Topical Encyclopedia Definition and TerminologyHell is traditionally understood as the place of eternal punishment for the wicked after death. In the Bible, several terms are used to describe this realm, including "Sheol" in the Old Testament and "Hades," "Gehenna," and "Tartarus" in the New Testament. Each term carries distinct connotations and contexts, contributing to the broader biblical understanding of hell. Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, "Sheol" is the most common term associated with the afterlife, often depicted as a shadowy place where the dead reside. It is described as a place of silence and darkness, where both the righteous and the wicked go after death. While Sheol is not explicitly depicted as a place of punishment, it is associated with separation from God. For instance, in Psalm 16:10, David expresses confidence that God will not abandon him to Sheol: "For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay" . New Testament Context The New Testament provides a more developed concept of hell, emphasizing its role as a place of judgment and punishment for the unrighteous. "Hades" is often used to refer to the realm of the dead, similar to Sheol, but with a clearer distinction between the fates of the righteous and the wicked. In Luke 16:23, Jesus describes a rich man in Hades, "being in torment," highlighting the suffering associated with this place . "Gehenna" is another term used in the New Testament, derived from the Valley of Hinnom near Jerusalem, a place historically associated with idolatry and child sacrifice. Jesus frequently uses Gehenna to describe the final destination of the wicked, emphasizing its nature as a place of fiery punishment. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus warns, "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" . "Tartarus" appears in 2 Peter 2:4, where it is described as a place where God cast the angels who sinned, "delivering them to chains of darkness to be held for judgment" . This term underscores the punitive aspect of hell as a place of confinement and judgment. Theological Significance Hell is a central component of Christian eschatology, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and the justice of God. It underscores the seriousness of moral choices and the reality of divine judgment. The imagery of hell as a place of fire, darkness, and separation from God is intended to convey the severity of eternal punishment. Illustrative Imagery The Bible uses vivid imagery to describe hell, often employing metaphors of fire, darkness, and gnashing of teeth. In Mark 9:48, Jesus refers to hell as a place "where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched" . This imagery serves to illustrate the unending nature of the suffering experienced by those who reject God. Moral and Ethical Implications The doctrine of hell carries significant moral and ethical implications, emphasizing the importance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation. It serves as a call to live righteously and to share the message of the Gospel, warning others of the eternal consequences of sin. Conclusion While the concept of hell is sobering, it is integral to the biblical narrative, highlighting the holiness and justice of God. It serves as a powerful motivator for believers to pursue holiness and to evangelize, sharing the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 30:33For Tophet is ordained of old; yes, for the king it is prepared; he has made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, does kindle it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ... Of Hell The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection A Few Sighs from Hell; The Triumph of Humility. The Hardening Operation of Love. False Ambition Versus Childlikeness. Jesus Before Caiphas. Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... The Sermon on the Mount. Resources Is Angelica Zambrano's testimony of experiencing heaven and hell biblically sound? | GotQuestions.orgIs Satan the master of hell? Do Satan and his demons punish people in hell? | GotQuestions.org Who will go to hell? | GotQuestions.org Hell: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hell in the RV , "Sheol" is Translated "Lowest Pit" Hell in the RV of Nt It Appears Only In Hell in the RV the Greek Word "Gehenna" is Translated "Hell" in the Following Scriptures Hell in the RV the Word "Sheol" Itself Occurs in the Following Scriptures Hell: "Sheol" is Translated "Grave" in Av In Hell: And It is Translated "Pit" In Hell: Devils are Confined In, Until the Judgment Day Hell: Endeavour to Keep Others From Hell: Human Power Cannot Preserve From Hell: Punishment of, is Eternal Hell: The Beast, False Prophets, and the Devil Shall be Cast Into Hell: The Future Home of the Wicked Hell: The Place of Disembodied Spirits Hell: The Place of Disembodied Spirits: And a Place of Torment Hell: The Place of Disembodied Spirits: Contains, a Place of Rest, Abraham's Bosom Hell: The Place of Disembodied Spirits: Paradise Hell: The Place of Disembodied Spirits: Which Christ Visited Hell: The Place of Future Punishment: Destruction from the Presence of God Hell: The Powers of, Cannot Prevail Against the Church Hell: The RV Has Introduced "Hades" the Word Found in the Greek Text Hell: The Society of the Wicked Leads To Hell: The Wicked Shall be Turned Into Related Terms |
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