What Does the Bible Say About Suicide?
What Does the Bible Say About Suicide? The Bible records several suicides without endorsing them and consistently affirms that life is sacred and belongs to God.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)
The Bible records several suicides without endorsing them and consistently affirms that life is sacred and belongs to God.
The Bible records several suicides without endorsing them and consistently affirms that life is sacred and belongs to God.
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price." — 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Scripture records suicides (Saul, Ahithophel, Judas) without condoning them. The sixth commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill' (Exodus 20:13), applies to self-destruction as well. The body is described as God's temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and life is presented as God's gift and domain. However, the Bible also shows deep compassion for those in despair — Elijah prayed to die (1 Kings 19:4), Jonah wanted to die (Jonah 4:3), and Paul experienced such affliction he 'despaired even of life' (2 Corinthians 1:8). God responded to each with care, not condemnation. While suicide is a sin against God's gift of life, many theologians believe it does not automatically condemn a believer, since salvation rests on faith in Christ, not the circumstances of death. Those struggling should seek help immediately — God is 'nigh unto them that are of a broken heart' (Psalm 34:18).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Suicide?
What the Bible says about suicide, mental health, and God's compassion for those in despair.
Key Scripture References
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price."
"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Depression?
The Bible acknowledges deep emotional suffering — Elijah, David, and Jeremiah all experienced despair — and offers God's presence, hope, and comfort as the answer.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
While the Bible doesn't give a complete answer, it reveals that God uses suffering for growth, discipline, compassion, and ultimately His glory.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Corinthians on day 324 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Suicide?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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