When it comes to religion and beliefs, it is hard to go past the Bible and the strong views it holds about the question of ‘what does the Bible say hell is like’? In the Old Testament, hell is referred to as Sheol, meaning a place of no return or the grave, suggesting a final resting place for the dead1. In the New Testament, it is referred to as Gehenna and Tartarus, with Gehenna referring to a garbage filled valley near Jerusalem, presumed to be a destination for the sinners2. As for what it is like, both the Old and New Testaments describe it in similar ways as a terrifying, dark place of punishment, captivity and pain, filled with consuming fire and gnashing teeth3.
When it comes to the question of ‘What does the Bible say hell is like’, there is no denying that the Bible is one of the most significant sources of religious information and teachings, and its views on the afterlife are extremely significant. As such, scholars and theologians have extensively studied and debated the implications of the Bible’s teachings on hell and the afterlife.
Rabbi Dr Irving Greenberg is one such scholar who has written extensively on the subject of ‘what does the Bible say hell is like’. He argues that hell is an eternal transition, rather than an eternal destination, and that it does not involve physical punishment, but rather spiritual alienation, a process of personal transformation and transformation of relationships4. Likewise, theologian C.S Parks notes that hell is a spiritual state, not a physical place and that the concept of an eternal, fiery pit of punishment is a misinterpretation of the Bible and its views5.
Nevertheless, while there are a number of different interpretations of the Bible’s teachings on hell, the Bible is also very clear in its description of what it is like. For example, the Bible describes it as a place of blackness, darkness and of separation from God, and of eternal punishment, anguish and torment6. In addition, it states that those who go to hell will be powerless in their suffering, unable to escape their misery or its consequences7.
In conclusion, while there are numerous interpretations of the Bible’s view on the afterlife, particularly concerning the question of ‘What does the Bible say hell is like’, its views are still clear and consistent in its description of it as a place of separation from God, darkness, anguish and torment.
Burning Fire
In the Bible, hell is most commonly referred to as a place of burning fire and punishing flames. The book of Matthew, for example, states that the wicked will be ‘cast into the fire’, while the book of Revelation terrifies by describing the lake of fire, brimstone and the burning of the wicked8.
The concept of fire in hell is further emphasised by Jesus’s own words in the Gospel of Mark, which clearly states that hell is a place of ‘everlasting fire’ and of ‘eternal punishment’9. In addition, both the Old and New Testaments makes a point of declaring that the fire of hell is unquenchable and that those who suffer its flames will suffer greatly10.
Therefore, when it comes to the concept of what does the Bible say hell is like, it is clear that the concept of burning fire and punishing flames feature heavily in the Bible’s descriptions.
However, while there may be some literal interpretations of this concept, other theologians and scholars have been quick to point out that the fire of hell may also be metaphorical and indicative of deeper punishment, such as the burning agony of alienation from God and the torment of eternal damnation11.
Either way, when it comes to answering the question of ‘What does the Bible say hell is like’, it appears that burning fire, in both a literal and metaphorical sense, is a central feature.
The Beast and False Prophet
The Bible also provides a vivid description of other inhabitants that are said to occupy the nightmare world of hell. The book of Revelation, for example, presents a terrifying vision of a beast with seven heads and ten horns, accompanied by an ominous, false prophet12.
Furthermore, both the beast and false prophet are associated with other symbols that are often associated with evil and judged to be harbingers of unrighteousness13. This, along with the two villains being made subject to the flames of hell, suggests that the Bible views hell as not just a place of punishment, but also a place of judgment and condemnation, where sinners will be held accountable for their actions14.
Therefore, when it comes to the question of ‘What does the Bible say hell is like’, it appears that, according to the Bible, hell is a place where creatures of darkness will be held to account and made to pay for their sins.
The Lake of Fire
The Bible provides an equally terrifying description of the lake of fire, which according to scripture, is the last resting place of the wicked. The book of Revelation paints an especially harrowing vision of the lake of fire, speaking of its darkness, screaming voices and raging flames, making it clear that the lake of fire will not be a pleasant place15.
Moreover, while it is unclear exactly what the lake of fire is, and whether it is literal or metaphorical, there is no doubt that the Bible views it as the ultimate destination for sinners. Furthermore, the Bible states that the punishment of the wicked in the lake of fire is to last for eternity, signalling the destruction and darkness of hell’s inhabitants16.
Therefore, when it comes to the question of ‘What does the Bible say hell is like’, it appears that the lake of fire is a key component of the Bible’s vision of hell and its terrifying nature.
Summary
In conclusion, the Bible provides a chilling answer to the question of ‘what does the Bible say hell is like’. It describes it as a place of darkness, punishment, anguish and suffering and of burning fire, beasts and the lake of fire. Furthermore, while some theologians and scholars have argued that these descriptions are metaphorical, there is no doubt that the Bible presents hell as a place of eternal damnation and despair.
Implications of the Bible’s Views
The Bible’s views on ‘What does the Bible say hell is like’ have significant implications for the way in which people view life and death. In particular, it serves to warn people of the consequences of wrongdoing and serves as a reminder of the importance of acting in a righteous and moral manner.
These implications become even more profound when set against the backdrop of the New Testament, which speaks of redemption and the possibility of eternal life through Jesus Christ17. This serves to provide a stark contrast between the darkness of hell and the possibility of salvation through repentance, emphasising the importance of both faith and action in one’s spiritual life18.
Therefore, the Bible’s views on ‘what does the Bible say hell is like’ is not simply a matter of intellectual debate, but of true spiritual consequence and potential deliverance.
The Meaning of Hell
When it comes to understanding the Bible’s teachings on hell, it is also important to consider its meaning in a broader context. For example, some theologians and scholars have argued that the concept of hell may be interpreted as a state of inner turmoil and growth, rather than an actual physical location19.
Moreover, others have argued that hell may be viewed as a symbol of the struggle between light and dark, good and evil, and of our internal struggles with our own demons and sins. This interpretation turns the concept of hell into a more internal and spiritual problem, one which is the responsibility of the individual and which should be taken seriously20.
As such, when it comes to the question of ‘what does the Bible say hell is like’, it also important to consider its meaning and implications beyond the literal description of its physical features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible provides a chilling and vivid description of what it believes hell is like, describing it as a place of darkness, punishment, anguish and suffering and of burning fire, beasts and the lake of fire. While there are different interpretations of the Bible’s views, it is clear that the Bible is both firm and consistent in its description of hell. Furthermore, it is important to consider the broader cultural, spiritual and physical implications of the Bible’s teachings on hell, as well as its meaning for the individual’s spiritual journey.
