Hell: What the Bible Actually Says

Hell: What the Bible Actually Says

Introduction: More Than Fire and Brimstone

Hell is not a medieval invention. It’s not a metaphor. It’s not “just separation from God.” It is a real, terrifying consequence for unrepentant sin—described clearly, repeatedly, and with increasing specificity from the Old Testament through the words of Jesus Himself.

Yet confusion abounds. Some deny its existence. Others flatten it into a vague idea of “bad feelings” or spiritual distance. Worst of all, many English Bibles (especially the King James Version) blur distinct Greek terms—obscuring important theological truth.

This article clears the smoke. We’ll define the words, walk through the major Scriptures, and show how God’s justice and mercy intersect in the final judgment.

1. What Is Hell?

Hell, in the New Testament, typically translates one of two Greek words:

A. Gehenna (γέεννα, geenna, Strong’s G1067)

• Definition: Derived from the Valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem—a place of child sacrifice (Jeremiah 7:31) and later associated with fire and death.

• Meaning: The final place of judgment—what most people picture when they think of “Hell.” This is the “lake of fire” of Revelation and the place of eternal punishment described by Jesus.

B. Hades (ᾅδης, hades, Strong’s G86)

• Definition: The unseen realm of the dead—like the Hebrew Sheol. It is temporary, awaiting final judgment.

• Meaning: A holding place for the unrighteous dead (Luke 16:23); not yet the final Hell, but still a place of torment.

KJV Warning: The King James Version renders both Gehenna and Hades as “Hell”, leading to major confusion. For example:

• Matthew 16:18 says “the gates of hell (ᾅδου / hadou) shall not prevail...” — this is Hades, not the final Hell.

• Matthew 5:22 says “in danger of hell fire” — this is Gehenna, eternal judgment.

Understanding the distinction is essential:

• Hades = temporary, pre-judgment torment

• Gehenna = final, eternal punishment after the resurrection

2. Major Scriptures on Hell

Matthew 5:22, 29-30 – Jesus’ First Mention of Gehenna

“But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!... if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” (Matthew 5:22, NLT)

Greek: γέεννα (geenna) – Gehenna

Context Note: Jesus elevates the Law in the Sermon on the Mount. Hell isn’t just for murderers—it's the destiny of the unrepentant, including those who harbor hate and lust. Radical repentance is urged: “Better to lose a hand than be thrown into hell.”

Matthew 10:28 – Fear Him Who Can Destroy Soul and Body

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28, NLT)

Greek: γέεννα (geenna) – final Hell

Context Note: This isn’t about metaphor or psychology. Jesus warns of a literal, eternal destruction—not annihilation, but complete ruin. The fact that both soul and body are involved means this happens after the resurrection.

Luke 16:19–31 – The Rich Man and Lazarus

“In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away...” (Luke 16:23, NLT)

Greek: ᾅδης (hades) – temporary place of torment

Context Note: Jesus isn’t telling a parable—He gives names and details. The rich man is conscious, tormented, and aware of his surroundings. Hades is not soul sleep. It is a place of suffering before final judgment. But it is not the same as Gehenna.

Mark 9:43–48 – Where the Worm Never Dies

“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off... it is better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell.” (Mark 9:43, NLT)

Greek: γέεννα (geenna) – Gehenna

Context Note: Jesus quotes Isaiah 66:24 about unquenchable fire and undying worms—symbols of ongoing judgment. This is not metaphor. He is urging people to take sin deadly seriously—because Hell is real, physical, and permanent.

2 Thessalonians 1:7–9 – Eternal Destruction

“He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God... They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7–9, NLT)

Greek phrase: ὄλεθρον αἰώνιον (olethron aiōnion) – “eternal destruction”

Context Note: Paul is clear: those who reject God will face eternal consequences—not temporary. This is a final sentence, not remedial punishment.

Revelation 20:11–15 – The Lake of Fire

“Then death and the grave [Hades] were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death.” (Revelation 20:14, NLT)

Greek: ἡ λίμνη τοῦ πυρός (hē limnē tou pyros) – the lake of fire

Context Note: This is the final Gehenna. Notice the transition: Hades is emptied (v. 13), then thrown into the lake of fire—proving these are not the same place. Everyone not found in the Book of Life goes here. There is no exit.

3. Common False Teachings Refuted

Claim	Biblical Response
“Hell just means separation from God.”	No. Jesus describes Hell as fire, torment, wailing, eternal punishment (Matthew 13:42; Luke 16). It's not a vague emotional state.
“God wouldn’t send anyone to Hell—He’s loving.”	God is loving, and that’s why Hell exists. His justice demands punishment for sin. Jesus speaks more about Hell than anyone.
“Hell is temporary—or annihilation.”	Scripture repeatedly uses eternal (αἰώνιος / aiōnios) to describe punishment (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 14:11). Hades is temporary—Gehenna is not.
“The Old Testament doesn’t teach Hell.”	The OT points to Sheol, then to final judgment (e.g., Isaiah 66:24; Daniel 12:2). Full revelation comes in Christ, who defines Hell clearly.

4. Why Hell Matters

• It shows the seriousness of sin

• It vindicates the justice of God

• It reveals the urgency of repentance

• It magnifies the beauty of the gospel

The cross only makes sense in light of Hell. If God saves us from nothing, then Christ died for nothing. But if Hell is real—and Scripture says it is—then the gospel becomes the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

5. The Way of Escape

Hell is not God’s desire for anyone.

“He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” (2 Peter 3:9, NLT)

The gates of Hell are locked from the inside. Those who reject Christ do so willingly. But all who repent—no matter how far gone—are promised mercy.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13, NLT)

Final Word: Clarity, Not Fearmongering

This is not about scare tactics. This is about truth. Hell is real. Jesus preached about it. The apostles warned about it. And the Bible ends with a final vision of it. But the same God who reveals Hell has also made a way of escape—through Christ alone.

God is holy.

Sin is serious.

The gospel is glorious.

And Heaven is offered—freely—to all who will come.