in the Bible, encapsulating the core message of the Christian gospel. It highlights God's immense love for humanity, demonstrated by the sacrificial giving of His Son, Jesus Christ, to offer salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Romans 8 (NKJV) has passages (verses 28 and 38-39) that can be interpreted as providing meaning and comfort, potentially relevant to discussions about life's purpose and coping with thoughts of suicide. Romans 12 (ESV) and Ephesians 4 (KJV) encourage living a life of purpose and transformation in service to God.
More Bible Teachings
Suicide can come as a result of mental illness and extreme life situations. Because of that, there are deeper things we must understand to fully grasp what the Bible’s teaching are on the act of self-harm.
What Does God Say About Depression?
Biblical passages claim that God deals with depression in a variety of ways, providing a diagnosis as well as a treatment plan. Although depression is acknowledged to be caused by anxiety in Proverbs 12:25 (NKJV), a kind word may lift someone up.
Jesus offers consolation and peace to those who endure hardship by inviting them to rest in Him (Matthew 11:28–30). The experiences of biblical characters such as Moses, David, Elijah, Job, and Jonah highlight the necessity to seek God's assistance since they show that even religious people can go through severe emotional pain.
Finding delight in salvation (Colossians 1:27), demonstrating active love for God and others (Matthew 22:36-40), and finding hope in God (Psalm 50:15; 2 Corinthians 1:10) are important themes.
What Does The Bible Say About Murder?
Murder is the deliberate taking of another person's life, and the Lord condemns it. Additionally, he issues a warning against feelings of hatred and rage, which might result in murder (Genesis 4:6-7; Matthew 5:21–22; 1 John 3:12).
Cain, the first murderer, killed his brother out of anger and envy. (Genesis 4:5). Murder is invariably associated with immoral intents and motivations.
Murdering another person is a transgression against God. All people were made in the likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). We act abnormally when we take another image bearer's life since we are His image bearers. Life is sacred and valuable.
Understanding the distinction between murder and killing is important when examining the topic of "killing." To intentionally take another person's life is called murder. But killing can also refer to other activities, such as engaging in combat or butchering animals for sustenance.
What Does The Bible Say About Stress?
The Bible addresses the topic of stress in several passages, offering guidance and encouragement for dealing with life's pressures:
- Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage advises believers to turn their worries into prayers, promising divine peace in return.
- Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV): "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Jesus invites those experiencing stress to find rest and relief in Him, emphasizing His gentle and supportive nature.
- 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV): "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." This verse encourages believers to entrust their worries to God, acknowledging His care and concern for their well-being.
- Psalm 55:22 (NIV): "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." This verse reinforces the idea of relying on God's support during stressful times, promising His sustenance and stability.
- John 14:27 (NIV): "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Jesus offers a unique peace that transcends worldly troubles, encouraging believers to remain calm and unafraid.
These verses collectively highlight the importance of turning to God in times of stress, trusting in His provision, and finding peace through faith and prayer.
Conclusion
The Bible addresses suicide by emphasizing the sanctity of life and the importance of seeking God's help during times of distress. Scriptures like Genesis 1:27 affirm that humans are made in God's image, and Exodus 20:13 prohibits taking life. Stories of biblical figures like Elijah, Jonah, and Job illustrate that even the faithful can experience deep despair, yet God's presence offers hope and comfort (Psalm 34:18). The Bible encourages turning to God in prayer and finding rest in Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 11:28-30).
