What does the Bible say about hell?
What does the Bible say about hell? Hell is described as a place of eternal separation from God, fire, and punishment for the unrepentant — a solemn biblical reality that underscores the urgency of the gospel.
Key verse: Matthew 25:46 (KJV)
Hell is described as a place of eternal separation from God, fire, and punishment for the unrepentant — a solemn biblical reality that underscores the urgency of the gospel.
Hell is described as a place of eternal separation from God, fire, and punishment for the unrepentant — a solemn biblical reality that underscores the urgency of the gospel.
"And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." — Matthew 25:46 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in Scripture, using terms like Gehenna (the Valley of Hinnom, associated with burning refuse), outer darkness, and the lake of fire. He described it as a place 'where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.' Revelation calls it the 'second death' and the lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Christians hold varying views: traditionalists believe in eternal conscious torment, annihilationists believe the unsaved will eventually cease to exist, and universalists hope all will eventually be reconciled to God. Most historic Christian traditions affirm hell as a real and eternal consequence of rejecting God.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Hell?
What the Bible teaches about hell, eternal punishment, and the urgency of salvation.
Key Scripture References
"And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."
"Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Is Heaven a Real Place?
Yes — Jesus explicitly said He was going to prepare a place for believers, and Revelation describes heaven in vivid detail.
What Happens When You Die According to the Bible?
The Bible teaches that after death, believers are present with the Lord, while unbelievers face judgment.
What Does the Bible Say About Hell?
Hell is described as a place of eternal separation from God, characterized by suffering, darkness, and fire.
What is the New Jerusalem?
The New Jerusalem is the heavenly city described in Revelation 21-22 that will descend from heaven as God's eternal dwelling place with His people.
What does the Bible say about heaven?
Heaven is described as God's dwelling place, a realm of perfect joy, no suffering, and eternal fellowship with God — the ultimate hope for all believers.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What does the Bible say about hell?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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