The Bible contains no separate commandment worded as “Do not commit suicide.” But human life has special value—people are created in the image of God—and the unlawful taking of human life is forbidden. Therefore, there are biblical grounds for considering suicide a sin. At the same time, the Bible does not call it an unforgivable sin, and a person’s ultimate eternal destiny cannot be declared based on the manner of their death.
Biblical Principles
- Human beings were created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26–27); God holds people accountable for shedding human blood, and the same reason is given—the image of God in humanity (Gen. 9:5–6).
- The commandment “You shall not murder” (Exod. 20:13).
- Paul writes that none of us lives or dies for himself: whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (Rom. 14:7–9). This was said in a different context—concerning relationships among believers—and does not speak directly about suicide.
- The Bible reports several cases of suicide: Saul (1 Sam. 31:4–5), Ahithophel (2 Sam. 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matt. 27:3–5). These are narratives, not a separate commandment or teaching about these people’s eternal destiny.
- Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is called unforgivable (Matt. 12:31–32); suicide is not mentioned in this passage.
- Each of us will give an account of himself to God, and all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Rom. 14:10–12).
This brief answer was prepared by the editorial team; the verse texts are from the Father’s Blessing Bible.
If this question concerns you personally
If you are thinking about harming yourself, do not face this alone: contact your local emergency services or ask someone close to stay with you. If you are grieving someone who has died, you also need support: talk with loved ones or a pastor.
Key Bible Passages
10 Bible passages · Father’s Blessing Bible
Genesis 1:26–27
26 And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, [[and]] according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, [[and over the beasts,]] and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that crawls on the earth. 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Genesis 9:5–6
5 And for your blood, in which your life is, I will require an account; I will require it from every beast, and from man. From every man’s brother I will require an account for the life of man. 6 Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.
Exodus 20:13
You shall not murder.
Romans 14:7–9
7 For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself; 8 if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this reason Christ died and rose and lived again, so that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Matthew 12:31–32
31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
Romans 14:10–12
10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me, and every tongue will confess to God.” 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
1 Samuel 31:4–5
4 Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and run me through and abuse me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. So Saul took his sword and fell on it. 5 When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him.
2 Samuel 17:23
When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey, set out, and went home to his city. He put his household in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.
1 Kings 16:18
When Zimri saw that the city had been captured, he entered the citadel of the royal palace, set the royal palace on fire around him, and died
Matthew 27:3–5
3 When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You are responsible for it.” 5 So he threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.
Related Questions
- Does God Forgive a Serious Sin?
- What Sin Does God Not Forgive?
- What Happens After Death?
- What Is the Judgment of God?
