What does the Bible say about a person who is in a coma?

Response

When an individual is in a coma, their brain is in a state of profound unconsciousness for an extended or indefinite period. The Bible does not provide specific guidance on comatose individuals, as the medical technology to sustain life in a coma did not exist when the Bible was written. Although a coma often precedes death, there are numerous accounts of individuals in comas who have unexpectedly regained consciousness. How should one respond biblically to a person in a coma?

Most hospitals treat comatose patients as if they are aware of their surroundings. Research indicates that a person’s hearing may still be active even in a deep state of unconsciousness. Therefore, medical staff and caregivers often communicate directly with comatose patients or speak to them as if they can comprehend the conversation. Given the uncertainty of whether comatose patients can hear, it is prudent to act as though they can. Some families of comatose patients play soft music in the room, talk about future events as if the patient will participate, and avoid allowing negative forecasts or opinions to be expressed within earshot of the patient. Regardless of the comatose individual’s ability to hear, treating them with respect serves as a reminder to all present that they are still a person deserving of dignity.

In recent years, there have been several high-profile legal disputes concerning comatose patients. Families have litigated for the right to either maintain life support for their loved one or to discontinue life-prolonging measures and permit a natural death. These are complex situations that require individualized approaches with compassion and wisdom, as stated in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Read more.(James 1:5). Questions about when life ends and the concept of “death with dignity” are further complicated by our advanced medical capabilities today. In ancient times, if an individual fell into a coma, there were no feeding tubes, life-support machines, or IVs to prolong earthly life beyond its natural course. Death typically ensued within a matter of hours or days.

While the Scriptures do not directly address the state of being in a coma, we understand that since only God has the power to grant life, the decision on when that life ceases should be left to Him (see Deuteronomy 32:39;1 Samuel 2:6). Murder is inherently sinful as it presumes the role of God in passing judgment on another human being (Genesis 9:5-6;Exodus 20:13). Deliberately ending an innocent life is consistently condemned by God (Exodus 23:7;Jeremiah 22:3;Revelation 22:15). Hastening the death of a comatose patient may fall within this sinful category.

Actions like “mercy killings” are challenging to justify in an era where there are various pain-relief medications and techniques available, as modern medicine offers numerous ways to alleviate suffering. When dealing with a comatose individual, it is impossible to determine definitively whether they are experiencing pain or are simply confined within an unresponsive body. As caregivers and decision-makers, our priority should be to ensure the comfort of the comatose person. Death occurs at the “appointed” time “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”, (Hebrews 9:27). This requires wisdom, but allowing life to progress naturally, providing palliative care, and allowing an individual to pass away in accordance with God’s timing is not morally wrong.Advanced as modern medicine has become, we still cannot know everything that is going on inside the body of a comatose person. Therefore, all decisions concerning a person in a coma should be made with the goal of doing the least harm while trusting God to bring good from it (Romans 8:28; Exodus 4:11; John 9:3).