What the Bible Says About Hell
In Christian theology, hell is often described as the final destination for those who die without repenting of their sins. It’s generally understood to be the home of the devil and the demons that serve him.
The idea of hell can be controversial. Some people view the doctrine of hell as outdated and barbaric, while others dismiss it as a tool used to control people through fear.
Regardless of your beliefs, the Bible offers a range of perspectives on hell. The following verses explore the nature and characteristics of hell as described in the Bible and give insight into the biblical quotes about hell.
Hell as a Place of Torment: Scriptural Evidence
The Bible describes hell as a place of suffering, both physical and emotional, that never ends. Here are a few examples:
Physical and Emotional Suffering
- Luke 16:23: In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man finds himself in Hades, a place of torment. He sees Lazarus comforted by Abraham, but he himself is suffering and separated from that comfort.
- Matthew 13:50: Here, hell is described as a fiery furnace where people will be weeping and gnashing their teeth, suggesting intense pain and anguish.
- Mark 9:43: This verse warns against ending up in hell with both your hands, implying it’s better to lose a limb than face the eternal consequences: “It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell, where the fire never goes out.”
The Eternal Nature of Torment
- Revelation 14:11: This passage states that “the smoke of torment goes up forever and ever,” and that those who worship the beast and its image will have no rest day or night.
- Isaiah 66:24: This verse describes the dead bodies of those who have rebelled against God, saying that “their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched,” conveying the never-ending nature of their punishment.
Hell as a Place of Darkness and Separation
Many biblical verses depict hell as a place characterized by darkness and a permanent separation from God.
The Absence of Light
Several passages describe hell as a place devoid of light, symbolizing the absence of hope and joy:
- Matthew 22:13: This verse describes being “cast into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The “outer darkness” represents the hopelessness of hell.
- Jude 1:13: This verse compares the fate of the wicked to “wandering stars, for whom the blackest darkness has been reserved forever,” emphasizing the desolation and hopelessness of hell.
- 2 Peter 2:17: This verse refers to the “blackest darkness” reserved for false teachers, reinforcing the idea of hell as a place of utter darkness and despair.
Separation from God and Fellowship
Other verses focus on hell as a state of separation from God and all fellowship with Him:
- Luke 16:26: The parable of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates the “impassable gulf” between heaven and hell, meaning no one can cross from one side to the other.
- Matthew 25:41: This verse describes being banished from God’s presence “into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels,” emphasizing the separation from God’s love and grace.
- Matthew 7:23: In this passage, Jesus declares, “I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness,” representing a final and irreversible rejection.
Hell as a place of destruction and finality
The Bible often describes hell as a place of utter ruin, with no hope of escape or redemption.
Ultimate Ruin
Matthew 10:28 warns against fearing people who can kill your body but not your soul. Instead, fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell. This verse suggests the complete obliteration awaiting the wicked.
2 Thessalonians 1:9 calls hell “eternal destruction” and exclusion from God’s presence. This emphasizes the permanent and irreversible nature of the sentence.
Revelation 20:14 says that death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire, which is the second death. This signifies the final and complete annihilation of evil.
Prepared for the Devil and His Angels
Matthew 25:41 states that the eternal fire was specifically prepared for the devil and his angels. This indicates that hell is a place of punishment for spiritual beings, too, not just humans.
Revelation 20:10 says the devil, who deceived the world, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever. This reinforces the idea of eternal torment for the devil and his followers.
2 Peter 2:4 refers to God not sparing angels when they sinned, but sending them to hell (Tartarus). This illustrates that hell is also for fallen angels.
Avoiding Hell: Repentance, Faith, and Righteous Living
The Bible offers clear direction on how to avoid hell by seeking salvation through repentance, faith, and righteous living.
The Path to Salvation
Hebrews 10:31 warns, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” This verse underscores the gravity of facing God’s judgment without having repented for your sins.
Matthew 5:29 suggests taking drastic steps to avoid sin and hell, even going so far as to suggest gouging out an eye if it causes you to sin. This verse emphasizes how important it is to avoid temptation and sin.
Proverbs 15:24 says that the path of life leads upward for the prudent, keeping them from the realm of the dead. This proverb illustrates how wisdom can help you avoid hell.
The Importance of Faith and Belief
According to scripture, accepting Jesus Christ as your savior is the primary way to escape eternal punishment. You’re also encouraged to forsake worldly deeds and strivings, and instead live a life that pleases God, always seeking His grace and mercy.
Are there other ways to think about hell?
The idea of hell is controversial, and many people have problems with it. Some say it’s an outdated and barbaric belief, or that it was invented as a way to control people through fear. Others argue that the verses about hell in the Bible aren’t meant to be taken literally.
For example, some scholars believe that the word “Gehenna,” often translated as hell, actually refers to a garbage dump outside Jerusalem where fires constantly burned. They argue that Jesus used this image to describe earthly suffering, not eternal punishment. Others interpret “hell” as a metaphor for the pain and consequences of sin in this life.
However, many Christians maintain a literal interpretation of key biblical passages. They emphasize the Bible’s repeated descriptions of hell as a place of eternal fire, torment, and separation from God. They believe that rejecting God and Christ has eternal consequences, and that these consequences are described literally in the Bible.
The Bottom Line
Understanding what the Bible says about hell isn’t just an academic exercise. The Bible presents hell as a real and serious consequence of rejecting God. It’s a place the Bible describes as eternal fire and torment, a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. These images are meant to convey the profound consequences of choosing a path away from God.
The Bible emphasizes the need for repentance, faith, and righteous living. Seeking salvation through Jesus Christ is presented as the path to avoiding hell and entering into eternal life. It’s about turning away from sin and turning toward God with all your heart.
So, consider your eternal destiny. Reflect on your relationship with God. Where are you on your spiritual journey? The Bible teaches that both heaven and hell are eternal realities, and the choice of which path to follow rests with each individual. Make the right choice, a choice that leads to life everlasting.