What is the Harrowing of Hell?

Definition and Scope

The term “Harrowing of Hell” refers to the belief that, after His crucifixion and before His resurrection, Christ descended into the realm of the dead (often referred to as Hades or Sheol) to proclaim His victory. The notion appears explicitly in many early Christian writings and is traditionally linked to phrases in the Apostles’ Creed, which state that Jesus “descended into hell.” Various interpretations, theological discussions, and Scriptural foundations have shaped how believers understand this event.

Scriptural Foundation

1. 1 Peter 3:18–20: “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit, in whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah…” This passage is one of the most commonly cited texts for the Harrowing of Hell, indicating Christ’s proclamation to “spirits in prison.”

2. Ephesians 4:8–10: “‘When He ascended on high, He led captives away and gave gifts to men.’ What does ‘He ascended’ mean, except that He also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens…” While not universally interpreted to describe the Harrowing of Hell, many see in this passage a reference to Jesus’ descending to the realm of the dead before ascending to His exalted position in heaven.

3. Psalm 16:10, cited in Acts 2:27: “You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” Early Christian preaching (Acts 2:31) applies this to Christ, suggesting that although Jesus truly died, His body did not suffer corruption, and He was not ultimately left in the realm of the dead.

Early Christian Writings and Creedal Support

The Apostles’ Creed includes the clause “He descended into hell,” traditionally understood to refer to Christ’s descent. Patristic sources, such as writings attributed to Ignatius of Antioch, Irenaeus, and later church fathers, often discuss Christ’s victory over death and the liberation of the righteous who had died before His mission on earth. This widespread teaching in early Christian literature underscores the importance placed on the Harrowing of Hell.

Interpretations and Theological Emphases

1. Proclamation of Victory: One primary interpretation is that Christ descended to declare His triumph over sin, death, and the devil (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:54–57). This view emphasizes the victory motif: that Jesus’ atoning death on the cross and glorious resurrection break the power of the grave.

2. Liberation of the Faithful: Another perspective is that Jesus went to release Old Testament saints or the righteous who had been awaiting the fullness of redemption. Some believe passages like Matthew 27:52–53—“The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised…”—indicate the effect that Christ’s victory had upon those who had been faithfully awaiting the Messiah.

3. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The event is also seen as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah’s power over death (Isaiah 25:8; Hosea 13:14). With this understanding, the Harrowing of Hell becomes a divine demonstration of God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Common Questions and Concerns

1. Did Jesus Truly Enter “Hell”? The original languages often use terms like “Sheol” (Hebrew) or “Hades” (Greek), indicating the realm of the deceased rather than the place of final judgment typically referred to as Gehenna. Thus, saying Christ descended into “hell” can be a shorthand for referencing the realm of the dead, rather than implying condemnation.

2. Nature of Christ’s Realm of Descent: Some wonder whether Jesus suffered further or experienced torment during the descent. Scripture and early Christian teaching typically depict the descent as an act of sovereignty and proclamation, not a continuation of suffering. Christ’s suffering is declared finished on the Cross (John 19:30).

3. Timing within Salvation History: The descent occurs between Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. While the Gospel accounts focus primarily on the crucifixion and resurrection events, 1 Peter 3:19 and related passages have helped shape Christians’ understanding of that interim period.

Central Themes and Doctrinal Implications

1. Christ’s Complete Victory: By descending to the realm of the dead, Christ demonstrates Lordship over all spheres—heaven, earth, and beneath the earth. Philippians 2:10 declares, “…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” The Harrowing of Hell is frequently associated with Christ’s universal dominion.

2. Fulfillment of Redemptive Plan: Jesus’ descent points to the thoroughness of the salvation plan. By entering the realm of the dead, Christ reveals that no place is beyond His reach or redemption. This event is often connected to God’s unwavering faithfulness to those who placed their hope in Him before the Incarnation.

3. Conquest of Death: The Harrowing of Hell underscores the truth that death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:55–57). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ conquers the power of death, offering hope for all believers that they, too, will be raised.

Archaeological and Historical Insights

1. Early Christian Artwork: Frescoes and mosaics in catacombs and ancient churches sometimes depict Christ breaking gates or chains, representing victory over death and the release of the faithful. Such iconography from places like the Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome lends a historical picture of how early believers visually portrayed the event.

2. Creedal and Liturgical Evidence: Documents such as the Apostles’ Creed (2nd–5th century development in the Western Church) and the Athanasian Creed further cemented formal recognition of the descent.

3. Jewish Concept of Sheol: Archaeological findings and textual studies related to ancient Hebrew burial practices offer insight into the biblical view of the afterlife. Artifacts and inscriptions often reflect a communal sense of waiting for divine deliverance, a concept that frames the significance of Jesus’ intervention in that realm.

Practical and Devotional Reflection

1. Assurance of Salvation: The Harrowing of Hell offers a vivid picture of Jesus’ power to rescue. Believers find confidence in knowing that no barrier—physical or spiritual—can prevent Christ from saving those who trust in Him.

2. Hope in Suffering and Death: This doctrine can bring comfort to those who mourn. Recognizing that Jesus entered even this darkest place affirms His empathy for human suffering and His control over life and death.

3. Proclamation of Good News: Since Christ is portrayed as preaching to “the spirits in prison,” the passage fuels the understanding that the Good News of salvation in Christ is the definitive message of hope transcending time and place (1 Peter 3:19–20).

Summary and Conclusion

The Harrowing of Hell, rooted in Scripture—most notably 1 Peter 3:19–20 and Ephesians 4:8–10—concerns Christ’s descent to the place of the dead and His proclamation of victory. While this event is not detailed at length in the Gospels, its theological significance is found throughout the New Testament and upheld in early Christian tradition. Seen as part of God’s redemptive plan, the Harrowing of Hell further underscores the completeness of Christ’s triumph over sin and death. It resonates with the broader biblical narrative that God intervenes to save His people, fulfilling centuries of prophetic anticipation and revealing the extent of Christ’s power and authority over all creation.