The Bible is widely regarded as one of the holiest and most sacred books in human history. It’s filled with timeless stories that still have relevance today, and many of them have been adapted into movies, plays and other forms of media. One of the primary topics in the Bible is hell, and it is mentioned a number of times throughout the King James Version (KJV).
According to Biblical scholars, there are 31 mentions of hell in the KJV of the Bible. Of these 31 mentions, 7 are in the New Testament, 24 in the Old Testament, and 6 translated from original Hebrew. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ himself speaks of hell 6 times, indicating its importance in the Christian doctrine. In addition, there are 31 ‘declarations’ in the KJV that refer to hell—such as ‘eternal fire’, ‘punishment of the wicked’, and ‘unquenchable fire’—all of which point to the same concept.
The most famous Scripture that describes hell is found in Matthew 25:41, where Jesus explains: “Then He will also say to those on the left hand: ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels’”. There are several other Scriptures that give descriptions of the afterlife, including Luke 16:22–24, Daniel 12:2, and Revelation 14:10–11, among others.
In addition to the Biblical scriptures, there are also other references to hell found in various religious writings, such as in the Book of Enoch, the book of Jubilees, and the Talmud. These writings and others attest to the fact that the concept of hell was not only shared among the Israelites, but also by many other ancient cultures.
Experts agree that the concept of hell has evolved since its first mentions in the Bible. In the Old Testament, references to hell were often associated with judgment and retribution, and the punishment was often limited in scope in terms of time. In the New Testament, however, hell is viewed in a more eternal context, and punishment is often described with greater severity.
Regardless of how one interprets the concept of hell in the Bible, it can be said with certainty that it is mentioned 31 times in the KJV. Those that believe in a literal interpretation of these scriptures believe that this indicates a grave warning of eternal judgment and punishment for those that ignore God’s will.
Sin & Punishment
Colossians 3:5-6 in the Bible warns us of the consequences of sin. It reads: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.” This verse serves as a reminder that every action has a consequence. The Bible does not tell us what form that punishment will take, only that it will be severe, and likely eternal. Hell is used as a symbol of this punishment, and its references in the King James Version should not be taken lightly.
The notion of an eternal hell is a difficult concept to comprehend, as those who experience such punishment will do so without respite. Furthermore, in the Bible, the punishments described are not simply a physical torment, but also a spiritual one—where those that are damned are consigned to a place of darkness and despair. This provides an even greater incentive for those that have received God’s grace to adhere to His will.
Who Deserves Punishment?
The concept of eternal punishment is one that has left divisiveness among people since its inception. Some argue that it is only the most wicked among us who deserves such a fate, while others view it as cosmic justice—where ultimately everyone pays for their sins in some way. The Bible doesn’t answer this question definitively, so it is up to individual interpretation.
The Bible does, however, provide us with several examples of those who are punished due to their thoughts and deeds. We are informed of the everlasting torment of angels and men like Korah and Dathan, as well as Judgment Day where “the dead [will be judged] according to what they have done” (Revelation 20:12). This is a significant warning that should be taken seriously by all that believe in the faith.
Heaven & Hell
It is important to remember that despite the severity of punishment in the Bible and its references to an eternal hell, it doesn’t mean punishment is the only thing God has in mind. The Bible also speaks of His love, mercy, and compassion. It mentions ‘heaven’ in the KJV nearly 200 times, almost 6x as much as it mentions hell. This provides us comfort in knowing that although we may experience our own version of a ‘hell’ on Earth, there is hope in the afterlife.
God’s call to all those that believe in Him is to “continue in the grace [that] you have been called” (Galatians 5:24). Regardless of our own personal beliefs or questions we may have, it is important to remember that having faith in Him and following His way will give us a chance at eternal peace and joy.
Living Beyond Hardships
The Bible advises us to have faith—that although our hardships may present difficulties and temptations, we should remember God’s teachings and follow the faith that we believe. This is exemplified in Psalms 107:10-11 which reads: “Those who sat in darkness and the shadow of death, bound in affliction and irons— because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High”.
This verse reminds us that although we can experience and feel the full weight of our earthly struggles, we should remember that God has given us the free will to choose how we respond to them. By trusting and trusting in Him, we can find joy and peace in His plans and promises, no matter the darkness of our situation.
Living a Life of Witness
The Bible encourages us, as Christians, to be a “witness of the light” (John 8:12). In other words, to be a living testimony of His faith and grace. This means living a life that glorifies God, and following His teachings and laws even when it is difficult. We are His ‘ambassadors’, and through our own words and deeds, we should seek to bring others to Him.
In doing so, we can be of assurance to others that there is hope in Jesus Christ even in the face of worldly struggles. We should remember to heed the call of the Bible—that no matter the darkness or terrors we may face, if we follow the path of the Lord and accept his grace, we can be secure in our faith and hopeful in our destiny.
Protect Yourself From Temptation
One of the primary ways to ensure that we do not succumb to temptation is to focus our lives on the good that is found in God. This is easier said than done, however, especially in times of doubt and difficulty. The Bible can be our armor against moments of weakness, and its words of wisdom should be daily meditation.
Hebrews 4:12 provides insight into how the Bible can help us overcome challenges: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” This verse reminds us that the Bible is not merely a set of scriptures, but a living being that can speak to us in times of need.
By reading and meditating on the scriptures of the Bible, we can work to direct our focus away from Earthly temptations, and instead center ourselves in God’s grace. This can not only bring us joy and peace, but also provide protection for our soul in moments of darkness.
