Hell
LocationsGeographical Setting
Hell is a theological concept representing a place of post-mortem punishment or separation from the divine, derived from ancient underworld myths.
What is the meaning of Hell in the Bible?
The English word 'hell' originates from a term for the world of the dead generally, but now refers almost exclusively to the place of punishment for the lost or finally impenitent. In the King James Version, it is used in many places in the Old Testament and New Testament.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the linguistic evolution from 'the grave' to 'a place of punishment' clarifies the distinct theological arguments presented in the New Testament epistles compared to the Sheol references in the Old Testament.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Hell in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hell clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.