Jul 316 min read

Did Jesus Mean Hellfire?

Updated: Jul 31

Jesus' Words in Context: Mark 9:48 and Isaiah 66:24

The doctrine of hellfire often hinges on certain biblical passages, notably Jesus’ words in Mark 9:48. To understand Jesus' meaning, it is essential to explore the context and compare it with related Old Testament passages, particularly Isaiah 66:24.

Jesus said, "If your eye makes you stumble, throw it away; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where ‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’" (Mark 9:47-48, UASV). This imagery of undying worms and unquenchable fire is often interpreted as a reference to eternal torment in hellfire.

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Understanding Gehenna: The Hinnom Valley

The term "Gehenna," translated as "hell" in many Bible versions, originates from the Hebrew "Ge-Hinnom," referring to the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem. Historically, this valley was associated with idolatrous practices, including child sacrifices to the god Molech (Jeremiah 7:31). Later, it became a refuse dump where waste, including dead bodies, was burned, creating a perpetual fire.

Jeremiah 7:31 says, "And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I did not command, nor did it come into my mind."

This historical context provides insight into Jesus' use of Gehenna as a symbol. It represented a place of destruction and disgrace, not eternal conscious torment.

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Isaiah’s Prophecy and Jesus’ Allusion

Jesus’ reference in Mark 9:48 is a direct allusion to Isaiah 66:24, which states, "And they shall go forth and look upon the dead bodies of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh." (Isaiah 66:24, UASV).

Isaiah’s imagery depicts a scene of total destruction where the dead bodies of the wicked are consumed by worms and fire. The emphasis is on the completeness and permanence of this destruction, not on ongoing torment. The maggots and fire signify a state where the corrupting forces are unstoppable until complete consumption.

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Symbolism of Worms and Fire

The imagery of undying worms and unquenchable fire symbolizes irrevocable destruction. In ancient times, maggots and fire were the ultimate means of disposing of corpses, ensuring they could not be revived. Therefore, the undying worms and unquenchable fire emphasize the finality of the judgment, leaving no possibility for restoration or resurrection.

This interpretation aligns with the broader biblical context, where death is described as a state of nonexistence. Ecclesiastes 9:5 states, "For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten." This passage underscores that the dead are unconscious and incapable of experiencing torment.

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Jesus’ Use of Hyperbole

Jesus frequently used hyperbole to emphasize moral truths. For example, in Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus advises, "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." This extreme language is not intended to be taken literally but to stress the seriousness of avoiding sin.

Similarly, Jesus' reference to Gehenna and the imagery of worms and fire serves to underscore the severity and irrevocability of divine judgment. It is a powerful call to repentance and righteous living, rather than a literal description of eternal suffering.

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The Character of God: Love and Justice

The doctrine of eternal hellfire contradicts the biblical portrayal of God as loving and just. 1 John 4:8 emphasizes, "God is love." This core attribute of God suggests that His actions are motivated by love and mercy. Torturing individuals eternally for finite sins committed during their lifetime would be inconsistent with God's nature.

Furthermore, Ezekiel 33:11 declares, "Say to them, ‘As I live,’ declares the Lord Jehovah, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?’" This passage highlights God’s desire for repentance and restoration rather than punishment.

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Final Judgment: Destruction, Not Eternal Torment

The Bible consistently teaches that the ultimate punishment for sin is death, not eternal torment. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift of God is everlasting life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Death here is contrasted with everlasting life, implying a cessation of existence rather than ongoing suffering.

Jesus himself speaks of a final judgment leading to destruction. In Matthew 10:28, He warns, "And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." The term "destroy" implies a complete end, not perpetual torment.

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The Hope of Resurrection and Eternal Life

The Christian hope lies in the resurrection and eternal life, not in the fear of eternal punishment. John 5:28-29 states, "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned."

This passage indicates a resurrection to life for the righteous and condemnation (judgment) for the wicked. However, this judgment does not necessarily entail eternal torment. The condemnation could refer to a final, irrevocable destruction, aligning with the overall biblical theme of death as the ultimate penalty for sin.

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Conclusion of the Matter

In examining Jesus' words in Mark 9:48 and their context, it becomes clear that He did not mean to teach the doctrine of eternal hellfire. Instead, He used vivid imagery to underscore the seriousness and finality of divine judgment. The Bible consistently portrays death as the ultimate punishment for sin, with the hope of resurrection and eternal life for those who believe.

The doctrine of hellfire is not supported by the overall message of Scripture, which emphasizes God's love, justice, and mercy. Understanding Jesus' words in their proper context helps us appreciate the profound call to repentance and the hope of eternal life through faith in Him.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).