What Does the Bible Say About Suicide? Faith, Forgiveness & Hope

What does the Bible say about suicide? The Bible doesn’t have a verse that says, Don’t take your own life. But it gives us many ideas about how God sees life and how much He cares for people who are hurting. The Bible shows us that life is a gift, and even when we’re in pain, our lives still have purpose. The Bible connects suicide with self-murder. In Exodus 20:13, God says, “You shall not murder.” That includes harming ourselves. Life is a gift from God, and we are not meant to take it away. Still, the Bible also teaches that God understands our pain and offers love and forgiveness.

Why Is Life So Special in the Bible?

In Genesis 1:27, it says that God made people in His image. That means everyone is important. Because of this, life is sacred. Suicide goes against this because it ends a life that God values.

Famous Christian thinkers like Augustine said suicide is wrong because it breaks God’s plan. But even so, the Bible never says suicide is a sin that can’t be forgiven. God knows how people feel when they are struggling, and He cares.

People in the Bible Who Took Their Own Lives

Some people in the Bible died by suicide:

Samson brought down a building on himself and others (Judges 16)
Saul and his helper fell on their swords (1 Samuel 31)
Ahithophel hanged himself (2 Samuel 17)
Zimri burned himself inside a building (1 Kings 16)
Judas, who betrayed Jesus, hanged himself (Matthew 27)

These people were not praised for their deaths. Their stories show sadness, not examples to follow.

Does Suicide Mean You Go to Hell?

This is a hard question. Suicide is wrong because it ends life early. But the Bible teaches that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39). If someone believes in Jesus, even suicide does not cancel their faith.

The Bible says our bodies are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). That means our lives are special. But God also understands our pain. Some churches believe that if someone was suffering mentally, God sees their heart and shows mercy.

God is Close When You’re Hurting

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” If you’re feeling low or hopeless, know that God is near. He sees your tears. He cares.

In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “I have good plans for you, plans to give you hope and a future.” You are not alone. The Bible tells us to support each other (Galatians 6:2), and to encourage others (Hebrews 10:24–25). Even in your most painful moments, when it feels like hope is fading, the question “what does the Bible say about suicide?” becomes more meaningful—it tells us that God remains by our side, offering comfort, healing, and a future filled with purpose.

Table: What the Bible Says About Suicide

Truth from the Bible	Bible Verses	What It Means
Life is God’s gift	Genesis 1:27; Exodus 20:13	Life is holy and should be protected
Suicide is self-murder	Exodus 20:13	It is wrong, but God sees the whole picture
God forgives sin	Romans 8:38–39; 1 Cor 6:19–20	Nothing can separate us from His love
God is close in hard times	Psalm 34:18; Jeremiah 29:11	God wants to give you hope
Help each other	Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:25	We must support people who are hurting

Can Suicide Ever Block God’s Forgiveness?

What does the Bible say about suicide? It clearly teaches that God’s forgiveness has no limits. Even suicide, as serious as it is, does not go beyond God’s love and grace. If someone trusted in Jesus before they died, we believe God’s mercy still covers them. Mental struggles can cloud judgment, and God understands our suffering more than anyone else can.

What If You’re Feeling Hopeless?

You are not alone. Many strong people in the Bible cried out to God when they were sad. David, Elijah, and Job all felt broken at times. But they held onto God.

You can do the same. Talk to someone. Call a friend. Reach out to a pastor or a counselor. Even a small step can make a big change.

How Can We Help Others?

The Bible tells us to take care of each other. If someone you know is feeling down, talk to them. Listen without judgment. Let them know they are not alone.

Jesus showed kindness to hurting people. We should do the same. Support, pray, and help. Love saves lives.

Conclusion:

What does the Bible say about suicide? It tells us that life is precious and made by God. Suicide is not what God wants, but He understands our pain and offers love. He can forgive all sins, even suicide. God stays close to the hurting and offers hope to everyone. You are not alone, and your life still matters.

FAQs: