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Bible Dictionaries
Hell

Easton's Bible Dictionary

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  • 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 37:35; 42:38; 44:29,31; 1 Samuel 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; Psalm 9:17; 31:17 , etc.); (b) of the good (Psalm 16:10; 30:3; 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 16:30,33; Ezekiel 31:15,16,17 ).

  • The Greek word hades of the New Testament has the same scope of signification as sheol of the Old Testament. It is a prison (1 Peter 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 ).

  • 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 8:12; 13:42; 22:13; 25:30; Luke 16:24 , etc.). (See HINNOM .)

    Bibliography Information
    Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Hell'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ebd/​h/hell.html. 1897.
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