The concept of hell as a place of fire and brimstone has captured the imagination and instilled fear for centuries. But what does the Bible actually say about hell? Is it literally a place of fiery torment? Let’s examine what Scripture reveals.
Old Testament References
The Old Testament contains limited references to an afterlife or concept of hell. Several words are sometimes translated as “hell” but have different meanings in context:
- Sheol – The abode of the dead, not necessarily a place of punishment
- Hades – Similar to Sheol, the grave or realm of the dead
- Gehenna – A valley outside Jerusalem used as a garbage dump that was kept burning, sometimes used metaphorically for judgment or punishment
- Tartarus – Appears once meaning a place of spiritual imprisonment (2 Peter 2:4)
Overall, the Old Testament emphasizes consequences in this life over the afterlife. It does not contain extensive information about the nature of hell.
New Testament Elaborations
The New Testament provides more elaboration on the afterlife and future judgment. However, the imagery it uses is a combination of physical descriptions and metaphor. For example:
- Fire – Mark 9:43 refers to the “unquenchable fire” of hell. Fire conveys the sense of torment and destruction.
- Darkness – Several passages including Matthew 8:12, 2 Peter 2:17, and Jude 1:13 describe hell as a place of darkness and separation from God’s presence.
- Weeping and gnashing of teeth – Matthew 13:42 describes this emotional expression of regret and suffering.
- Lake of fire – Revelation 20:14-15 says that at the final judgment, people whose names are not in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire, meaning eternal punishment and separation from God.
In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31), the rich man existing in Hades cries out from the agony of flames. But as a parable, this illustrates a spiritual truth rather than giving a physical description of hell.
Literal or Metaphorical?
Ultimately the biblical language used to describe hell includes some literal fire and darkness, but also metaphorical descriptions conveying the sense of separation, torment, and regret. Literal fire may be involved, but the primary nature of hell is separation from God and all goodness. As 2 Thessalonians 1:9 describes it, those who do not know God and obey the gospel “will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”
Some key considerations on whether biblical hell is literal fire:
- The imagery reflects the culture – In Biblical times, fire and darkness conveyed ideas of judgment and anguish. The metaphors used reflected this culture.
- Fire can represent judgment, not always literal flames – Isaiah 66:24 speaks of the “fire that shall not be quenched” and “their worm shall not die.” The fire and worms are symbols of judgment and contempt.
- Hell’s suffering is spiritual, but may have physical manifestations – The primary nature of hell is spiritual separation from God. But the body and soul are connected, so physical manifestations of suffering may occur.
- The exact nature is not fully defined – Scriptures gives glimpses but not full revelation of the metaphysical nature of hell. Some mystery remains.
Why Does Hell Exist?
Given the unappealing nature of hell, an important question is why would a loving God send people there? Here are some key truths about why hell exists:
- Hell was originally created for Satan and demons – Matthew 25:41 states that hell was prepared for “the devil and his angels.” Humans end up there by choice to reject God.
- It results from ongoing rejection of God – People are not sent to hell; they choose it by rejecting Jesus Christ, who is the way to heaven (John 14:6).
- It reflects God’s justice and holiness – God is perfectly holy and righteous. Sin must receive punishment for God’s moral government to remain just.
- It displays God’s wrath and judgment against sin – God’s wrath is directed against the stubborn unrepentance of the sinner (Romans 2:5-6).
- It achieves victory over evil – The judgment of hell displays Christ’s ultimate victory over Satan, sin and evil powers (1 Cor. 15:26-27).
Hell reflects God’s justice and holiness, and achieves final victory over evil. Most importantly, it results from people choosing to reject Christ’s atoning sacrifice for their sins. CS Lewis said: “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’” The reality of hell should motivate us to share the gospel of salvation with others.
Isn’t Annihilation or Universalism Better?
Some claim that the idea of eternal torment in hell is inconsistent with a loving God. Instead, they argue for alternative views:
- Annihilationism – Lost souls are destroyed or cease to exist, rather than suffering eternally. Their punishment is death, not eternal awareness.
- Universalism – All souls are ultimately reconciled to God. No one is condemned to eternal hell.
For annihilationists, passages about eternal fire or worms speak to the duration of effect, not the awareness of the person. However, other Scriptures paint hell as a state of eternal conscious suffering:
- Revelation 14:11 – The wicked “shall be tormented with fire and sulfur…there is no rest day or night.”
- Luke 16:19-31 – The rich man is consciously tormented and speaks after death.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 – Unbelievers suffer “eternal destruction” and “eternal punishment”, conscious of being shut out from God’s presence.
Universalism relies on passages about God reconciling all things to himself (Col. 1:19-20). But other passages reveal some are eternally condemned:
- Matthew 25:46 – The wicked “will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
- Revelation 20:10 – The devil, beast and false prophet being “tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Hell’s eternity may be mysterious, but it motivates us to avoid it and plead for mercy as the only hope.
Hell Points to Our Need for Christ
Hell’s reality should instill in us a holy fear of God and drive us to Christ as the only means of salvation. As John 3:36 states, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
Rather than questioning hell’s existence, our response should be heeding Jesus’ warning in Mark 9:43: “It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell.” The grace of the cross is extended to us, but not indefinitely. We must lay hold of forgiveness now, before it is too late.