What is Hell as mentioned in the Bible?

It is generally thought that life of some kind, in some form, continues after death. And "hell" is thought of as a fiery place of punishment for sins. But is this really so?

First, the word "hell" is found in many Bible translations. But in the same verses, other translations read "the grave," "the world of the dead," etc.

And contrary to the common misconceptions concerning death - the Bible tells us that a person does not have a soul, but rather IS a soul. Genesis 2:7 says that Adam "came to be a living soul". He did not receive a soul; he was a soul—a whole person. And Ezekiel 18:4 says that when a person dies, that soul dies.

At Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10, the condition of the dead is made clear:

"The dead know nothing . . . In the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." (NIV)

Hope for the dead

The Bible provides a hope for those who have died to a life in paradise:

"The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear [Jesus'] voice and come out." (John 5:28, 29) The Bible says: "There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15)

Click on any of the following links to view:

What is the Definition of Hell?

Why is there confusion as to what the Bible says about hell?

Do wicked and upright people go to hell?

Does anyone ever get out of the Bible hell?

Does the Bible indicate whether the dead experience pain?

Does the Bible indicate that the soul survives the death of the body?


Articles Concerning Hell and Death:

What Really Is Hell?

What Has Happened to Hellfire?

Is Death Really the End?

A Closer Look at Some Myths About Death

Will the Dead Live Again? - The Resurrection A Glorious Prospect


Groups Archives:

"Hell is a Woman" ('Reasoning')

"The Resurrection" ('Reasoning')