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    In Context

    What does the Bible say about hell — In Biblical Context

    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.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    The Biblical Context

    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.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Matthew 25:46, sits inside Matthew 25. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."
    — Matthew 25:46 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Mark 9:48
    "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
    Revelation 20:15
    "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

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    Meaning

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