What Does the Bible Say About Suicide — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What Does the Bible Say About Suicide?" Actually Means
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).
Anchor Verses (KJV)
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"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."
Psalm 34:18
"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
Jeremiah 29:11
"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."
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