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The word hell is commonly understood as a place of punishment for the wicked after death. However, the Bible uses several different terms that have been translated as hell, each with distinct meanings. Understanding these terms is crucial for correctly interpreting what the Scriptures teach about the fate of the wicked and the nature of God’s justice.
In this study, we will explore the Hebrew and Greek words translated as “hell”, their meanings, biblical usage, and theological implications.
The Hebrew and Greek Words Translated as “Hell”
In the NKJV Bible, the word hell is translated from several different original words:
- Sheol (שְׁאוֹל) – Hebrew
- Hades (ᾍδης) – Greek
- Gehenna (Γέεννα) – Greek
- Tartarus (Τάρταρος) – Greek
Each of these words refers to different concepts, so it is important to examine them individually.
1. Sheol – The Grave or the Realm of the Dead
Definition
The Hebrew word Sheol appears in the Old Testament and is often translated as “grave,” “pit,” or “hell” in English. It refers to the place where the dead reside, without specifically denoting punishment or reward.
Sheol in the NKJV
- Psalm 16:10 (NKJV)
For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
This prophecy, later applied to Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2:27), shows that Sheol is a place where the dead go but does not necessarily mean a place of torment.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NKJV)
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
Here, Sheol is simply the place of the dead, where no activity or consciousness exists.
Key Characteristics of Sheol
- A general place of the dead, not limited to the wicked
- Sometimes used metaphorically for death and destruction
- Does not clearly distinguish between the righteous and unrighteous
2. Hades – The Greek Equivalent of Sheol
Definition
The Greek word Hades is used in the New Testament as the equivalent of Sheol. It generally refers to the realm of the dead rather than a place of fiery torment.
Hades in the NKJV
- Revelation 20:13-14 (NKJV)
The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
This passage indicates that Hades itself will be destroyed, showing that it is a temporary holding place for the dead before final judgment.
- Luke 16:22-23 (NKJV)
So it was that the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Here, Jesus gives a parable where Hades is depicted as a place where the wicked suffer after death. However, since this is a parable, it is debated whether it should be taken as a literal description of Hades.
Key Characteristics of Hades
- The Greek equivalent of Sheol
- A temporary place where the dead await resurrection and judgment
- Sometimes associated with suffering for the wicked, but not the final punishment
3. Gehenna – The Lake of Fire
Definition
The word Gehenna comes from the Hebrew “Valley of Hinnom” (Geh-Hinnom), a place outside Jerusalem where garbage and corpses were burned. Jesus used this word to describe the final punishment of the wicked.
Gehenna in the NKJV
- Matthew 10:28 (NKJV)
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna). - Mark 9:47-48 (NKJV)
And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell (Gehenna) fire—where “Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.”
Key Characteristics of Gehenna
- Refers to the final judgment and destruction of the wicked
- A place of fire and complete destruction
- Associated with the Lake of Fire in Revelation
Unlike Hades, which is temporary, Gehenna is the final and eternal fate of the wicked.
4. Tartarus – The Abyss of Judgment
Definition
Tartarus is used only once in the Bible and refers to a place of deep imprisonment for fallen angels, not for humans.
Tartarus in the NKJV
- 2 Peter 2:4 (NKJV)
For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell (Tartarus) and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment…
Key Characteristics of Tartarus
- A temporary prison for fallen angels
- Different from Hades or Gehenna
- Used only once in the Bible
Hell and the Final Judgment
The Bible teaches that hell (Gehenna) is ultimately the Lake of Fire, where the wicked are destroyed after the final judgment.
- Revelation 20:14-15 (NKJV)
Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
This shows that the wicked will not suffer eternally in Hades, but will face final destruction in the Lake of Fire.
Common Misconceptions About Hell
1. Is Hell a Place of Eternal Torment?
Many believe hell is a place where sinners suffer forever. However, the Bible describes it as the second death, meaning complete destruction.
- Malachi 4:1 (NKJV)
“For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the LORD of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.” - Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sinners do not receive eternal life in torment, but rather death and destruction.
2. Is Satan in Charge of Hell?
Some believe Satan rules over hell, but the Bible teaches that he himself will be destroyed in the Lake of Fire.
- Revelation 20:10 (NKJV)
The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone…
Hell Will Not Be Forever
The “eternal hell of torment” theory did not originate from the Bible. The scriptures teach that hell is not forever (Malachi 4:1, 3; Psalm 37:10, 20). If God tortured His enemies in a fiery place throughout eternity, He would be more cruel than the most wicked men of war have ever been.
The truth is that an eternal hell of torment would be a torture for God also, who loves even the most wicked person. Such a horrible theory is a blow on the loving character of our Heavenly Father. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV).
The work of destroying the wicked in hell fire is so foreign to God’s nature that the Bible calls it His “unusual act” (Isaiah 28:21, NKJV). God’s great heart will be pained at the destruction of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11). Further, an eternal hell of torment would preserve sin which is not part of God’s great plan (Revelation 21:3, 4).
Some don’t understand the term forever in the Bible. It means a period of time, limited or unlimited. It is used in the Scriptures in relation to situations that already ended. In Jonah 2:6, “for ever” means “three days and nights” (Jonah 1:17). In Deuteronomy 23:3, this means “10 generations.” In the case of man, this means “as long as he lives” or “until death” (1 Samuel 1:22, 28; Exodus 21:6; Psalm 48:14).
The Bible specifically teaches that hell fire will go out and that there will not be left “a coal to be warmed by,
Nor a fire to sit before!” (Isaiah 47:14, NKJV). The prophet Malachi writes that sinners would burn up as “stubble” and would become “ashes under the soles” of the feet of the saints (Malachi 4:1, 3, NKJV). Even the devil will be turned to ashes upon the earth (Ezekiel 28:18). The wicked do not keep on burning forever; the fires of the last day will basically burn them up (Jeremiah 17:27; Matthew 3:12; 25:41; 2 Peter 3:7–13; Jude 7).
God states that all will be punished according to their deeds. This means some will receive longer punishment than others, according to their works (Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:5-7; Proverbs 24:12) but after the punishment, the fire will certainly go out. The Bible also teaches that in God’s new kingdom all “former things” will be passed away (Revelation 21:1, 4, NKJV). Hell, being one of the “former things,” will also pass away.
For Bible references on the question: Is Hell forever? Check the following link:
Conclusion
The word hell in the Bible has multiple meanings depending on the context:
- Sheol/Hades – The grave or temporary realm of the dead
- Gehenna – The final place of destruction (Lake of Fire)
- Tartarus – A prison for fallen angels
The Bible teaches that hell is not an eternal place of torment but a place of ultimate destruction for the wicked. Only those who accept Christ receive eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, NKJV)
Thus, the greatest message regarding hell is the invitation to eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Author: BibleAsk
The BibleAsk Team is a group of dedicated individuals passionate about answering your Bible questions with clear and accurate answers from Scripture. Their mission is to share God’s truth, encourage personal study of His Word, and help people grow in their knowledge of the Bible and their relationship with Christ.