Hell @ derived from the Saxon helan, to cover; hence the covered or the invisible place. In Scripture there are three words so rendered: (1.) Sheol, occurring in the Old Testament sixty-five times. This word sheol is derived from a root-word meaning "to ask," "demand;" hence insatiableness Proverbs:30:15-16). It is rendered "grave" thirty-one times Genesis:37:35Genesis:42:38Genesis:44:29 -31; 1Samuel:2:6, etc.). The Revisers have retained this rendering in the historical books with the original word in the margin, while in the poetical books they have reversed this rule. In thirty-one cases in the Authorized Version this word is rendered "hell," the place of disembodied spirits. The inhabitants of sheol are "the congregation of the dead" Proverbs:21:16). It is (a) the abode of the wicked Numbers:16:33; Job:24:19; Psalms:9:17Psalms:31:17, etc.); (b) of the good Psalms:16:10Psalms:30:3Psalms:49:15 ; 86:13, etc.). Sheol is described as deep Job:11:8), dark (10:21-22), with bars (17:16). The dead "go down" to it Numbers:16:30Numbers:16:33Ezekiel:31:15-16, 17). (2.) The Greek word hades of the New Testament has the same scope of signification as sheol of the Old Testament. It is a prison ( 1Peter:3:19), with gates and bars and locks Matthew:16:18; Revelation:1:18), and it is downward Matthew:11:23; Luke:10:15). The righteous and the wicked are separated. The blessed dead are in that part of hades called paradise Luke:23:43). They are also said to be in Abraham's bosom Luke:16:22). (3.) Gehenna, in most of its occurrences in the Greek New Testament, designates the place of the lost Matthew:23:33). The fearful nature of their condition there is described in various figurative expressions Matthew:8:12Matthew:13:42Matthew:22:13 ; 25:30; Luke:16:24, etc.). (See HINNOM.)
Home
Bible
PCARR
Discuss
Help
BibleTools>