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    Hell

    גֵּיהִנֹּם (Gehinnom) / γέεννα (Gehenna)

    The place of final judgment and eternal separation from God

    Hebrew
    Pronunciation: gay-hee-NOM / geh-EN-nah
    Quick Answer

    Hell in the Bible refers to the place of final judgment and eternal separation from God. The word 'Gehenna,' used by Jesus Himself, comes from the Valley of Hinnom — a place associated with fire and judgment.

    "Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." — Matthew 25:41 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Matthew 25:41

    “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”
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    Revelation 20:14

    “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
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    Mark 9:43

    “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched.”
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    Understanding Hell

    Several words are translated 'hell' in the Bible. 'Sheol' (Hebrew) and 'Hades' (Greek) refer to the general realm of the dead. 'Gehenna' (from the Hebrew 'Gehinnom,' the Valley of Hinnom south of Jerusalem) is the word Jesus used for the final place of judgment. This valley was historically associated with pagan child sacrifice and later became a burning refuse dump — making it a vivid symbol of destruction and divine judgment.

    Jesus' Teaching on Hell

    Remarkably, Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in Scripture. He described it as a place of outer darkness (Matthew 8:12), weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:42), eternal fire (Matthew 25:41), and separation from God. Jesus' warnings about hell were not meant to terrify but to urgently call people to repentance. His graphic language underscores the seriousness of rejecting God's offer of salvation.

    The Purpose of Hell

    Hell exists because God is just. A God who ignores evil, allows injustice to go unpunished, and treats good and evil alike would not be worthy of worship. Hell demonstrates that God takes sin seriously and that moral choices have eternal consequences. It was 'prepared for the devil and his angels' (Matthew 25:41), not originally intended for humans — which makes God's offer of salvation through Christ all the more urgent and precious.

    The Urgency of the Gospel

    The reality of hell gives the gospel its urgency. If there were no danger, there would be no need for rescue. The fact that Jesus endured the cross to save people from hell reveals both the seriousness of the human condition and the depth of God's love. Understanding hell does not lead to cold-hearted preaching but to compassionate, urgent pleading with people to receive the free gift of eternal life.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna?

    Sheol (Hebrew) and Hades (Greek) generally refer to the realm of the dead — a holding place for departed souls. Gehenna (from the Valley of Hinnom) is the term Jesus used for the final place of judgment — the 'lake of fire' described in Revelation. Sheol/Hades is temporary; Gehenna is the final, eternal state of the condemned.

    Did Jesus really teach about hell?

    Yes. Jesus spoke about hell more than any other figure in the Bible. He used the word 'Gehenna' 11 times in the Gospels, describing it as a place of fire, darkness, and separation from God. His warnings were motivated by love — He urgently called people to repentance so they could escape judgment and receive eternal life.

    What is the Hebrew word for "Hell" in the Bible?

    גֵּיהִנֹּם (Gehinnom) / γέεννα (Gehenna), pronounced "gay-hee-NOM / geh-EN-nah." It means the place of final judgment and eternal separation from god. It is the word behind "Hell" in both Testaments, for example in Matthew 25:41.

    What does "Hell" mean in the Bible?

    The place of final judgment and eternal separation from God. The underlying Hebrew word is גֵּיהִנֹּם (Gehinnom) / γέεννα (Gehenna) ("gay-hee-NOM / geh-EN-nah"). Hell in the Bible refers to the place of final judgment and eternal separation from God.

    Related Words

    Heaven
    Judgment
    Wrath

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    Word Meaning

    Hell (גֵּיהִנֹּם (Gehinnom) / γέεννα (Gehenna))

    The place of final judgment and eternal separation from God

    Q&A

    Are Heaven and Hell Real Places?

    Heaven & Afterlife

    Q&A

    Are Heaven and Hell Real Places According to the Bible?

    Heaven & Afterlife

    Location

    Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) in the Bible

    A valley south of Jerusalem associated with child sacrifice and Jesus' imagery o

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Demons in a Dream (KJV)

    Spiritual attack; call to prayer, repentance, and the armour of God.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Snakes in a Dream (KJV)

    Deception, hidden enemies, and spiritual attack.

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