Topical Bible: Hell in the RV , "Sheol" is Translated "Lowest Pit"

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Hell, in Christian theology, is often understood as the final abode of the wicked after death, a place of punishment and separation from God. The concept of Hell is rooted in various biblical texts and has been a subject of theological reflection and debate throughout Christian history. In the Revised Version (RV) of the Bible, the Hebrew term "Sheol" is sometimes translated as the "Lowest Pit," reflecting its association with the depths and the grave.

Biblical Terminology:
The Bible uses several terms to describe the concept of Hell, each with its nuances:

1. Sheol: In the Old Testament, "Sheol" is the Hebrew term often translated as "grave," "pit," or "hell." It is depicted as a shadowy place where the dead reside, regardless of their moral standing. For instance, in Psalm 86:13 , it is written, "For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol."

2. Hades: In the New Testament, "Hades" is the Greek equivalent of Sheol. It is portrayed as a temporary abode of the dead, awaiting final judgment. In Luke 16:23 , Jesus describes a rich man in Hades, "In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side."

3. Gehenna: This term is used in the New Testament to describe a place of final punishment for the wicked. It is derived from the Valley of Hinnom, a location outside Jerusalem associated with idolatry and child sacrifice. Jesus frequently uses "Gehenna" to warn of the consequences of sin, as in Matthew 10:28 : "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna)."

4. The Lake of Fire: In the book of Revelation, the "Lake of Fire" is depicted as the ultimate destination for Satan, his followers, and those whose names are not found in the Book of Life. Revelation 20:14-15 states, "Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

Theological Significance:
Hell is understood as a place of divine justice, where God's holiness and righteousness are upheld. It is a realm of conscious punishment for those who have rejected God's grace and persisted in sin. The imagery of fire, darkness, and separation from God underscores the severity of this judgment.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:
The doctrine of Hell serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It underscores the urgency of the Gospel message and the need for individuals to seek reconciliation with God.

Conclusion:
Hell, as depicted in the Bible, is a complex and sobering reality. It reflects the seriousness of sin and the justice of God, while also pointing to the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. The biblical portrayal of Hell calls believers to live in reverence and obedience to God, mindful of the eternal implications of their choices.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 32:22
For a fire is kindled in my anger, and shall burn to the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 86:13
For great is your mercy toward me: and you have delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Out of the Deep of Doubt, Darkness, and Hell.
... For my soul is full of trouble and my life draweth nigh unto Hell. Thou hast laid
me in the lowest pit, in a place of darkness, and in the deep."Psalm 88:1, 2 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/v out of the deep.htm

Hell.
... sting and the hell of hells, of the lowest and upmost ... the thoughts of that, sting
them when they come to hell. ... not be so much their fall into the pit, as from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxviii hell.htm

Psalm LXXXVIII.
... pit" is used for the depth of woe or of Hell. ... But what is the lowest pit, but the
deepest woe, than ... upon Me," [4099] or, as some have translated better, "have ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxviii.htm

The Condescension of Christ
... depths of my sway. From the highest throne in glory to the lowest pit of
hell, all, all is mine without exception. I can put the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the condescension of christ.htm

Open Sins
... of nature' is 'set on fire of hell.' The servant of ... That is not the lowest rung of
the slippery ... The word translated here, quite correctly, 'transgression,' and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/open sins.htm

Introduction.
... to the ground." Barrow: "Yours, my lord, to the centre of the earth." Rochester
(not to be out-done): "Yours, doctor, to the lowest pit of hell." Barrow: "There ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/introduction.htm

Separating the Precious from the Vile
... When across the impassable gulf the rich man shall see Lazarus in Abraham's
bosom"when from the lowest pit of hell the condemned one shall see the accepted ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/separating the precious from the.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... shall be disannulled, and your agreement with Hell shall not ... The RV correctly renders
verses one and two as ... of the Gentiles of Jer.4:7, translated "Spoiler" in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

Distinguishing Grace
... were once our companions have been damned whilst we have been saved, how many who
were no worse than we were by nature have sunk into the lowest pit of hell. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/distinguishing grace.htm

Heaven and Hell
... concerning the end of the lost in the pit of hell. ... he will let the devil have more
in hell than there ... anybody ever check us from preaching to the lowest of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/heaven and hell.htm