The term "infernal" is often associated with the concept of hell or the underworld in Christian theology. It is derived from the Latin word "infernus," meaning "lower" or "beneath," and is used to describe things related to the realm of the damned or the abode of evil spirits. In the Bible, while the specific term "infernal" is not used, the concept is closely related to descriptions of hell, Hades, and Gehenna.

Hell and the Underworld

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "Sheol" is frequently used to describe the place of the dead, a shadowy existence where both the righteous and the wicked reside after death (e.g., Psalm 16:10, Job 14:13). It is not until the New Testament that a more developed understanding of hell as a place of punishment emerges.

The New Testament introduces the Greek terms "Hades" and "Gehenna" to describe the infernal realm. Hades is often depicted as a temporary holding place for the dead, as seen in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:23). Gehenna, on the other hand, is used to describe the final place of punishment for the wicked. Jesus frequently warns of the dangers of Gehenna, emphasizing its eternal nature and the suffering that awaits those who reject God (e.g., Matthew 5:22, Mark 9:43).

Characteristics of the Infernal Realm

The Bible provides vivid imagery of the infernal realm, often emphasizing its separation from God and its role as a place of judgment. In Revelation 20:14-15, the "lake of fire" is described as the second death, where death and Hades are thrown, signifying the finality of God's judgment. This imagery underscores the eternal nature of the punishment for those whose names are not found in the Book of Life.

The infernal realm is also characterized by darkness, fire, and torment. Jesus describes it as a place "where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched" (Mark 9:48). This language conveys the unending and conscious suffering of those who are condemned.

Spiritual Warfare and the Infernal

The infernal realm is not only a place of future judgment but also a present reality in the spiritual warfare between good and evil. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" . This passage highlights the ongoing battle against infernal forces that seek to undermine God's kingdom.

Deliverance from the Infernal

The Bible offers hope and deliverance from the infernal through faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16-17 emphasizes God's love and the gift of eternal life through His Son, providing a way of escape from the condemnation of hell. Believers are assured that through Christ's victory over sin and death, they are delivered from the power of the infernal and granted eternal life with God.

In summary, while the term "infernal" itself is not explicitly found in the Bible, the concept is deeply rooted in the scriptural understanding of hell, judgment, and spiritual warfare. The Bible presents a clear dichotomy between the infernal realm and the hope of salvation offered through Jesus Christ.1. (a.) Pertaining to hell; diabolical; as, infernal spirits, or conduct; suitable for hell, or to the character of the inhabitants of hell; hellish.

2. (a.) of or pertaining to or suitable for the lower regions, inhabited, according to the ancients, by the dead; pertaining to Pluto's realm of the dead, the Tartarus of the ancients.

3. (n.) An inhabitant of the infernal regions; also, the place itself.

2709. katachthonios -- under the earth
... katachthonios Phonetic Spelling: (kat-akh-thon'-ee-os) Short Definition: under the
earth, subterranean Definition: under the earth, subterranean, infernal. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2709.htm - 6k

12. abussos -- boundless, bottomless
... deep, bottomless. From a (as a negative particle) and a variation of buthos; depthless,
ie (specially) (infernal) "abyss" -- deep, (bottomless) pit. see GREEK a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/12.htm - 6k

But Let us Agree, as You Wish, that There are Both Infernal ...
... Book VII. 20 But let us agree, as you wish, that there are both infernal
regions and Manes? But let us agree, as you wish, that ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/20 but let us agree.htm

The Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead. The Glory of Christ's ...
... We speak of infernal and supernal, because we are bounded by the definite circumference
of the body, and are confined within the limits of the region ...
/.../29 the third day he.htm

To the Editors of El Espanol
... I suppose, of showing how strictly he fulfils the precepts of his mild Master and
Redeemer, he styles the Society in question 'an infernal Society,' and speaks ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/to the editors of el.htm

But You Err, Says My Opponent, and Fall into Mistakes...
... and propitious from the pleasant appearance of pure white; while, on the contrary,
to the sinister deities, and those who inhabit the infernal seats, a dusky ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/19 but you err says.htm

In this Passage all Room for Doubt is Removed. In the Former ...
... namely, that at that time when every knee shall bow to Jesus as Lord, the universal
creation, of things heavenly, earthly and infernal, will consist of persons ...
/.../32 in this passage all.htm

You See by this what his Opinions are About Origen and Also About ...
... terms he assails even a man of such eminence, and also how he praises Didymus to
the sky, though he has since cast him down even to the infernal region; and ...
/.../23 you see by this.htm

Nor Let this Promise Seem to You Contrary to the Natural Structure ...
... the purpose of our Lord's descent into hell, what the glory of the Resurrection,
and the delivery of souls from their captivity in the infernal regions, what ...
/.../47 nor let this promise.htm

Whether Christ Went Down into the Hell of the Lost?
... For if relatively to the height of heaven this darksome air is infernal, then
relatively to the height of this same air the earth lying beneath can be ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ went down into.htm

Profanations of Good and Truth
... The domain opposite to the celestial kingdom is called devilish, and the
domain opposite to the spiritual kingdom is called infernal. ...
/.../spiritual life and the word of god/part thirdprofanations of good and.htm

Methodius, Bishop, to those who Say: what Doth it Profit us that ...
... until Christ, the Lord, by the flesh in which He lived and appeared, weakened the
force of Pleasure's onslaughts, by means of which the infernal powers that ...
/.../methodius/the writings of methodius fragments/i methodius bishop to those.htm

Infernal (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (a.) Pertaining to hell; diabolical; as, infernal spirits, or conduct; suitable
for hell, or to the character of the inhabitants of hell; hellish. ...
/i/infernal.htm - 7k

Inferior (14 Occurrences)

/i/inferior.htm - 11k

Inferring (1 Occurrence)

/i/inferring.htm - 6k

Tartarus (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The infernal regions, described in the Iliad as situated
as far below Hades as heaven is above the earth, and by later writers ...
/t/tartarus.htm - 7k

Earthly (39 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Philippians 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of
heavenly and earthly and infernal beings, (DBY). Philippians ...
/e/earthly.htm - 22k

Heavenly (51 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY ASV YLT NAS RSV NIV). Philippians 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every
knee should bow, of heavenly and earthly and infernal beings, (DBY). ...
/h/heavenly.htm - 22k

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