Understanding the Terminology: Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna
The Bible uses various terms to describe what is often translated as "hell" in English. These terms include the Hebrew "Sheol" and its Greek equivalent "Hades," which refer to the common grave of dead mankind rather than an individual burial place. Additionally, the Greek term "Gehenna" is used symbolically to represent eternal destruction. It is crucial to examine these terms to understand what the Bible truly teaches about the fate of the wicked.
Genesis 2:17 provides the foundational concept of death as the penalty for sin: "but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die." This passage highlights that death, not eternal torment, is the consequence of disobedience to God’s command.
Genesis 2:17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die.”
Satan claimed God was withholding knowledge from Adam and Eve (Gen 3:1-6) and that if they had that knowledge, they could be like God and not need Him. If there was a hellfire and God did not include that in the information about the punishment, Satan would have been correct. God would be pure evil for withholding that information from Adam and Eve's decision-making.
The Condition of the Dead
The Bible consistently teaches that the dead are not conscious and do not experience pain. Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 states, "For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, where you are going." This verse clearly indicates that the dead are not aware of anything, ruling out the possibility of conscious torment in hell.
Similarly, Psalm 146:4 says, "His spirit goes out, he returns to the earth; In that very day his thoughts perish." This further reinforces the idea that the dead do not have any thoughts or awareness, and thus cannot experience pain or suffering.
The Nature of the Soul and Death
Ezekiel 18:4 emphasizes that "the soul who sins will die" This underscores that the soul, or person, ceases to exist upon death. The Hebrew word "nefesh" and the Greek word "psyche," often translated as "soul," refer to the life or vitality of a person, not an immortal entity that survives death. As such, the concept of an immortal soul enduring eternal torment is not supported by the biblical text.
Who Goes to Hell According to the Bible?
The Bible mentions that both the wicked and the righteous go to "hell," understood as Sheol or Hades, the common grave of mankind. Psalm 9:17 states, "The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God." This suggests that the wicked end up in Sheol. However, Job 14:13 also shows that righteous individuals like Job expected to go to Sheol: "Job prayed:] Oh that you would hide me in Sheol, that you would conceal me until your wrath be past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!" This indicates that Sheol is not a place of torment but a temporary state of death.
Moreover, Acts 2:25-27 reveals that even Jesus was in Hades for a time: "David speaketh concerning him [Jesus Christ],... Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." The fact that Jesus was in Hades and then resurrected implies that Hades is a state of death, not a place of eternal torment.
The Final Judgment and the Fate of the Wicked
Revelation 20:13-14 provides insight into the final disposition of Hades: "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire" This passage indicates that death and Hades will eventually be destroyed, symbolizing the complete and final eradication of death and the grave. The lake of fire represents the second death, a state of eternal destruction, not perpetual torment.
Hades (ᾅδης hadēs) is the standard transliteration of the Greek into English, which occurs ten times in the UASV. (Matt. 11:23; 16:18; Lu 10:15; 16:23; Ac 2:27, 31; Rev. 1:18; 6:8; 20:13, 14.) It has the underlying meaning of ‘a place of the dead, where they are conscious of nothing, awaiting a resurrection, for both the righteous and the unrighteous.’ (John 5:28–29; Acts 24:15) It corresponds to “Sheol” in the OT. It does not involve torment and punishment. Adam was told, “in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die.” (Gen. 2:17) The Bible says, “the soul that sins will die.” (Eze 18:4, 20) The apostle Paul says, “the wages of sin is death.” (Rom. 6:23) Paul also said, “those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These ones will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, from before the Lord.”—2 Thessalonian 1:8–9.
Eternal Punishment or Eternal Destruction?
The concept of eternal punishment is often misunderstood. Matthew 25:46 says, "These shall go away into everlasting punishment:[1] but the righteous into life eternal." The Greek word for "punishment" here is "kolasis," which can mean "cutting off" or "pruning," implying destruction rather than continuous torment. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 supports this interpretation: "They shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might." This indicates that the punishment for the wicked is eternal destruction, not eternal suffering.
[1] The Greek noun (κόλασις kolasis) refers to eternal cutting off, from life. Lit lopping off, pruning.
The Symbolism of Gehenna
Jesus frequently referred to Gehenna in his teachings, a term often mistranslated as "hell." Gehenna was a valley outside Jerusalem where refuse was burned, symbolizing complete destruction. Matthew 10:28 illustrates this: "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna." This signifies total destruction of both body and soul, not eternal torment.
Gehenna: (γέεννα geenna) occurs twelve times and is the Greek name for the Valley of Hinnom, southwest of Jerusalem (Jer. 7:31), where the horrendous worship of Moloch took place, and it was prophetically said that this was where dead bodies would be thrown. (Jer. 7:32; 19:6) It was an incinerator where trash and dead bodies were destroyed, not a place to be burned alive or tormented. Jesus and his disciples used Gehenna to symbolize eternal destruction, annihilation, or the “second death,” an eternal punishment of death.
The Rich Man and Lazarus: A Parable
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 is often cited to support the doctrine of hellfire. However, this parable is not a literal account but an illustration. It contrasts the fate of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the reversal of fortunes after death. The rich man represents the unrepentant, self-indulgent individuals, while Lazarus represents the righteous who suffered in life. The parable serves as a warning against complacency and the neglect of righteousness, not a literal description of the afterlife.
The Origin of Hellfire Doctrine
The doctrine of hellfire has roots in various ancient religions and was later adopted by early Christian theologians. Ancient Babylonian and Assyrian beliefs depicted the netherworld as a place of horrors, presided over by fierce gods and demons. Early evidence of the fiery aspect of hell is found in Egyptian religion. Over time, these pagan concepts influenced the development of the hellfire doctrine in Christendom.
The teaching of hellfire contradicts the character of a loving and just God. Jeremiah 7:31 condemns the practice of child sacrifice in the valley of Hinnom, stating, "They have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, in order to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, a thing that I had not commanded and that had not come up into my heart." If such practices never entered God's heart, it is unreasonable to believe that He would subject individuals to eternal fiery torment.
The Misinterpretation of Eternal Fire
The reference to "eternal fire" in Jude 7, which describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, is often misinterpreted. The fire that destroyed these cities ceased long ago, but the effect of that fire remains eternal—complete destruction. This serves as a warning example of God's judgment, emphasizing that the punishment is eternal in its consequences, not in its duration.
The Meaning of "Torment" in Revelation
The book of Revelation uses vivid imagery to depict the final judgment. Revelation 14:9-11 and 20:10 describe torment with fire and brimstone, which many interpret as eternal suffering. However, these passages use symbolic language. Revelation 20:10 states, "And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." The "torment" here refers to eternal restraint and exclusion from God's presence, as the lake of fire represents the second death (Revelation 21:8), indicating total annihilation rather than conscious suffering.
Conclusion
The traditional doctrine of hellfire as a place of eternal torment is not supported by a thorough examination of the Scriptures. The Bible teaches that the dead are unconscious, the soul dies, and the penalty for sin is death. The use of terms like Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna in the Bible points to the common grave of mankind and the final destruction of the wicked, not eternal torment. Understanding these terms and the symbolic language of Scripture helps clarify the true nature of divine justice and the fate of the wicked according to biblical teachings.
Explore the question of whether hellfire is part of divine justice. Delve into the theological views and import of eternal punishment.
Jesus' Words in Context: Mark 9:48 and Isaiah 66:24 The doctrine of hellfire often hinges on certain biblical passages, notably Jesus’...
Explore the changing views on hellfire and its place in modern theology. Uncover why the view of eternal punishment has shifted over time.
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).
RECOMMENDED READING
CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS: Answering the Tough Questions: Evidence and Reason in Defense of the Faith
REASON MEETS FAITH: Addressing and Refuting Atheism's Challenges to Christianity
CREATION AND COSMOS A Journey Through Creation, Science, and the Origins of Life
ANSWERING THE CRITICS: Defending God's Word Against Modern Skepticism
IS THE BIBLE REALLY THE WORD OF GOD?: Is Christianity the One True Faith?
DEFENDING OLD TESTAMENT AUTHORSHIP: The Word of God Is Authentic and True
YOUR GUIDE FOR DEFENDING THE BIBLE: Self-Education of the Bible Made Easy
THE BIBLE ON TRIAL: Examining the Evidence for Being Inspired, Inerrant, Authentic, and True
THE HISTORICAL JESUS: The Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
UNSHAKABLE BELIEFS: Strategies for Strengthening and Defending Your Faith
BIBLICAL CRITICISM: What are Some Outstanding Weaknesses of Modern Historical Criticism?
THE CHRISTIAN APOLOGIST: Always Being Prepared to Make a Defense
THE EVANGELISM HANDBOOK: How All Christians Can Effectively Share God’s Word in Their Community