Is there a hell? Is there such a thing as everlasting punishment, or do we just cease to exist? What happens when we die? Are there any answers? What does the Bible say about hell? This article will explore these questions.
What is Hell?
Hell is defined as the place of punishment for the unrighteous. However, there are some who don’t believe that hell exists at all. Even the ones who believe there is a heaven. No one can deny that there is evil in the world. It is puzzling for one to believe there is a reward for righteousness and not a consequence for evil and unrighteousness. That is simply a denial of what the Bible teaches.
What Does the Bible Say About Hell?
While some do not believe that hell exists, Jesus indeed confirmed that it does. He referred to it eleven times. Let’s look at what Jesus is quoted as saying in Matthew 10:28:
28. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
The context of this passage is Jesus’ warning to His disciples against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. While they had knowledge of the Scriptures, they didn’t live as though they did. Jesus also warned that they might face persecution for their belief and faith in Him, which could include death. But He also told them not to fear individuals that could kill them or even death itself. While they may be able to kill the body, they cannot kill the soul.
He also told them who they must fear: the one who is able to kill the body and destroy the soul “in hell.” According to the New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary, the Greek word translated as hell is geena (gheh’-en-nah), which was a valley of Jerusalem and was used figuratively as a name for the place, or the state of everlasting punishment.
For a bit of background on Gehenna, Gehenna is a derivative of the Hebrew Ge Hinnom or the “valley of Hinnom.” Hinnom was conceivably the name of an individual in ancient Israel. The valley of Hinnom is a steep, narrow gorge just beyond Jerusalem.
In the Old Testament, was the scene of the practice of child sacrifice under some of the godless kings of Israel (Jeremiah 7:31).
The point is, according to Scripture, specifically Jesus, hell does exist as a place of punishment.
Is Hell a Place of Eternal Punishment?
Having established that hell exists as a place of punishment for the unrighteous, for some, the question becomes whether hell is a place of eternal punishment by fire or if the punishment is simply eternal separation from God.
Again, Jesus sheds light on this matter in Matthew 25:41:
41. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
The context of this Scripture (vss. 31-46) addresses judgment. Jesus separates the goats from the sheep. This is figurative or symbolic, with the goats representing the unrighteous and the sheep the righteous. He states that He will say to the goats, the unrighteous on His left, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
He closes the thought in verse 46, saying, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
According to the New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary, the Greek word translated as “everlasting” is NT:166 aionios (ahee-o’-nee-os); which means perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well). In addition to everlasting, it has also been translated into the English words eternal and forever in other Scripture.
Revelation 14:9-11
9. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10. The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
This passage contains the message from the third angel of The Three Angels Messages. The unrighteous that worship the beast and receive his mark will be “tormented” “forever and ever” with no rest “day or night.” [For more information on the Three Angels Message, please see the article, The Three Angels Message, on this website.
They will be joining the devil, as Matthew 25:41 states, “into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
Upon examining these Scriptures, it is clear that hell is a place of everlasting punishment for Satan, the devil, his angels, and the unrighteous.
Some believe these Scriptures describe the effects of the demise of the unrighteous being eternal rather than the punishment itself. That can be a reasonable argument regarding the third angel’s message. However, the words of Jesus are acutely poignant, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal “ and Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
In the former of these two statements, Jesus makes a stark comparison between the demise of the unrighteous, which is everlasting punishment, and the demise of the righteous, which is eternal or everlasting life. In the second statement, Jesus refers to the everlasting fire prepared for the devil.
Additionally, in Jesus’s parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), we have another comparison in the demise of these two states. The unrighteous rich man died and ended up in hell in torment. Luke 16:23 reads, “In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.” NIV In this Scripture, according to New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary, the Greek word translated as hell is haides (hah’-dace); from NT:86 which is the place (state) of departed souls: In other places in Scripture, it is translated as grave.
We also see in this passage that angels carried Lazarus, the beggar, into Abraham’s bosom. According to the Old Testament, Abraham’s bosom represents a place of blessed peace.
Although this is not the same hell as the Lake of Fire nor eternal life in Revelation, torment for the unrighteous and peace for the righteous begins in the grave—the first chapter in the demise of the Righteous and the Unrighteous.
The second chapter commences at the first and second resurrections. The first resurrection is for the righteous. Rev 20:4-5 reads:
- And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
- But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
The first resurrection will involve the righteous, who will live with Christ during the millennium.
The rest of the dead, the unrighteous, will be involved in the second resurrection, known as the Great White Throne Judgement. Rev 20:11-15 reads:
- And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
- And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
- And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
- And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
- And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
The Greek word translated as hell in verse 13 is the same: haides, the place (state) of departed souls. The remaining dead will be resurrected and judged according to their works or deeds; they are judged and thrown into the Lake of Fire.
Let’s look at the devil’s demise in Revelation 20:10:
10. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
The Scripture says the devil will be “tormented day and night for ever and ever.” If the devil is going to be tormented forever and ever, and the unrighteous are going “into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels,” it stands to reason that both will be tormented forever. It’s axiomatic.
Why resurrect the unrighteous from the dead and then send them away again? They can simply remain dead. Since they are dead, they are already gone forever. To not exist is not actually punishment; it is only equivalent to eternal sleep. Of course, it’s better to be with the Lord in heaven, but we must be realistic regarding the demise of the unrighteous.
In the White Throne Judgment(Revelation 20:11-15), the unrighteous will be resurrected, judged, and cast into the “lake of fire” with the devil to be tormented—forever.
Conclusion
Hell does exist and is the destination of the unrighteous, a place of everlasting punishment. It is for those who refuse to accept the truth, grace, and favor of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Whether one believes hell is a place of eternal damnation according to the Scriptures or simply separation from God, the most crucial emphasis is to avoid it at all costs. The optimal objective is to remain in the will of God and to be with Him in heaven ultimately.
Amen
Questions and comments may be left below, including what you believe hell is and your concerns.
Blessings!
I really appreciated your article on what the Bible says about hell—it’s such a thoughtful and well-organized exploration of a complex topic. I found it especially insightful how you broke down the different interpretations and the scriptural references that support each view. Your balanced approach really helps in understanding the varying perspectives within Christianity.
I’m curious, do you find that one interpretation tends to resonate more with people today, given the cultural and theological shifts over time? Also, how do you personally approach discussing this topic with those who might find it difficult or unsettling? Thanks for shedding light on such a profound subject!
Greetings, Bob – In Christian circles overall, I find that the interpretation of the existence of hell resonates as a destination of eternal punishment. However, some dominations strongly disagree.
My approach to discussing the subject is to adhere to the Scriptures exegetically.
Thanks for commenting!
Hell does exist for people who lived unrighteous lives. But I noticed is that they start paying what they did on earth first and foremost. And then, when they arrive in the other world, they suffer the consequences of their deeds as well. That’s why when I hear people saying that some unrighteous don’t seem to pay for their sins…They just don’t know what happens in their spiritual lives!
Amen, Angelce – There is always a price for sin!
Thanks for commenting!
This is a detailed exploration of what the Bible says about hell. I appreciate how you’ve broken down various scriptures. The idea of eternal punishment can be challenging for many to grasp, and it’s interesting how you’ve tied in references from both the Old and New Testaments. I wonder, though, how different Christian denominations reconcile their interpretations of “eternal punishment” versus “eternal separation from God.” Do you think the differing views on hell might be more symbolic than literal? Would love to hear your thoughts on this!
Greetings, Vlad – In my observation, the differences between eternal punishment and eternal separation are literal. Those who believe one way or the other are pretty much settled in their positions. It appears that the Scriptures are pretty clear on the issue.
Thanks for commenting!
Hello,
This article provides a thorough exploration of the concept of hell from a Biblical perspective. It is clear that the Bible presents hell as a place of punishment, supported by various passages and interpretations. I appreciate the detailed examination of different Scriptures and their implications, such as Matthew 25:41 and Revelation 20:10.
The discussion about the differing views on eternal punishment versus separation from God is thought-provoking. It is a reminder of the gravity of spiritual choices and the importance of aligning oneself with divine teachings.
Thank you for this in-depth analysis, it certainly provides a lot to reflect upon!
Amen, Starlight – Thanks for commenting!
Hi there,
Thanks for sharing,I find the discussion about hell in the Bible to be quite thought-provoking. It raises questions about the consequences of our actions and the existence of a place of punishment for unrighteousness. It’s interesting to explore the spiritual implications and the moral lessons that can be derived from such teachings. The Bible indeed discusses the concept of hell and the consequences of evil and unrighteousness. Jesus mentioned hell in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the eternal soul rather than just the physical body. It’s a thought-provoking topic that has sparked various interpretations and discussions throughout history.
Thanks for commenting, Dr. Cyprain!
This article delves into a profound and often debated topic: the existence and nature of hell according to the Bible. It’s fascinating to see how the discussion is framed with scriptural references, particularly highlighting Jesus’ teachings. The explanation of hell as “Gehenna” provides a deeper historical context, showing how it has been used as a metaphor for a place of judgment and punishment.
The exploration of whether hell is a place of eternal punishment adds another layer of understanding, especially with the reference to Matthew 10:28. This passage underscores the dual nature of fear that Jesus spoke of—fear not just of those who can harm the body but of the One who has authority over both body and soul. The contextual background of Gehenna and its ties to the Old Testament practices makes the article thought-provoking and offers readers a chance to reflect on the moral implications of belief in eternal consequences.
Looking forward to more discussions on such compelling topics!
Thanks for commenting, Isaac – More to come!
Man… I don’t wanna say anything because it could be used against me but I believe that h word is some where you don’t want to end up. SO… just practice being a good human and you should be good to go.
Your body allows you to have your senses of smell, sight, touch, taste and hear. Without your body how would the after life be? Do you lose a few senses do you lose all? How can you tell it is hot if you don’t have a touch sense? I don’t know.
All I know, Robert, is that the Bible states “everlasting punishment.” It takes more than being a good human; it takes accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. Being good (good works) is the result of accepting Christ for salvation.
Thanks for commenting!
Hello there
The article on “What Does the Bible Say About Hell?” provides a thorough and thoughtful exploration of a challenging topic, offering scriptural references and clear insights to guide readers in understanding this often-misunderstood concept. The balance between theological depth and readability makes it accessible for a broad audience, encouraging deeper reflection on the nature of eternal consequences from a biblical perspective.
How do you think the clarity of this article can help spark meaningful discussions within faith communities?
Greetings, Troy – It is my prayer and hope that the article will encourage the engagement of meaningful discussions and reasonable conclusions based on what the Word of God says.
Thanks for commenting!
I really appreciate you sharing this! The topic of hell in the Bible is incredibly intriguing. It prompts us to think about the repercussions of our actions and whether there’s a realm of punishment for those who do wrong. Delving into the spiritual meanings and moral insights from these teachings is so fascinating! The Bible definitely addresses hell and the outcomes of evil behavior. Jesus highlighted this concept, reminding us to prioritize our eternal souls over just our physical existence. It’s such an exciting subject that has inspired countless interpretations and conversations throughout time!
Amen, Chris – Thanks for commenting!
Nathaniel, again, hats off to you for spreading the word of truth. This is an excellent article based on biblical truth. Some wont read it, some wont believe it, some may even curse it. But fact remains it is the truth. I look forward to reading more from your blogs. Wishing you the best of luck and God’s blessing on you and yours.
Thanks for commenting, Walter.
God bless!
Hi
I like your website and the way the article lay out, really nice and neat. I am not a Christian, so I can not comment on the topic, but I do believe there is hell after death to punish all the souls that did evil things in their lives 🙂
Anyway, I found the 2nd last photo a bit blur, not sure if it was my pc or the picture itself, may be you want to double check that.
To your success
Greetings, John – Yes, that picture you mentioned is somewhat blurry, and it’s in the picture itself.
For sure, just as it is a heaven, there is a hell.
Thanks for commenting!
I grew up in a very religious Christian family where we were always reminded about doing good to go to heaven, and all the things that might see us ending up in hell. To be frank, to this day I find it scary to think about hell and eternal banishment.
But as I am growing older, I have wondered whether other religions also have a hell, or is it only Christianity that has a hell? Do Buddhists have something similar? And what about Muslims? Do we all go to the same hell if we fall by the wayside?
It would be interesting to hear your view on this.
Greetings, LineCowley – Other religions have a hell, but not the same doctrines regarding hell as Christianity. For example, Buddhism teaches eight levels of hell. The Muslim’s teachings of hell are similar to that of Christianity as a place of torment, but an individual can eventually get to heaven. Other religions have a concept of hell.
The bottom line is all of the ungodly will suffer in the same hell. Jude 14-15 reads:
14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones
15 to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” NIV
Thanks, as always, for commenting!
There are so many mixed feelings about hell and the interpretation is so vast but what I have heard from the testimony of so many people over the years from different countries is that hell is a real place because of them having near-death experiences. And the Bible presents hell as a place of eternal torment. But at the heart of the gospel is receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour so we don’t have to go to that place called hell.
Amen, Norman – Thanks for commenting!
this article provided a thorough exploration of the concept of hell from a biblical perspective. It was enlightening to see the detailed references to Jesus’ teachings and the historical context of Gehenna. Understanding the biblical basis for hell as a place of eternal punishment offers a deeper insight into the consequences of unrighteousness and the importance of living a righteous life. The article effectively clarifies common misconceptions and provides a solid foundation for further reflection on this profound topic. Thanks for your work on this topic.
Thanks for commenting, Kris!
“Thank you for this thorough and insightful exploration of the concept of hell according to the Bible. I appreciate how you’ve carefully examined the scriptures and provided context to help understand the nature of hell and its significance. Your analysis of Jesus’ teachings and the descriptions of hell in the Bible are particularly helpful in grasping the severity and eternal nature of hell. The distinction between eternal punishment and eternal separation from God is also a valuable point to consider. Ultimately, this post serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of accepting God’s grace and living according to His will to avoid the consequences of hell. May this message resonate with all who read it and inspire a deeper understanding of God’s love and justice.”
Greetings, Cyril – Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for addressing such an important topic. I see Bible verses everywhere and hear the Word of God daily, so I truly value your focus on what the Bible says about Hell. Understanding these teachings is crucial, and your emphasis on clarity helps deepen our comprehension of these important issues. It’s essential for everyone to fully understand these concepts, and your efforts make these teachings clearer and more accessible. Great job!
Thanks for commenting, AJ – Have a blessed day!
Wow, this article on hell really struck a chord with me. It’s such a complex and heavy topic. From personal experience, grappling with these concepts has always been challenging, especially trying to reconcile different interpretations and beliefs. The Bible’s portrayal of hell as both a place of eternal punishment and a state of separation from God makes it even more profound. I think it’s essential to approach this subject with both understanding and compassion, acknowledging the varied perspectives people hold while striving to align with one’s own faith and beliefs.
Thanks for commenting, Elica!
This post brings up some deep and important questions about the nature of hell and what the Bible says about it. It’s interesting to see how the scriptures describe hell as a place of eternal punishment for the unrighteous. The verses quoted from Jesus really drive home the seriousness of it, and it’s clear that this is a topic worth reflecting on. It’s always helpful to explore what the Bible says about difficult subjects like this.
Greetings, Maksim – Yes, indeed, it is very important to search the Scriptures on the issues of life.
Thanks for commenting!
This is such an important and deep topic to explore. The Bible’s teachings on hell are often complex and can be interpreted in various ways, depending on the scripture and theological perspective. I appreciate how this article dives into different biblical passages and their meanings, offering readers a clearer understanding of what hell represents in Christian doctrine. It’s a thought-provoking read that invites reflection on the concepts of justice, mercy, and the afterlife, and helps to navigate one of the more challenging subjects in biblical theology.
Thanks for commenting, Hamza!
This detailed look into what the Bible says about hell is really thought-provoking. It’s a complex topic that often brings up strong emotions, so breaking down the different perspectives and scriptures is very helpful. Understanding these interpretations can deepen our conversations about faith.
I’m curious, how do you suggest addressing common misconceptions about hell when discussing this topic with others? It would be great to hear your thoughts on fostering respectful and insightful conversations.
Greetings, Marlinda – Whenever I’m involved in conversations on this or any Spiritual topic, I refer strictly to the Scriptures—what they say and not what I want them to say. It is also helpful to know what Hebrew or Greek words have been translated to determine what the writer was conveying accurately. In the case of this topic, “hell” and “everlasting.” We can’t go wrong when we stand on the Word of God.
Thanks for commenting!