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What does the Bible say about self murder?

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The Bible teaches that human life is God’s gift, and taking one’s own life is a tragic violation of God’s command not to murder, though it is not beyond the reach of Christ’s mercy. Exodus 20:13 and Mark 10:19 uphold the sanctity of life, while the accounts of Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 17:23 and Judas in Matthew 27:5 portray self-inflicted death with deep sorrow, not approval. Scripture also calls the suffering and despairing to seek God, trust his justice, and receive help within his people. Believers should respond with compassion, prayer, practical care, and the hope that Christ forgives repentant sinners and sustains the brokenhearted.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Exodus 20:13

    "You shall not murder.

  • Mark 10:19

    You know the commandments: 'Do not murder,' 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not give false testimony,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and mother.'"

  • John 14:15

    If you love me, keep my commandments.

  • 2 Samuel 17:23

    When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, and arose, and got him home, to his city, and set his house in order, and hanged himself; and he died, and was buried in the tomb of his father.

  • Romans 12:19

    Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."

  • Matthew 27:5

    He threw down the pieces of silver in the sanctuary, and departed. He went away and hanged himself.

  • Exodus 22:2-3

    [2] If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him. [3] If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt of bloodshed for him; he shall make restitution. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.

  • Psalms 144:1

    > Blessed be Yahweh, my rock, Who teaches my hands to war, And my fingers to battle:

  • Galatians 5:19-21

    [19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [21] envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

  • Matthew 5:38-39

    [38] "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' [39] But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.

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