Last updated: 2026-05-22
Is Suicide a Sin in Judaism?
Quick Answer
Yes, suicide is considered grave sin in Judaism.
Author: IsItASin Editorial Team · Last updated: 2026-05-22
Yes, suicide is considered grave sin in Judaism. Genesis 1:27 — Humanity created in God's image (every life has infinite value). This is a grave sin matter in Judaism with clear guidance for believers.
What Judaism Teaches About Suicide
Judaism considers Suicide to be a sin — a grave matter in the torah / talmudic tradition.
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What Judaism Teaches About Suicide
Judaism places the highest possible value on human life. The principle of pikuach nefesh (preserving life) overrides virtually every other commandment — you can break Shabbat, eat non-kosher food, or do almost anything else to save a life. Suicide contradicts this fundamental value. The Torah commands 'Choose life' (Deuteronomy 30:19). However, rabbinic authorities have long recognized that mental illness creates a different moral situation. The Talmud and later poskim (rabbinic authorities) distinguish between a person of 'sound mind' who acts deliberately and someone overwhelmed by psychological suffering. Maimonides writes that a person suffering from mental anguish is not held to the same standard. If you are in pain, Judaism says: your life is infinitely valuable, your suffering is real, and seeking help is not weakness — it is the highest form of honoring the life God gave you. Please contact a crisis counselor or mental health professional in your area.
Torah / Talmudic References
- Genesis 1:27 — Humanity created in God's image (every life has infinite value).
- Deuteronomy 30:19 — 'Choose life, that you and your offspring may live.'
- Talmud Yoma 85b — Pikuach nefesh (preserving life) overrides virtually all other commandments.
- Maimonides, Hilchot Rotzeach 2:2 — A suicide is treated differently when mental illness is involved.
Key Teachings
| Teaching | Scripture Reference | Practical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Humanity created in God's image (every life has infinite value). | Genesis 1:27 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
| Choose life, that you and your offspring may live. | Deuteronomy 30:19 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
| Pikuach nefesh (preserving life) overrides virtually all other commandments. | Talmud Yoma 85b | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
| A suicide is treated differently when mental illness is involved. | Maimonides, Hilchot Rotzeach 2:2 | Apply this teaching to daily decisions. |
What You Should Do
- 🆘 IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS RIGHT NOW: Please contact a crisis counselor, mental health professional, or emergency services in your area. You are not alone and you are not beyond help.
- Jewish: 'Choose life' (Deuteronomy 30:19). Your community values you. Speak with your rabbi. The world needs you in it.
- Remove access to means if you're having thoughts. Lock up medications, remove firearms. This one act saves lives.
- Tell someone. Anyone. A friend, family member, clergy, doctor. The darkness lies when it tells you no one cares. People do care. Please reach out to a crisis counselor or mental health professional in your area.
You Know the Truth. What You Do Next Matters Forever.
The Talmud teaches that teshuvah was created before the world itself — Hashem believed in your return before you were born. The gates of return are open now.
Begin Your Teshuvah — The Gates Are Open →People Also Ask
Will I go to hell if I commit suicide?
No faith tradition claims to know the final judgment of any soul.
No faith tradition claims to know the final judgment of any soul. God's mercy is greater than our despair. Focus on getting help now, not on fear of the afterlife.
Does God forgive suicidal thoughts?
Yes.
Yes. Having thoughts of suicide is not a sin — it is a symptom of suffering. All three faiths recognize the difference between intrusive thoughts and deliberate actions. What matters is reaching out for help.
Is it selfish to commit suicide?
No.
No. Suicide is not selfishness — it is the endpoint of unbearable pain that has overwhelmed a person's ability to cope. The most selfless thing you can do right now is to reach out for help. Please contact a crisis counselor or mental health professional in your area.
Why does God allow suicidal suffering?
This is one of the hardest questions in all of religion.
This is one of the hardest questions in all of religion. No simple answer exists. What all three faiths agree on is that God is present in suffering, that communities are called to help those in pain, and that professional help is a gift, not a sign of weak faith.
