Suicide is an incredibly complex, sensitive issue that whenever it occurs in the Bible sparks deep thoughts about life and death and, more profoundly, human experience. Throughout scripture, there are instances where a person commits suicide, but the circumstances, emotions, and the circumstances surrounding such instances are diverse.
Although the Bible is very silent about suicide, it teaches and gives a much deeper understanding of suffering, despair, and hope. The question that arises and challenges people is to reflect upon the value of life and the implications of hopelessness and then possibly the restoration of all things lost and seemingly gone forever.
In this article, we will examine what the Bible has to say about suicide.
What Does the Holy Bible Say About Suicide?
The Bible does not directly talk about suicide in the way it is discussed today, but it does give insight into the value of life and how God views human suffering. An example of such cases would be Psalm 139:13-16 speaks of how God has put everyone in the womb and knew them before being born, which might make human life precious in God’s eyes and also intentional.
There are also so many verses that promote trust in God when faced with tough situations.
However, the Bible also admits human suffering and deep emotional pain, which can drive people into despair. There are lots of cries for help and deep expressions of anguish in the book of Psalms.
Based on Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” So he depicts himself in drawing closeness as regards such feelings of being helpless.
Suicide Stories in the Bible
The Bible has many stories where suicide or suicidal thoughts are present. These stories do not always give clear answers but do provide insight into human struggles. Let’s look at some of these stories;
1. Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-5)
One of the most memorable stories in the Bible revolves around Judas Iscariot, who, after turning against Jesus, was driven by such guilt and repentance that he attempted to return 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders and to confess this deed.
He, having the inability to bear shame, went out and killed himself.
2. King Saul and His Armor-Bearer (1 Samuel 31:4-6)
Another suicide story is of the death of King Saul, in the Bible. It is the time of war. He was very gravely injured by his enemy. Not to be tortured and taken captive, he requested his armor-bearer to kill him.
When his armor-bearer refused, Saul took his own life by falling on his sword.
3. Samson (Judges 16:28-30)
Samson’s death is often portrayed as a form of sacrifice for others rather than as a suicide. However, his last moments can well be described as a dying cry. After being bound and humiliated by the Philistines, Samson called out to God to grant him strength.
He then broke apart the pillars of the temple, bringing down the building on himself and his enemies. Though this act brought death, it was also an act of revenge and redemption. Samson’s actions were not out of despair but because he wanted justice.
Individuals who wanted to die by suicide but not
While these stories are noteworthy, the Bible is also full of people who had downtime without taking their own lives.
1. Elijah (1 Kings 19:4)
Elijah, being utterly frustrated and exhausted because of much opposition, ran away into the wilderness and asked that he might even die. He felt abandoned by God and was convinced that there was no use for his labor. But God came to show care and provision to his prophet and told him that it wasn’t so.
2. Jeremiah’s Lament (Jeremiah 20:14)
Jeremiah is sometimes called the “weeping prophet.” He, too, felt despair. He mourned over the weight of his call and wished he had never been born. His sorrow was deep, but God used his sorrow to effect change.
3. Jonah’s Anger (Jonah 4:3)
Jonah, too, became frustrated with God’s mercy bestowed upon the people of Nineveh. He even prayed to die because he thought all his efforts were futile. Just like Elijah and Jeremiah, the stories of Jonah remind us that prophets, too, have known extreme emotional pain.
Is Suicide a Sin in the Bible?
A common question is whether suicide is considered a sin in the Bible. The Bible does not explicitly call suicide a sin, but it does speak about the value of life.
- Theological Debate: Some believe that suicide is a sin as it violates the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). That commandment, however, refers to the unlawful killing of others and not self-killing. There is no verse in the Bible directly mentioning suicide as a sin. In fact, the Bible values life, and suicide goes against the principle of honoring God with our bodies.
- Lack of Explicit Mention in the Bible as a Sin: The psalmist says in Psalm 139:13-16 that God forms each person uniquely and that every life is precious. One might say that taking one’s life is a form of rejecting God’s plan for that life, yet the Bible’s silence on the issue leaves room for interpretation.
- Implications from the Commandment “Thou Shalt Not Kill” (Exodus 20:13): The no killing commandment is frequently referenced in suicide debate. Even though it has been considered as murder throughout much of history, there are people who argue that it extends to self-wounding. Still, others argue that the Bible, as a whole, glorifies and encourages trust in God and the sanctity of life which would make suicide an inappropriate response to pain and suffering.
- Augustine’s View and Church Teachings: Augustine is one of the early Fathers of the Church who believed that suicide is a sin. He said that only God can give life and take life away. Most Christian faiths still follow this philosophy because they consider life a gift from God, which should not be wasted.
Can Someone Who Commit Suicide Go to Heaven?
Whether a person who commits suicide can reach heaven is one question that many Christians always tend to disagree with. For Christian doctrine, salvation in Jesus Christ and eternal life in heaven depend upon his faith in Jesus Christ in addition to his belief in His sacrifice for sins.
In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This indicates that belief in Christ is the basic prerequisite for entering heaven rather than one’s actions or timing of those actions.
The Bible doesn’t specifically mention suicide; therefore, its interpretations vary among different Christian denominations. Others believe that suicide is a sin because it contradicts the commandment of preserving life and the biblical principle of trusting in God’s plan for one’s life.
But then again, the Bible says that sins committed by all can be forgiven if one repents and believes in Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9). So therefore, it concludes that although suicide is the gravest act, because of this one doesn’t have to go eternally lost just because of this if they believe in Christ.
How Does the Bible Address Suicide in the Context of Mental Health?
The Bible touches on mental health issues and gives people solace with depression. Though it doesn’t specify contemporary mental illness, the word is useful in trying to find answers for psychological and spiritual misery.
1. Biblical Approach to Depression
Despair and depression are, of course, real challenges throughout the Bible. The psalms and Isaiah are full of expressions of anguish and cries for help. These texts remind us that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed yet remind us that God draws near to those who are brokenhearted.
2. Hope in Psalms and Isaiah
Psalms, especially Psalm 34:18, remind us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” These verses remind you that God sees your pain and offers comfort.
3. Christ’s Empathy with Those in Distress (Matthew 11:28-30)
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites everyone who is heavy-laden and burdened to come unto Him and find rest. He knows what you have been through and will give you peace.
4. Faith and Support Systems
Faith and community are what one needs during a crisis. The Bible encourages believers to lean on one another. Prayer, counseling, and pastoral care help those in need. Support from trusted friends and professionals can give one the strength to go through difficulties.
Wrapping Up
God loves every human’s life and is near even in the darkest hours, bringing peace and hope to those who have hope in it. The Bible asks you to trust God and seek help from people whom you trust when feeling such despair.
God’s grace is wide, and His forgiveness is broad. Therefore, suicidal thoughts are also covered in His forgiveness. Hope, faith, and support systems will heal and bring peace to those in crisis.
