What Does the Bible Say About Suicide?
In the darkest moments of our lives, it can feel as though we're alone, trapped in a tunnel with no end in sight. If you, or someone you know, are wrestling with feelings of despair or contemplation of suicide, know this first and foremost - you are not alone. As challenging as your struggle may seem right now, there exists a supportive community ready to embrace you with understanding, encouragement, and above all, hope.
Here at Stay Here, we delve into the sacred pages of the Bible to gain perspective on complex questions, such as 'what does the Bible say about suicide?' It's an issue often shrouded in silence, wrapped in a blanket of deep pain. We approach it with love, empathy, and a sincere desire to provide clarity from a biblical point of view.
Engaging with the Bible allows us to illuminate this oft-hidden reality and shed light on the despair that drives such extreme decisions. Through our exploration, we aim to be your compassionate guide, fostering dialogue, empathy, and deeper understanding. Our venture into the scriptures is not simply an academic exercise - it is a journey of hope, resilience, and a reaffirmation of life's inherent value. So come, join us as we traverse this profound issue together, arm in arm, steeped in compassion, respect, and unwavering faith.
What is Suicide?
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. It is the act of someone taking his or her life. Sometimes suicide can be described as self murder. It stems from deep emotional pain and distress and is often the result of feelings of hopelessness, isolation, or overwhelming stress that an individual finds unbearable.
Medical professionals say suicide can also be influenced by a range of complex factors, including mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, or substance abuse.
Where in the Bible is suicide referenced or mentioned?
The term suicide is not explicitly mentioned but there are a couple of different references of those who took their own lives and those who wanted to have their life taken. Here are some of the accounts of those people in the Bible from both the New and Old Testament.
People who died by suicide in the Bible
1 Samuel 31:4-5 tells the story of King Saul, mortally wounded, falling on his own sword after his armor bearer refused to kill him, following his defeat by the Philistines.
Saul's armor bearer, seeing that Saul was dead, also took his own life as chronicled in the continuation of the same passage of 1 Samuel 31:5.
2 Samuel 17:23 details how Ahithophel, after his counsel was not taken by Absalom, set his house in order, hanged himself, and died.
In 1 Kings 16:18, Zimri, seeing the city he was in was taken, burned the king's house over him with fire, and died.
The New Testament records the suicide of Judas Iscariot in Matthew 27:5, where he hanged himself after betraying Jesus Christ.
People who wanted to die by suicide but did not:
In the book of Jonah 4:3, Jonah, overwhelmed by his circumstances, once declared to God, “Now, O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” This dramatic expression came after Jonah was displeased with God’s compassion on the city of Nineveh that had repented from its sinful ways.
The Apostle Paul also experienced moments of great hardship where he despaired of life itself. In 2 Corinthians 1:8, Paul writes, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.”
These are testimonies...
Throughout the Bible, we find characters who faced profound despair yet persevered through their darkest moments. Even Elijah, a prophet who exhibited great strength and faith, felt the sting of isolation and fear, leading him to a point where he longed for death (1 Kings 19:4). However, in his time of distress, he was met with divine comfort and sustenance, a testament to God's enduring presence in times of severe trial.
There is Hope
We want you to know that you are not alone! There were people before you, even men of God, who struggled with suicidal thoughts. Although there are those in the Old and New Testament that lost their battle with suicide, there are those who have overcome the temptation of committing suicide and have continued living God's plan for their life. Just like how Elijah met with God and Paul had put his hope in God, you too can encounter God and put your hope in Him for a better tomorrow. You are too valuable and too important to have a shortened life.
You or loved ones you know can also overcome suicide and continue to live a beautiful life in God's grace.
What Can I do if I or a Friend is Experiencing Suicidal Thoughts? Stay Here
Stay Here is a mental health organization on a mission to provide hope and support to those battling brokenness, depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, and suicide. Understanding the profound impact these battles can have on the human soul, Stay Here stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to recovery through counseling, community support, and the message that every life is invaluable and purpose-filled.
We stand to bring awareness to the suicide issue in the world, create communities to help those battling any type of mental illnesses, provide support to those who are in need, and deliver resources to those suffering to help discover that there is a life worth living.
If you or someone you know is grappling with these issues, reach out to Stay Here. It may be the first step towards reclaiming joy, finding peace, and embracing the truth that life is worth living.
Suicide Hotline
988 The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
You can call the number above or go to our HopeLine live chat located on the Stay Here website if you or a loved one is need of help.
Stay Here also offers therapy that you can sign up for today!
What does the Bible Say About Life?
The Bible presents life as a precious gift from God, to be cherished and lived fully despite the challenges that may come. Life belongs to God and it is from Jesus Christ where we receive eternal life. It is through Jesus death that we have been gifted eternal salvation and hope for our eternal destiny. Here is what the Bible has to say about the our gift of life:
Psalm 139:13-14: "For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
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."
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."
Isaiah 43:1-2: "But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.'"
Deuteronomy 30:19-20: "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the LORD is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
Exodus 20:13: "You shall not murder." This commandment emphasizes the value of life, which extends to oneself given that every individual is made in the image of God.
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."
2 Corinthians 4:8-9: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
Is Suicide an Unforgivable Sin?
While the Bible clearly values life and paints suicide as contrary to God's desire for how we are to steward our lives, it does not explicitly classify suicide as an unforgivable sin. In fact, the concept of an "unforgivable sin" refers specifically to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which indicates a heart persistently resistant to acknowledging God's grace through Christ Jesus.
Can someone who commits suicide go to heaven?
With this interpretation, suicide, a tragic act often resulting from pain, mental illness, or a sense of despair, falls under the capacity of God’s boundless grace and forgiveness, as are all sins for those who accept and believe that Jesus died for their sins. If a believer takes their own life, their sins, including suicide, have been forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ.
If you are experiencing the temptation to commit suicide, please seek help and share your burdens with trusted family or friends, and lean on the community of God's children who can help you through this time. Your life is important and treasured. God loves you so much that he sent his only son to die for you so that you may have eternal life and an eternal destiny in him.
God Does Not Want You to Die By Suicide
God does not want you to commit suicide. His purpose is for you to live and to enjoy your life. It is the enemy, Satan, who wants you to be killed. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that the thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy. Satan is the thief who wants to kill you and destroy the plan God has for you life. He is the one who plants the seed of suicide, trying to convince people of hopelessness and doubt so they take their own lives.
Christ is the life
It is Jesus Christ who has come to give you life and life abundant. Jesus also says in John 14:6 "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me."
The enemy of your life
In a fallen world, Satan seeks to exploit our vulnerabilities, where hopelessness and despair can nestle into the crevices of our lives. He aims to sow seeds of doubt, fear, and confusion to drag us away from our divine purpose and joy.
What God will do for you
God serves as our ultimate defense against the enemy, lifting us from the darkest pits. When the weight of the world bears heavy upon us, it is God's enduring word and His Spirit that provide peace and strength.
Psalm 40:2 says, "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." God assures us throughout Scripture, reminding us that God will rescue, restore, and uplift us amidst the trials orchestrated by the enemy.
Psalm 23 written by King David tells us that God is our good shepherd who will lie you down in green pastures and lead you to quiet waters. God will restore your soul and guide you in the paths of righteousness. When you walk in the valley of the shadow of death you will fear no evil because God will be with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the unforgivable sins?
There is one unforgivable sin which is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Mark 3:28-29: "Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin."
What is the greatest sin?
All sin leads to death. Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." While there may be varying degrees of consequences for different sins on earth, in eternity all sin leads to separation from God. This is why Jesus came to die for our sins and reconcile us to God.
What does the Bible say about deep depression?
Psalm 42:11 says, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" Yet, there is a refrain of hope as it continues, "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."
Psalm 34:18 assures us that, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." These passages and many others suggest the Bible recognizes the serious nature of deep depression but, it also offers hope, pointing to God's compassion and the peace that comes from casting our anxieties upon Him as advised in 1 Peter 5:7: "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
Conclusion
In conclusion, when we talk about suicide from a biblical perspective, it reminds us that even though life can be really hard, we can get through it by calling upon God and receiving God's love and grace. God wants us to live happy and meaningful lives, and He promises to protect us from the lies of the enemy. It's also good to know that organizations like Stay Here are working really hard to create a world without suicide.
They help people who are struggling by giving them support, resources, and hope. They believe that mental health is important and that every life is valuable. This reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. So, let's remember that life is precious and worth living, no matter what challenges we face.
To learn more on this topic, read “Stay Here: Uncovering God’s Plan to Restore Your Mental Health,” by Jacob Coyne.
