The Sanctity of Life: Suicide

Definition: Suicide is to purposefully take one’s own life out of misdirected self-love. The term “suicide” was coined in 1651 and literally means “self” (sui) “to kill” (cide). There is a moral difference between volitional suicide and suicide due to psychological or physiological factors such as a chemical imbalance, clinical depression, an altered mental state, etc.

A distinction should be made between suicide and willful self-sacrifice of one’s own life.

Examples of self-sacrifice include: military service, dying in defense of a friend (cf. John 15:13), ministering to the infectious sick, dangerous missions work (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:7–18; 11:16–23).

In regard to his own self-sacrifice Jesus declared, “No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father” (John 10:18).

There are roughly 29,000 completed suicides in the United States each year; compared to 19,000 murders and 13,000 AIDS related deaths. Roughly 500,000 people will attempt suicide each year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 25. 72% of successful suicides are white males. Females are more likely to attempt suicide; however, males are four times more likely to complete suicide.

Suicide is the result of a person’s perceived hopelessness and inability to find meaning or hope. Suicide almost always occurs in response to suffering or anticipated suffering. Suffering could be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual in nature. Major reasons for suicide include: depression, financial trouble, dissolution of a relationship, a form of protest, sexual gender confusion, religious ritual, escape from punishment, and escape from pain.

Some wrongly argue that suicide ought to be allowed, as a right, if one’s body is viewed as one’s own property. Our bodies are not our own (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). At Mountain View Community Church (MVCC) we hold that as image bearers of God we belong first to God, then to one another to live in community as a testament to God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). As such, suicide stands in opposition to God’s express will and grieves those left behind, as well as producing guilt and strained relationships. Encouraging suicide communicates that there is no answer to despair and no comfort in affliction.

Suicide in the Bible

Scripture references to contemplated suicides:

Satan tempted Jesus to commit suicide (Matthew 4:5–6; Luke 4:9–11). Jesus in keeping with His sinless nature refused to oppose God’s character and proclaimed that such an act would fail to keep with God’s law against murder (Exodus 20:13).

The Philippian jailer purposed to commit suicide after thinking that all the prisoners in his jail had escaped (Acts 16:27–28). He believed there was no hope for him as allowing prisoners to escape carried a death penalty. The Apostle Paul stopped the jailer and gave him hope through the gospel of Christ.

Some of God’s ministers, especially his prophets, became so frustrated with their ministry that they asked God to kill them, including Moses (Numbers 11:12–15), Elijah (1 Kings 19:4), and Jonah (Jonah 4:1–11).

Examples of suicide in the Bible:

King Saul (1 Samuel 31:1–6; 1 Chronicles 10:4–5). The first king of Israel, Saul suffers defeat in battle. Mortally wounded, Saul begs his armor bearer to kill him rather than be tortured by the enemy. When the armor bearer refuses Saul falls on his own sword. The armor bearer seeing Saul commit suicide fears for his own well-being and also commits suicide by falling on his sword.

Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23). A counselor to King David and Absalom during the rebellion and coup to overthrow David. As one of Absalom’s advisors he offers advice to Absalom during court, but his advice is rejected and in his humiliation commits suicide by hanging himself.

Zimri (1 Kings 16:15–19). Zimri was the fifth king of Israel. Zimri committed suicide after one week on the throne after rebelling against the previous King (Elah), the armies of Israel declared Omri king instead of recognizing Zimri. After hearing the news, Zimri went to the palace and set fire to it while he sat on the throne. Suicide by self-imolation (burning himself to death).

Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3–5; Acts 1:15–19) One of the twelve apostles, Judas Iscariot committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree after betrayal of Jesus.

Observations

All of the biblical examples of successful suicide are men. All of the clear biblical examples are unsavory characters and none are praised for their actions. All were spiritually bankrupt or went through a period of spiritual collapse before their suicide. Many of the biblical examples were in pain and/or afraid before suicide. Scripture generally presents these examples of suicide as a fitting end to a wicked and unrepentant life (Judges 9:56; 1 Kings 16:19).

Toward a Christian Perspective

Suicide is not the unpardonable sin, however suicide is sinful as it is self-murder (Matthew 12:31–32; Mark 3:28–29).

Biblical reasons why suicide is wrong

Suicide is a sin against God as the creator and sustainer of life. It rejects God’s sovereignty and seeks to usurp His prerogative in regard to life and death (Job 12:10).
Suicide is a violation of the sixth commandment against murder (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17).
Suicide disregards the image of God as placed by God into mankind and the sanctity of human life (Genesis 1:26–27; 9:5–6).
Suicide is a misuse the body God has conferred on each person (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
Suicide demonstrates misdirected love (neglecting love for God and others) and is injurious to others (Matthew 22:36–39; Ephesians 5:29).
Suicide overlooks the value of human suffering (Romans 5:3–5; 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18; 12:10).
Jesus refused to commit suicide and Paul prevented it (Matthew 4:5–6; Luke 4:9–11; Acts 16:27–28).

Ministry

We encourage you to recognize signs of suicide, which include: talking about suicide; statements about hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness; preoccupation with death; sudden happiness and calm; loss of interest in material things; disposal of material things; visiting loved ones; setting one’s affairs in order.

Here are some practical responses if you think someone is contemplating suicide: Ask pointed questions if you suspect someone is suicidal. Persuade them—even take them—to get help (e.g., crisis hotline, emergency room, family, counseling, etc.). Refer them to available resources and stay involved in their life (e.g., support group, church, etc.).

A Gospel Hope

The gospel itself is a response to the conditions that lead many people to consider or to attempt suicide. Christianity acknowledges the emptiness and brokenness of the world and offers hope, newness, and abundant life. Jesus shared in man’s pain and suffering and provides redemption and restoration. To those who have been affected by suicide: Respond to suicide as you would normal death, not an unforgivable sin. Grieve with those who are affected by suicide. Listen to the thoughts, hurts, and pain of those affected by suicide. Meet material needs. Pray with people.

Additional Reading

Biebel, David B. and Suzanne L. Foster, Finding Your Way after the Suicide of Someone You Love. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005.

Black, Jeffrey, S., Suicide: Understanding and Intervening. Phillipsburg, NJ: Resources for Changing Lives, 2003.

Cox, David and Candy Arrington, Aftershock: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide. Nashville: B&H, 2003.

Hsu, Albert Y, Grieving a Suicide: A Loved One's Search for Comfort, Answers & Hope. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002.

McDowell, Josh and Ed Stewart, My Friend is Struggling with Thoughts of Suicide. Ross-shire, UK: Christian Focus, n.d.

Powilson, David, Grieving a Suicide: Help for the Aftershock. Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2010.

Powilson, David, I Just Want to Die: Replacing Suicidal Thoughts with Hope. Greenboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2020.