Topical Encyclopedia The term "Netherworld" is often used to describe the realm of the dead, a concept that appears throughout the Bible in various forms and terms. In the Hebrew Bible, the term "Sheol" is frequently used to denote this place. Sheol is depicted as a shadowy existence where the dead reside, regardless of their moral standing during life. It is a place of silence and forgetfulness, as seen in passages like Psalm 88:12, "Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion?"In the New Testament, the Greek term "Hades" is used, which carries a similar connotation to Sheol. Hades is often portrayed as a temporary holding place for the dead, distinct from the final judgment. In Luke 16:23, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where the rich man finds himself in Hades, in torment, while Lazarus is comforted at Abraham's side. This passage highlights the idea of a conscious existence after death, with a clear distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous. The concept of the Netherworld also intersects with the idea of "Gehenna," a term used by Jesus to describe a place of final punishment for the wicked. Gehenna is often associated with the Valley of Hinnom, a place outside Jerusalem known for its historical association with idolatry and child sacrifice (2 Kings 23:10). In the New Testament, Gehenna is depicted as a place of fiery judgment, as seen in Mark 9:43, "If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and go into hell, where the fire never goes out." The Apostle John, in the Book of Revelation, provides further insight into the fate of Hades and its inhabitants. Revelation 20:13-14 states, "The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire." This passage underscores the temporary nature of Hades and its eventual destruction in the final judgment. Throughout Scripture, the Netherworld serves as a reminder of the reality of death and the afterlife. It emphasizes the importance of living a life in accordance with God's will, as the ultimate destiny of each soul is determined by their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The Bible consistently calls believers to repentance and faith, offering the hope of eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus, who has "the keys of Death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18). Concordance Netherworld (1 Occurrence)Hosea 13:14 Thesaurus Netherworld (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Netherworld (1 Occurrence). Hosea 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of Sheol; I will redeem them ... /n/netherworld.htm - 6k Nether-world (41 Occurrences) Nether-most (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was Tammuz? | GotQuestions.orgNetherworld: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |