25 Bible Verses About Self Harm (With Commentary)
Self-harm is a deeply personal struggle, and the Bible provides insights that can offer comfort and guidance. Today, we’ll explore verses that address self-harm and provide hope for those seeking healing and restoration.
Bible Verses About Self Harm
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’”
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans. Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
This verse reminds us of the value and purpose of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that our bodies are not our own, but rather, they belong to God. As followers of Christ, we are called to honor God with our bodies by taking care of them, seeking to maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This verse serves as a reminder that self-harm is contrary to God’s desire for us to cherish and honor our bodies as vessels of His Spirit.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This verse encourages us to bring our anxieties and burdens to God. It reminds us that we don’t have to carry our struggles alone, but we can cast them upon Him. Self-harm often arises from feelings of anxiety, despair, or hopelessness. This verse offers comfort and reassurance that God cares for us and is ready to bear our burdens. By turning to God in times of distress, we can find peace and comfort instead of resorting to self-destructive behaviors.
Psalm 34:17-18
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
In this verse, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and His willingness to listen to our cries. It assures us that He is near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. Self-harm often stems from deep emotional pain and brokenness. This verse brings hope, as it reminds us that God is attentive to our pain, and He is eager to deliver us from our troubles. By leaning on God’s presence and seeking His help, we can find healing and restoration for our wounded hearts and spirits.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
This verse presents the empowering truth that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Self-harm can make us feel weak and defeated, but this verse reminds us that we have access to divine strength. By relying on Christ’s power, we can overcome the struggles and temptations that lead to self-destructive behaviors. This verse encourages us not to rely on our own strength but to depend on God’s strength to help us navigate difficult situations and find healthier ways to cope.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
This verse assures us of God’s healing and comforting presence in our lives. It reminds us that God is attentive to our emotional wounds and can bring healing to our broken hearts. Self-harm often arises from a place of deep emotional pain, and this verse provides hope and assurance that God is capable of healing us from the inside out. By seeking His healing touch and allowing Him to bind up our wounds, we can find the restoration and wholeness we so desperately need.
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This verse celebrates the truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. It emphasizes the value and uniqueness of each individual, reminding us that we are not accidents or mistakes. Self-harm is often an expression of self-rejection and self-loathing, but this verse invites us to recognize and embrace our God-given worth. By reminding ourselves that we are intricately crafted by a loving Creator, we can begin to cultivate a sense of self-acceptance and learn to treat ourselves with kindness and compassion.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
In this verse, God assures us of His good plans for our lives. It reminds us that God’s intentions toward us are not to harm us but to give us hope and a future. Self-harm is often driven by a sense of hopelessness and an inability to see beyond the pain of the present moment. This verse offers comfort and assurance that God has a purpose for our lives and desires to bring about prosperity and hope. By entrusting our lives to His guiding hand, we can find the strength to persevere and discover the fulfilling future He has in store for us.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that we do not have to face our struggles alone. It assures us that God is with us, ready to provide strength, help, and support. Self-harm often arises from a place of fear and isolation, but this verse offers reassurance that we are never alone. By trusting in God’s presence and relying on His strength, we can find the courage to overcome our battles and resist the urge to harm ourselves. This verse invites us to place our fears and anxieties in His hands, knowing that He will be our unwavering support.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
This verse acknowledges God as the ultimate source of comfort and compassion. It assures us that He comforts us in all our troubles so that we, in turn, can offer comfort to others. Self-harm can isolate us and make us feel disconnected from others, but this verse reminds us of the importance of community and the power of sharing our stories. By allowing ourselves to receive God’s comfort, we open ourselves up to the possibility of healing and restoration. This verse also encourages us to extend God’s comfort to others who may be struggling, offering hope and understanding to those in need.
Psalm 147:3-4
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.”
This verse beautifully depicts the expansive nature of God’s care, from His ability to heal the brokenhearted to His knowledge of every star in the sky. It speaks to God’s intimate involvement in the lives of His creation, including those who are hurting. Self-harm often stems from deep emotional pain and a sense of brokenness, but this verse reminds us that God is attentive to our wounds and desires to bring healing. It affirms the truth that no matter how vast our struggles may seem, God knows us intimately and is capable of bringing restoration to even the most broken parts of our lives.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This verse extends a comforting invitation from Jesus to all who are weary and burdened. It assures us that if we come to Him, He will give us rest. Self-harm often stems from weariness and carrying heavy emotional burdens. This verse offers hope by presenting Jesus as the source of rest and renewal for our souls. It encourages us to release our burdens and find solace in Him. By surrendering to Him and learning from His gentle and humble nature, we can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
This verse reassures us of God’s nearness to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. It affirms His commitment to saving and comforting those who are hurting. Self-harm often arises from a sense of brokenness and despair, but this verse reminds us that we are not alone in our pain. God is present, ready to bind up our wounds and provide solace for our shattered spirits. By embracing His presence and seeking His saving grace, we can find hope, healing, and restoration in the midst of our deepest struggles.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
In this verse, Jesus acknowledges the reality of trouble and challenges in the world. He assures us that through Him, we can find peace. Self-harm often arises as a misguided attempt to cope with the pain and struggles of life. This verse invites us to find solace and hope in Jesus, who has overcome the world. It reminds us that we don’t have to face our difficulties alone, but rather, we can lean on His victory and find peace in the midst of turmoil. By anchoring our hearts and minds in Him, we can resist the destructive path of self-harm and discover the abundant life He offers.
Psalm 103:13-14
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
This verse depicts God’s compassionate nature and His understanding of our human frailty. It compares His compassion to that of a father for his children. Self-harm often arises from feelings of inadequacy and shame, but this verse reminds us that God’s compassion extends to our brokenness. He knows our weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and yet, He still loves us deeply. By embracing His compassion and resting in His love, we can find healing and accept ourselves as imperfect beings in need of His grace.
1 Peter 4:13
“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
This verse presents suffering as an opportunity to participate in the sufferings of Christ. It reminds us that our pain and struggles can be united with Christ’s sufferings, ultimately leading to the revelation of His glory. Self-harm often arises from a sense of isolation and despair, but this verse prompts us to find meaning in our suffering by aligning it with Christ’s redemptive work. By shifting our perspective and acknowledging the transformative power of suffering, we can find hope and joy in the midst of our struggles, knowing that Christ’s glory will ultimately be revealed.
Psalm 9:9
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
This verse depicts God as a refuge and stronghold for those who are oppressed and in distress. It assures us that we can find safety and protection in Him when we face difficult circumstances. Self-harm often arises as a misguided attempt to find relief from emotional pain, but this verse invites us to seek refuge in God instead. By taking shelter in His presence and relying on His strength, we can find the safety and stability we long for. This verse encourages us to turn to God as our ultimate source of comfort and security.
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
In this verse, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and His presence in the midst of darkness. It assures us that we do not have to fear evil, for God is with us. Self-harm often arises from a place of fear and despair, but this verse offers reassurance that we are not alone in our darkest moments. God’s presence and His guiding rod and staff provide comfort and direction. By embracing His presence and trusting in His guidance, we can navigate the trials of life with courage and hope, knowing that He will lead us to places of healing and restoration.
Psalm 62:8
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
This verse encourages us to place our trust in God and pour out our hearts to Him. It reminds us that He is our refuge and a safe haven for our deepest emotions and struggles. Self-harm often arises as a result of suppressed and overwhelming emotions, but this verse invites us to bring our pain and vulnerability before God. By entrusting our hearts and burdens to Him, we can find comfort, support, and guidance. This verse encourages us to cultivate a habit of open and honest communication with God, knowing that He is always ready to listen and provide solace.
Psalm 130:5
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word, I put my hope.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and putting our hope in Him. It reminds us that God’s Word is a source of comfort and strength when we are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Self-harm often arises from impulsive actions driven by desperation, but this verse invites us to wait patiently on God and find hope in His promises. By anchoring ourselves in His Word and trusting in His timing, we can experience a renewed sense of hope and discover healthier ways to cope with our pain.
Psalm 18:2
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
This verse depicts God as a rock, fortress, and deliverer. It assures us that He is a safe haven and a source of strength. Self-harm often arises from a sense of vulnerability and a lack of healthy coping mechanisms, but this verse reminds us that God is our ultimate refuge. By taking shelter in Him and relying on His protection, we can find the strength to resist the urges and find healthier ways to navigate our struggles. This verse encourages us to turn to God as our steady foundation and strong fortress.
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
This verse assures us of God’s presence and protection in the midst of trials and challenges. It assures us that when we face difficult circumstances, He will be with us. Self-harm often arises as a result of feeling overwhelmed by life’s hardships, but this verse offers reassurance that God will not allow us to be overcome. By trusting in His faithfulness and resting in His promise to be with us, we can find the strength to persevere and discover new ways of coping that lead to healing and restoration.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
This verse highlights the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives. It reminds us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Self-harm often arises from a sense of powerlessness and a desire for control, but this verse invites us to embrace our weaknesses and trust in God’s sufficiency. By relinquishing our dependence on self and leaning on His grace, we can experience His power working within us. This verse challenges us to shift our perspective and find strength in acknowledging our vulnerability, ultimately leading to a deeper dependence on God.
What Does the Bible Say About Self Harm?
In the Bible, we see that our bodies are a gift from God and that we are called to treat them with care and respect. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we are to honor God with our bodies. This means that harming ourselves goes against God’s desire for us to care for ourselves.
We also see in passages such as Psalm 139:14 that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and that includes our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When we engage in self harm, we are not respecting the inherent value and beauty that God has given us.
Additionally, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This includes ourselves. When we harm ourselves, we are not showing love and care for the person God made us to be.
It’s important to remember that God is our source of hope and healing in times of struggle and pain. Instead of turning to self harm, we are encouraged to turn to God and seek help and support from others.
We are reminded in Romans 15:13 that God is the source of hope, peace, and joy. Instead of turning to self harm as a way to cope with pain and suffering, we can turn to God in prayer, seek support from trusted friends and family, and seek professional help.
Ultimately, the Bible encourages us to treat ourselves with the same love, care, and respect that God has for us. Self harm is not in line with God’s desire for us to live abundant and purposeful lives, and we are called to seek help and healing from Him and from those around us.
