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A message To Believers
Hell is one of the most debated and often misunderstood concepts in human history. Is it simply a myth, a metaphor, or a terrifying reality? Many dismiss it as an outdated doctrine, while others live in fear of its existence. But what does the Bible actually say about hell?
To understand its purpose and meaning, we must go beyond popular assumptions and look at the original Hebrew and Greek words that shaped the doctrine. The Bible describes hell as more than just a place of punishment—it is a state of separation from God, a consequence of rebellion, and a reality intended not for humans, but for the devil and his fallen angels. Yet, through scripture, we see that those who reject Christ will face the same fate.
This discussion challenges common misconceptions and confronts the truth head-on. If hell is real, what does that mean for us? And if it is misunderstood, what have we been missing? It’s time to explore the depths of scripture and uncover the truth about eternity.
The primary Hebrew word for hell in the Old Testament is “Sheol.” It refers to the realm of the dead, often translated as “the grave” or “the pit.” Unlike the modern concept of hell as a place of fiery torment, Sheol was understood as a shadowy, neutral place where all souls—righteous and wicked—went after death.
In later Jewish thought, Sheol was sometimes associated with punishment for the wicked, but it was not originally depicted as a place of eternal suffering. The Greek equivalent of Sheol in the New Testament is “Hades,” which also refers to the underworld
The first mention of hell in the Bible depends on how you define “hell.” If you’re referring to the Hebrew concept of the underworld, the earliest reference is Isaiah 5:14, where “Sheol” is described as a place that swallows up the proud and the wicked.
However, if you’re looking for the first mention of hell as a place of fiery punishment, the earliest reference in the New Testament is Matthew 5:22, where Jesus warns that calling someone a fool can make one “liable to the hell of fire.”
Matthew 5:22 “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.”
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of anger and harsh words, showing that even verbal offenses can carry spiritual consequences.
The word “hell” in English translations often comes from different original terms, including Sheol (Hebrew), Hades (Greek), and Gehenna (Greek), each carrying slightly different meanings.
Sheol is the Hebrew word used in the Old Testament to describe the realm of the dead. It is often translated as “the grave” or “the pit” and was understood as a shadowy place where all souls, both righteous and wicked, went after death. It was not originally depicted as a place of punishment but rather as a holding place for the dead.
Hades is the Greek equivalent of Sheol in the New Testament. It carries a similar meaning as the realm of the dead but is sometimes associated with torment for the unrighteous. In Luke 16:23, Jesus describes a rich man suffering in Hades while Lazarus is comforted, showing a distinction between the experiences of the righteous and the wicked.
Luke 16:23 “And in Hades he raised his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his arms.”
This verse is part of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where Jesus describes the contrast between the suffering of the rich man in Hades and the comfort of Lazarus with Abraham. It highlights the idea of an afterlife where the righteous and the unrighteous experience different fates.
Gehenna is a different term used in the New Testament to describe a place of fiery judgment. It originates from the Valley of Hinnom, a location outside Jerusalem where garbage and dead bodies were burned. Jesus used Gehenna to symbolize the final punishment for the wicked, making it distinct from Sheol and Hades, which were more intermediate states of the dead.
Isaiah 14:15 speaks about the downfall of the king of Babylon, stating, “Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.” This passage is part of a larger prophecy against Babylon, where Isaiah describes the arrogance of the king, who sought to elevate himself above others, even aspiring to be like the Most High. The imagery of being “brought down to Sheol” signifies a dramatic reversal of fortune. The king, once powerful and exalted, is now cast into the depths of the underworld, a place of humiliation and defeat. The “sides of the pit” evoke a sense of confinement, emphasizing that his fate is inescapable. This passage serves as a warning against pride and arrogance, showing that those who exalt themselves will ultimately face judgment and be brought low.
Daniel 12:2 describes a future resurrection, stating, “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” This verse presents a clear distinction between two groups of people—those who will experience eternal life and those who will face disgrace and contempt. The phrase “sleep in the dust of the earth” is a poetic way of referring to death, emphasizing the temporary nature of human existence. The idea of awakening suggests a resurrection, where individuals will be judged based on their actions and faith. The mention of “everlasting contempt” implies that the consequences of one’s choices extend beyond this life, reinforcing the concept of divine justice. This passage highlights the importance of living righteously, as the fate of each person is determined by their relationship with God.
Psalm 9:17 states, “The wicked shall be turned into Sheol, and all the nations that forget God.” This verse conveys a strong message about the consequences of rejecting God. The term “wicked” refers to those who act immorally and oppose God’s laws. The phrase “turned into Sheol” suggests that those who persist in wickedness will ultimately face judgment and be cast into the realm of the dead. The inclusion of “all the nations that forget God” broadens the scope of the warning, indicating that entire societies that abandon their faith and moral principles will suffer the same fate. This passage serves as a reminder that both individuals and nations are accountable for their actions, and turning away from God leads to destruction.
Ezekiel 32:21 describes the fate of the mighty rulers who have fallen, stating, “The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of Sheol with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.” This verse is part of a lamentation over Egypt, where Ezekiel portrays the downfall of Pharaoh and his allies. The imagery of the “strong among the mighty” speaking from Sheol suggests that even the most powerful rulers are not exempt from death and judgment. The phrase “gone down” emphasizes their descent into the underworld, while “lying uncircumcised” signifies their separation from God’s covenant people. Being “slain by the sword” indicates that their downfall was violent, reinforcing the idea that earthly power and military strength cannot prevent divine judgment. This passage serves as a sobering reminder that all rulers and nations will ultimately face accountability for their actions.
These passages collectively illustrate the concept of Sheol as a place of judgment and separation from God. While Sheol is often translated as “hell,” its original meaning in Hebrew refers more to the grave or the realm of the dead. Some verses depict it as a place of humiliation and punishment for the wicked, while others emphasize its role as the final destination for all who die. The descriptions vary, but the overarching theme remains consistent—those who reject God and live in arrogance will ultimately face judgment and be brought low.
Moving to the New testament, here are several passages that describe hell in the New American Standard Bible (NASB):
Matthew 5:22 – “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.”
Matthew 10:28 – “And do not be afraid of 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 hell.”
Matthew 13:50 – “And throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 25:46 – “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Mark 9:43 – “And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than having two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire.”
Luke 16:23 – “And in Hades he raised his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his arms.”
2 Thessalonians 1:9 – “These people will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.”
Jude 1:7 – “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these angels indulged in sexual perversion and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.”
Revelation 20:14-15 – “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
Let’s expound on each passage in depth.
Matthew 5:22 speaks about the consequences of anger and harsh words. Jesus warns that calling someone a fool can make one guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. The term “fiery hell” here is translated from “Gehenna,” which was a valley outside Jerusalem where refuse and dead bodies were burned. Jesus uses this imagery to emphasize the severity of judgment for those who harbor hatred and contempt toward others.
Matthew 10:28 warns against fearing those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, Jesus instructs people to fear God, who has the power to destroy both soul and body in hell. This passage highlights the eternal consequences of rejecting God, reinforcing that physical death is not the ultimate fate, but rather spiritual separation from God.
Matthew 13:50 describes hell as a “furnace of fire” where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This imagery conveys intense suffering and regret. The phrase “weeping and gnashing of teeth” is often associated with deep sorrow and anguish, indicating that hell is a place of torment for those who are separated from God.
Matthew 25:46 contrasts eternal punishment with eternal life. Jesus speaks of a final judgment where the righteous will enter eternal life, while the wicked will face eternal punishment. This passage underscores the permanence of hell, showing that it is not a temporary state but an everlasting consequence.
Mark 9:43 describes hell as an “unquenchable fire.” Jesus uses extreme language, saying it is better to lose a hand than to be cast into hell. This passage emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the lengths one should go to avoid eternal separation from God.
Luke 16:23 is part of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man, in Hades, is in torment and sees Lazarus comforted by Abraham. This passage provides a vivid depiction of the afterlife, showing a clear distinction between the suffering of the unrighteous and the peace of the righteous.
2 Thessalonians 1:9 speaks of “eternal destruction” and being “away from the presence of the Lord.” This passage highlights the idea that hell is not just a place of suffering but also a state of complete separation from God’s presence and glory.
Jude 1:7 references Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of those who undergo “the punishment of eternal fire.” This passage connects the judgment of these cities to the fate of the wicked, reinforcing the idea that hell is a place of divine justice.
Revelation 20:14-15 describes the “lake of fire” as the second death. This passage presents the final judgment, where death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire, signifying the ultimate fate of those who are not found in the book of life.
These passages collectively describe hell as a place of fire, torment, separation from God, and eternal punishment.
Why was Hell created? Many ask this question with great concern. The Bible provides insight into why hell was created. According to Matthew 25:41, Jesus states, “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you accursed people, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels.’” This passage indicates that hell was originally created as a place of punishment for Satan and the fallen angels who rebelled against God.
Revelation 20:10 further describes the final judgment, stating, “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.” This reinforces the idea that hell is a place of eternal punishment for those who oppose God.
While hell was not originally intended for humans, the Bible teaches that those who reject God and His salvation will also face judgment. In 2 Thessalonians 1:9, it says, “These people will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” This suggests that hell is not only a place of punishment but also a state of separation from God.
Hell was never meant for mankind. It was created as a place of judgment for Satan and his fallen angels, as stated in Matthew 25:41, “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you accursed people, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels.’” Yet, because of sin and rebellion, those who reject God’s salvation will face the same fate.
God does not desire for anyone to perish. His will is for all to come to repentance, as 2 Peter 3:9 declares, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” Salvation is not about performing rituals or earning favor—it is about faith, confession, and belief.
The thief on the cross is the perfect example of this truth. In his final moments, he acknowledged Jesus, saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” And Jesus responded in Luke 23:43, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” He had no time to change his life, perform good works, or prove himself—his salvation came through faith alone.
This is the urgency of redemption. Hell is real, but so is salvation. No one has to go there. It is never too late to turn to Christ, to receive His grace, and to be saved. The choice is before every person, and the invitation remains open. Will you accept it?
