What does the Bible say ABOUT SUICIDE?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible addresses suicide indirectly through narratives like those of Abimelech and Saul (Judges 9:54; 1 Samuel 31:4–6). The Bible affirms the sanctity of human life (Genesis 1:27) despite the world's brokenness and despair (Psalm 73; 1 Kings 19). In the New Testament, Judas's tragic end illustrates the devastating consequences of despair (Matthew 27:5), contrasting sharply with the hope offered through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Romans 8; 2 Corinthians 1:3–7). Believers are encouraged to find solace in Christ and support in the Christian community, combating despair with truth and love (Romans 12:15; Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 6:2).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Bible does not address suicide explicitly, though it does mention some who took their own lives (Judges 9:54; 1 Samuel 31:4–6; 2 Samuel 17:23; 1 Kings 16:18).
• The Bible affirms the value of human life (Genesis 1:27).
• We live in a fallen world with deep brokenness and desperation. Passages like Psalm 73 and 1 Kings 19 show us that even those who have close relationships with God experience genuine emotional distress.
• When we feel desperate, alone, and void of hope, we can come to God honestly in prayer (Psalm 62:8).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Judas took his own life out of guilt of betraying Christ (Matthew 27:5).
• The Bible affirms the hope that can be ours in Jesus Christ (John 1:4; Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 15; Ephesians 2:1–10).
• Christians are not immune to hardship (see John 16:33, 2 Corinthians 11:16–33, 2 Timothy 3:12–13, and Hebrews 11 for example). It is not uncommon for people to think that ending it all is a good solution. But that is a lie from the enemy of our souls (John 8:44). God does not take pain lightly. He sees and He cares (1 Peter 5:7).
• If you are saved because you have trusted in Christ’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins, He is with you and can comfort you (2 Corinthians 1:3–7). Hebrews 4:14–16 explains that we can come to Christ and "receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Romans 8:26 tells us, "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." Along with finding comfort in Christ, we can find support in the body of Christ (Galatians 6:2). We can also look to God’s Word to remind us of truth (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Though the words we read may not "feel" true at the moment, we can exhort our minds and hearts that they are true in reality and thereby help redirect our thoughts (Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8).
• True life is in Christ alone (John 14:6). This true life comes from trusting in Christ’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. Apart from Him, there is no hope. In Him, there is great reason to live this life and to have hope for the future (John 10:10).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Those who have felt suicidal know that it is not as easy as saying a prayer and reading the Bible. Sometimes, try as we might to redirect our thoughts to truth, we simply feel powerless. But you are not alone! This is not a battle to fight alone. If you are in Christ, you are also part of His family. Brothers and sisters in Christ are there to encourage you. Christians are called to "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). Believers can also encourage one another in truth by helping dispel the lies of the enemy (Ephesians 4:15). We can also bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). Admittedly, believers do not always do these things well, but those who are questioning whether life is worth continuing to live need to know that they are not alone and that others will come alongside them.

If you have not trusted in Jesus, that is the first step. True life is in Christ alone (John 14:6). Apart from Him, there is no hope. In Him, there is great reason to live this life and to have hope for the future (John 10:10).

If you are considering suicide, please reach out to someone who can help you know that there is hope!

Suicide hotlines available in most countries: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): 988 or 1-800-273-TALK [1-800-273-8255]; https://988lifeline.org

Crisis Text Line: Text "GO" to 741741 or visit https://www.crisistextline.org/

To Write Love on Her Arms: http://twloha.com/find-help

Befrienders.org: http://www.befrienders.org/directory

Need Him Global: https://needhim.org/

TheHopeLine: https://www.thehopeline.com/

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible acknowledges instances of suicide but emphasizes the value of human life.
• Even those with a strong relationship with God can experience deep emotional distress, but they are encouraged to seek God's comfort and hope.
• Christians are called to support one another and find strength and hope in Christ.

REFLECT

• How can you seek God’s comfort and support when facing emotional distress or feelings of hopelessness?
• How can you remind yourself of the value of your life as affirmed by the Bible, especially during difficult times?
• How can you actively trust in Jesus for hope and comfort, even when life feels overwhelming and burdensome?

ENGAGE

• How can we provide better support and encouragement to those experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts?
• What role do prayer and Scripture play in finding hope and comfort during times of despair?
• How can we help each other combat the lies of hopelessness and despair with the truth and love found in Christ?