What Does the Bible Say About Someone Who Commits Suicide?

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What Does the Bible Say About Someone Who Commits Suicide?

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The Bible records some examples of people committing suicide. While we find no commentary with these incidences, it’s covered in principle in the Sixth Commandment. Suicide is an act of murder. (We recommend that you read the section on this commandment in our booklet The Ten Commandments.)

While there can be no doubt that taking one’s life is wrong, suicide is often a complex matter. Perhaps others are quick to judge and condemn people who take their own lives. But we should avoid the tendency to oversimplify this tragic type of death. Individuals who commit suicide often have been struggling with serious problems, such as depression, alcoholism or other forms of drug abuse. Taking one’s life isn’t the right way to deal with any trial, but the people who do are likely not thinking clearly.

Is there hope for them to live again? God says He will resurrect all the dead (John 5:28-29), and we know that God wants everyone to have a full chance to repent and be forgiven and to be saved (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4). The Bible shows that those who did not understand God’s spiritual truth during their lifetimes will have another chance at life, a chance to deal with their problems better. By resurrecting them, God isn’t giving them a second chance at salvation, but rather their only chance. See our Frequently Asked Question, “Will Everyone Have a Chance for Salvation?” for more information about this needful and little understood truth—the second resurrection.

We know that the families and friends of people who “succeed” in committing suicide often suffer terribly, as they struggle to understand why their loved one died in this way. The survivors need a great deal of understanding and comfort.

If we can be of further help, please let us know.

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Comments

  • Jortiz

    I feel like God has abandoned me and I consider or think about suicide constantly. I read how people go through things and I don't see God doing anything. Makes me feel like maybe I've been fooled at times. I've put a deadline for when I think I should do it. It's years from now, trying to see if God comes through, but I don't see Him. My family is the only thing that holds me back because I don't want to hurt them, I'm almost sure the rest if the people that know me will get over it super fast.

  • Lena VanAusdle

    Jose, please don't consider suicide. It would hurt your family, and every person that you know, even if you're not close, people don't "get over" that kind of thing. Your friends will think about it years later, and hurt over the loss. God loves you, and cares for you, but He isn't a genie, His timing is always perfect.

  • Shaun G

    I have a friend I loved very dearly, I cry almost every morning when I wake up, I read & watch videos of people I assume share the same problems as me. I listen to music, etc to help clear my mind on her passing but most times I find myself emotionally stressed even more, I don't know much about the Christian way of life but some of the 10 commandments. I wouldn't want Jesus Christ to be merciful on my life or hers, she passed away so unexpectedly I don't know if it's suicide or what. I wouldn't think it would be even though I told her before I wouldn't mind going that route. But to the best of my knowledge I also told her most my trials and tribulations I faced since childhood wasn't our fault it seemed like I desperately wanted a relationship with her but at the same time I just needed her to know that she's not a bad person for what we did to each other. We been through alot together since school days. So my question to you is if I was to vanish this earth (not to use it as a excuse on God Jesus Christ) but I'm deeply concerned i wonder if I'll get another chance at salvation to prove my love for her better than anyone else. I have friends happy but her loss hit me unfairly.

  • Jake Latronem

    I have a freind, who i am afraid might try to commit suicide, but when ever i think of asking, i feel like it is s bad idea.
    I am probabaly over reacting, but just wanted some help

  • Skip Miller

    Hello Jake, Your hesitancy is probably a very good thing. Although you may be correct that your friend may think about suicide, what he (or she) needs right now is your friendship. If you are a good friend then show that! Be there and bring that friend into the light of your concern but rather than even going toward that horrible end, instead bring the friend to joy. Take a walk in the sunshine. Visit a playground and watch the kids play. Do something fun. And while you do, let the other know that you care. Something good will come of this.

  • Jordan111

    My question is if a pastor commits suicide the bible equivalents it to murder
    The bible says murders,thieves,scorns,lesbians,gays,prostitutes will not inherit the kingdom of God,
    So do pple who comitte suicide make it to heaven?

  • tyler

    Try reading some of the linked articles they may already have answered your question.

  • Skip Miller

    Hello Robert, I encourage you to do what Tyler suggests. But also consider the context of his suggestion. That is, what is going to be the basis for your LIFE? God is 'into' (to use a phrase) life, not death ! That means that you must not only get answers to your very real question BUT you find out that YOU must DO something different in your Life that will be difficult. Death will happen to us all; what must we do till then?

  • DeeAnne

    Is sucide still classed as a type of murder if the person that does it is already dying of a terminal illness? If someone with cancer commits sucide will they still be condemned for it, I ask as I watched my dad pass away just a few months ago from cancer and it was incredibly painful for him right up until the end, I can’t help but think if I ever got terminal cancer that I would not want to suffer like he did, so I am curious if it’s still the same even though you are already dying

  • Skip Miller

    Hello Deeann, When I read your question I almost thought at first that you were asking a legal question. but after reading and agreeing with Lena's answer I see that it is a lot deeper than human legality. It is heartbreaking to watch someone you love die. In our present day world, many live (and die) without any concept of even why they were alive. But Lena and I (and many others) do not see the tragedy of suffering and death without a purpose. The question really is, how do YOU see your journey through this "vale of tears?" If you have any kind of hope, you will want to search out a meaning to life that makes some kind of sense.
    Our booklet "Why God Allows Suffering" gives a perspective different from many. It can be the beginning of a worthwhile search for Godly answers, and will offer you some peace.

  • Lena VanAusdle

    Deeann,
    I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to watch your father die from cancer. It's never easy to lose a parent, but especially in such a heart-breaking way. Sometimes we face unimaginable circumstances, and it would be easy to say that God doesn't want us to suffer, and choose to break His laws. But, sin is sin, and ultimately sin always causes more heartache. It is up to God to decide the length of someone's life, and we don't have the right to change that.

  • Looking4truth

    Searching for an answer
    One that would seem clear
    One that would bring some relief
    Eradicate the pain and grief
    Deliver me…if only brief
    There isn’t one I fear

    I’m going through a tunnel
    And there is no end in sight
    It’s cold here as I go along
    No sign of life…no sign of song
    In all the world I find the wrong
    A hopeless…endless plight

    What is the use of going on
    I do not care you see
    Life doesn’t bring me any joy
    I feel just like a broken toy
    I’m one that no one could enjoy
    Oh death…please set me free

    But then a hand from nowhere came
    And grabbed a hold of mine
    The sweetest voice I ever heard
    Spoke to this mind so lost and blurred
    And down inside this dead heart stirred
    And oh it felt so fine

    My gloominess has fled away
    The light is piercing through
    The scales are gone now I can see
    The bondage that imprisoned me
    Has been rebuked and now I’m free
    My grey skies have turned blue
    LORD... I owe it all to YOU

    Job 3:20-22

     

  • MicStacy

    Joe Doe, like Skip and Lena said, please think of your Granddaughter! Trust me, I lost my Mom when I was 10, I also lost my chance at being a Mom because the man of my dreams abandoned and destroyed our marriage so I will never have the joy of being a Mom or a Grandmother. Please know how fortunate to have kids and a Granddaughter and go to a Christian Church this weekend, where you can surround yourself with people who can -and will- help you through your pain. I am sorry for your losses and even the love of a dog can be unconditional love. I only wish us humans were like dogs and could just love one another UNconditionally! Please go to a Christian Church near you and I promise God will show you there that people care! God bless you!!!

  • joedss

    I have been reading these comments that came up because I wanted to know what the bible said about suicide. I read a news article where a young girl commented suicide because she felt empty. First of all let me tell you a little about me. I am a divorced male, 50, who I lost the love of my life because of work. I literally have no friends, I am in a job that I hate. I do drug and drink because that is a moment for me to escape reality. I come home from my job and the only one there to meet me is my wonderful little boston terrier. I wish I could be as happy as her. I lost my mother a few months ago who was my only best friend, someone that I could talk to and not worry about being judged. I feel like I'am a burned on my kids and the only one that except me for me is my wonderful granddaughter who is the only thing I will miss when I am gone and is the only one that will miss me. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about committing suicide. I have reached out for help but everyone says when I call that their booked out 90 days. I'll be dead by then I laugh and say to myself. I have gotten on my knees and ask God for keep and yet here we are.

  • erin

    Hi John,

    I came here searching for what the Bible says about suicide because I'm grieving the loss of a friend. That girl you read about in the news is my friend, Tara. Her energy was so bright and she had such a vigor for life. No one would have ever expected she was battling evil spirits inside. If only she had told someone, anyone- she could have received the help she needed. We could have engaged in this battle for her life and helped her defeat this emptiness.

    Please, please, please don't take your own life. We are all grieving for her loss, and we wish so badly we could have done anything. Anything at all to help her. She said that hope is nothing more than delayed disappointment. Hope is exactly the opposite. Hope is what we seek in Him. In Jesus. Hope is what brings out the light in what may seem like a never ending pit of darkness. Hope is the hand that reaches down and picks us up from the bottom of the well when we can't lift our arms to reach.

    Please God reach down to Mr. John and heal him of this depression. We rebuke these dark spirits that are terrorizing his soul, Lord. Oh Jesus, please cover John with your comfort, strength and shield. Amen

  • erin

    Hi John,

    I came here searching for what the Bible says about suicide because I'm grieving the loss of a friend. That girl you read about in the news is my friend, Tara. Her energy was so bright and she had such a vigor for life. No one would have ever expected she was battling evil spirits inside. If only she had told someone, anyone- she could have received the help she needed. We could have engaged in this battle for her life and helped her defeat this emptiness.

    Please, please, please don't take your own life. We are all grieving for her loss, and we wish so badly we could have done anything. Anything at all to help her. She said that hope is nothing more than delayed disappointment. Hope is exactly the opposite. Hope is what we seek in Him. In Jesus. Hope is what brings out the light in what may seem like a never ending pit of darkness. Hope is the hand that reaches down and picks us up from the bottom of the well when we can't lift our arms to reach.

    Please God reach down to Mr. John and heal him of this depression. We rebuke these dark spirits that are terrorizing his soul, Lord. Oh Jesus, please cover John with your comfort, strength and shield. Amen

  • Skip Miller

    Hello John (pseudonym?) Doe,
    I once contemplated suicide when I was 21 (for reasons I'll share with you personally if you pursue this email). But what a waste if I had gone through with it!!! Another person suggested an alternative and I followed up on what he suggested. I am glad I did! Now for you. You have a granddaughter that cares about you. She will not like you leaving her, so don't do it! She is not the only one who cares. Who are the others? They are all those that you have shown love to. Do not think of those you already know. Go out and begin to show love to ones you don't know. What you will find are others who need you , who are not themselves loved but need to be. Be a little more Christ-like and you will be so busy you will not have times to even worry about yourself.

  • Lena VanAusdle

    Joe, please don't kill yourself. Please. Have you called any emergency suicide lines? they might be able to help you get immediate service. But ultimately, God can help as well! He doesn't want you to be miserable, He wants you to be happy, but it will take work and effort on your part. Are you a member of a church? I don't know where you are located, but building friendships and relationships with people might help you feel more grounded. Please visit www.ucg.org/congregations/all to find a congregation near you. But please, don't kill yourself.

  • Abigailc

    I've been going through things all my life, and was diagnosed with depression and gad, it has gotten so bad to the point I thought I was possessed at one point. I fear I may be getting worse despite my medication. I have begged God to take me to heaven before it has gotten this bad, all I want to do is be with jesus. I love my mom, and my family, but I cant bare the thought of them suffering because of me. I must go, I know my mind will be new in heaven, that's what I'm looking forward to. I need to let go of this life on earth and gain mine in heaven, I know God loves me enough, more than enough, to let me be in his arms.

  • Medic72072

    Abby
    I have struggled with severe depression and anger issues since 1999. In the recent years I have developed severe anxiety along with it. I have been on medical leave from a previous job due to it. I’ve been on so many different medications and nothing helps 100%. My psychiatrist asked me one day “When was the last time you had a day when you had not worries of any kind?” The answer? Never. I’m just exhausted and feel the same as you. I’m ready to leave this earth so I can finally be normal. There is no help here for me to feel this way.

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