Suicide in Scripture

How many suicides are recorded in the Bible?

Joseph R. Nally

The Bible records seven suicides and one attempted suicide. They are:

Abimelech (Judges 9:54) - suicide with the aid of another.
Samson (Judges 16:30)
King Saul (1 Samuel 31:4)
Saul's armorbearer (1 Samuel 31:5)
Ahithophel, a type of Judas below (2 Samuel 17:23)
Zimri (1 Kings 16:18)
Judas, the son of perdition (Matthew 27:3-5)
The Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:16-40) was an attempted suicide.

Suicide is not the unpardonable sin. While it is very grievous, there remains forgiveness for some, such as Samson, at the Cross.