Understanding Sheol: The Grave, Not Eternal Torment

The biblical concept of Sheol, as understood by the Hebrews, is critical to clarifying the nature of hell as presented in the Bible. Sheol, the Hebrew word often translated as “hell” or “grave,” is a term that conveys the idea of the resting place of the dead, a hollow or hidden place. Importantly, it is not described in Scripture as a realm of conscious torment or bliss. Instead, Sheol represents the state of death, a place devoid of sensation or activity. This understanding is affirmed in passages such as Job 3:17, which states: “There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest.”

The Transition from Sheol to Hades in Translation

When the Old Testament was translated into Greek, forming the Septuagint, the Hebrew term Sheol was rendered as Hades. This Greek term also means “the unseen place,” maintaining the idea of Sheol as the hidden realm of the dead. The Latin Vulgate later translated both terms as infernus, meaning “lower regions.” When William Tyndale translated the Bible into English in the early 1500s, he used the word “hell,” derived from the Old English helan, meaning “to conceal.” This historical progression underscores that Sheol, Hades, and even the English “hell” originally referred to the grave or the condition of death, without any inherent connotation of torment.

Sheol as a Place to Hide

Scripture portrays Sheol as a place to hide or escape wrath. For instance, Job, amidst his affliction, prayed: “Who will grant me this, that thou mayest protect me in hell, and hide me till thy wrath pass?” (Job 14:13). This plea reveals that Sheol is not a place of torment but rather a refuge from suffering. Similarly, Amos 9:2 says, “Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them.” The imagery here reinforces Sheol as a place associated with death rather than punishment.

The Commonality of Sheol for the Righteous and the Wicked

Scripture teaches that all humans, regardless of their moral standing, descend to Sheol at death. Ecclesiastes 9:2 states: “All things come alike to all; there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked.” This universal destination underscores that Sheol is not divided into compartments of pleasure and torment, as some religious traditions suggest. Romans 3:23 explains the reason: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Before Jesus’ redemptive sacrifice, no one could ascend to heaven; all went to Sheol, awaiting redemption.

The Origin and Continuation of Sheol

Sheol, or the state of death, first appears with the death of Abel, murdered by his brother Cain (Genesis 4:8-11). From that time, all humans who died entered Sheol, the grave. The patriarch Jacob, believing his son Joseph to be dead, expressed his grief by saying, “I will go down to Sheol to my son, mourning” (Genesis 37:35). This statement confirms Jacob’s understanding that Sheol was not a place of torment but the grave where all the dead reside.

Sheol Is Not the Devil’s Domain

Contrary to popular misconceptions, Sheol is not the domain of Satan. Scripture consistently depicts Sheol as a temporary holding place for the dead, not a realm where Satan exercises power. Isaiah 5:14 says, “Therefore hell has enlarged her soul, and opened her mouth without measure,” emphasizing that Sheol is a condition, not a location governed by spiritual beings.

The State of the Dead in Sheol

The Bible makes it clear that those in Sheol are unconscious and inactive. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 states: “The living know that they shall die, but the dead know nothing more. They have no further reward, and even their memory is forgotten.” This absence of consciousness precludes any possibility of torment or reward in Sheol. Psalms 146:4 further supports this, saying, “His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his thoughts perish.”

The Misuse of Sheol in Religious Tradition

Despite the clear biblical portrayal of Sheol as the grave, some religious traditions have distorted its meaning. By adopting pagan philosophies, such as the immortality of the soul, they have misrepresented Sheol as a place of eternal torment. This distortion has been used to instill fear and control adherents. However, Ezekiel 18:4 declares: “The soul that sins shall die,” affirming that the soul is not inherently immortal but subject to death.

Jesus’ Death and His Time in Sheol

When Jesus died, his soul descended to Sheol, as prophesied in Psalm 16:10 and affirmed in Acts 2:27: “Because you will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” During his time in Sheol, Jesus was not conscious, as Ecclesiastes 9:10 states that there is “no work, nor reason, nor wisdom, nor knowledge” in Sheol. His resurrection, therefore, was a triumph over death and Sheol, not an escape from torment.

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

One of the most misunderstood passages concerning hell is the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. This passage is often misinterpreted as a literal depiction of the afterlife. However, the context and content make it clear that Jesus was using this parable to illustrate spiritual truths about repentance and judgment, not to describe Sheol. The imagery of torment in flames represents divine judgment in the present life, not a post-mortem reality.

Jonah’s Prayer from “Hell”

Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the great fish provides additional clarity. In Jonah 2:2, he says, “I cried by reason of my affliction unto Jehovah, and he heard me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.” Jonah was not literally in Sheol but described his perilous situation metaphorically. This reinforces the understanding that Sheol is synonymous with the grave, not a place of conscious torment.

Resurrection: The Defeat of Sheol

The Bible’s ultimate message concerning Sheol is one of hope through resurrection. Revelation 20:13-14 proclaims: “The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and they were judged, each one according to his works. Then death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.” This passage demonstrates that Sheol (Hades) is temporary and will be abolished, replaced by the lake of fire, which symbolizes eternal destruction.

Jesus’ Authority Over Death and Hades

Jesus declared his authority over death and Hades in Revelation 1:18: “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” This authority ensures that death and Sheol will not have the final say. At the resurrection, Jesus will empty Sheol, fulfilling the promise of eternal life for the faithful.

Hell as Eternal Destruction, Not Eternal Torment

The final judgment is described as the second death in the lake of fire, a symbol of eternal destruction. Matthew 10:28 emphasizes: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell [Gehenna].” Gehenna, unlike Sheol, represents complete annihilation, not torment.

This understanding of Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna aligns with the biblical narrative of a God of justice and love. It removes the fear instilled by unscriptural doctrines and magnifies the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Christ.

How Is Sheol Emptied, and What Does This Mean for Humanity?

The eventual emptying of Sheol is central to God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Sheol, or Hades, does not represent an eternal holding place but a temporary state that will ultimately be abolished. This promise is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing Jehovah’s justice, love, and power to bring the dead to life.

Sheol’s Destruction: Symbolized in Prophecy

The destruction of Sheol is symbolically depicted in Revelation 20:13-14: “And the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them; and they were judged, each one according to their works. Then death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.” This passage highlights several key truths about Sheol. First, it is temporary, as it will eventually release all who are within it. Second, its destruction—symbolized by being cast into the lake of fire—marks the end of death and the grave. The lake of fire, also called the second death, signifies eternal destruction rather than a continuation of torment or consciousness.

Resurrection as the Emptying of Sheol

Resurrection is the divine means by which Sheol will be emptied. Jesus himself declared this in John 5:28-29: “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the graves will hear his voice and come out—those who did good things to a resurrection of life, but those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.” This prophecy assures that every person will be resurrected and judged according to their deeds, underscoring the temporary nature of Sheol.

The Role of Christ’s Sacrifice in Overcoming Sheol

Jesus’ death and resurrection are the pivotal events that guarantee the eventual destruction of Sheol. As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:21-22: “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” Christ’s victory over death and Hades (Revelation 1:18) ensures that Sheol will not hold humanity indefinitely. His atoning sacrifice cancels the penalty of inherited sin, allowing those who respond to God’s grace to attain eternal life.

Sheol’s Place in God’s Justice

Scripture presents Sheol as a neutral place, reflecting God’s justice. Ecclesiastes 3:20 states: “All are going to the same place. All come from the dust, and all return to the dust.” This neutrality emphasizes the fairness of God’s judgment, as Sheol does not discriminate between the righteous and the wicked. Instead, it awaits the divine resolution at the time of resurrection and final judgment.

The Second Death: Gehenna as Eternal Destruction

The lake of fire, or Gehenna, represents the second death and differs fundamentally from Sheol. Unlike Sheol, Gehenna is not a temporary state but the ultimate expression of eternal destruction. Jesus warned of this in Matthew 10:28: “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” This warning emphasizes the annihilation of the whole person—body and soul—rather than eternal torment.

Misconceptions About Eternal Torment

Religious traditions that teach the immortality of the soul and eternal torment in hell misrepresent the biblical teaching on Sheol and Gehenna. The Bible clearly states that the human soul is not inherently immortal. Ezekiel 18:4 declares: “The soul who sins is the one who will die.” This mortality of the soul is further affirmed in Ecclesiastes 9:5, which states: “The dead know nothing.” Such verses dismantle the idea of conscious torment in hell, affirming that death is a state of inactivity and unconsciousness.

The Role of Gehenna in God’s Judgment

Gehenna, often mistranslated as “hell,” served as a literal place outside Jerusalem where garbage and the bodies of criminals were burned. This site became a symbol of total destruction rather than eternal suffering. Jesus used this imagery to illustrate the finality of judgment. For instance, in Mark 9:47-48, he warns: “If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it away. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into Gehenna, where ‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’” The unquenchable fire represents the irreversible nature of God’s judgment, not perpetual torment.

Jesus’ Use of the Keys to Death and Hades

Jesus’ possession of the “keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18) demonstrates his authority to unlock and empty Sheol. This authority ensures that all who have died will be resurrected and judged. His triumph over death affirms the hope of resurrection, as Paul proclaims in 1 Corinthians 15:55: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” Christ’s resurrection guarantees the eventual defeat of death itself.

The Nature of the Resurrection Body

The resurrection involves a transformation, not a restoration of the exact physical body. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44: “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.” This transformation ensures that those resurrected to heavenly life will be imperishable, reflecting God’s ultimate purpose for humanity.

1 Corinthians 15:54 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
⁵⁴ When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

John 3:16 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, in order that whoever believes in him will not be destroyed but have eternal life.

IMMORTALITY: (ἄφθαρτος aphthartos) immortal, imperishable, indestructible, cannot be destroyed, so, of course, it means lasting forever

ETERNAL LIFE: (ζωὴν αἰώνιον zōē aiōnion) means eternal, an unlimited duration.

This is not really semantics because, if taken literally, immortality means the being is imperishable and indestructible, which means the being cannot be destroyed. The Greek word translated “immortality” (ἀφθαρσία aphtharsia) is formed from the negative “a” and from (θάνατος thanatos), meaning “death.” Therefore, the basic sense of immortality is ‘without death.’ It has always been that only God was indestructible (Psalm 36:9; 90:1-2).  The Son, who is “the radiance of his glory and the exact representation of his nature,” is described as “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of those who reign as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords, the one who alone possesses immortality.” (Hebrews 1:3; 1 Timothy 6:15-16) No creature can take The Father or the Son’s life as they are immortal, which makes them different from humans or angels, that are destructible.

Even Michael the archangel, the highest-ranking angel and the second most powerful being there, is, aside from God, destructible. That is, he can be destroyed. So, the question that now begs to be asked will everyone who receives eternal life be immortal? I highly doubt that. Those that go to heaven will receive immortality, which encompasses eternal life, and those on earth will receive eternal life. However, they can still be destroyed, which is clear from what will happen to some after the thousand-year reign of Christ when some will be tempted by Satan and receive the Second Death from which there is no resurrection. Even though Adam and Eve were created to live forever, they were not immortal. So, immortality does encompass the sense of eternal life, but it is beyond that as it implies more than the fact that the person having immortality will live forever. It is connected with incorruption, which is imperishable, indestructible, cannot be destroyed, and cannot die.

1 Corinthians 15:53-55 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
⁵³ For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
⁵⁵ “O death, where is your victory?
    O death, where is your sting?”

However, the Bible does not offer us many insights into what life will be like for those who receive immortality. As was said above, Adam and Eve possessed eternal life. And we know that they had to eat food and drink water to maintain life. It can be inferred that if, hypothetically, they stopped eating and drinking water, they would die, and they would experience corruption, even though they possessed eternal life. (Genesis 2:9, 15, 16) There is nothing within the Scriptures that would suggest that those who will receive immortal life in heaven with spirit bodies will need to consume something to sustain their eternal life. Thus, immortals are not subject to death. When they receive their spirit body, they will be imperishable, receiving incorruptibility. (Compare 2 Corinthians 5:1; Revelation 20:6) Thus, immortality involves eternal life but also deathlessness, unable to die, cannot be destroyed, while eternal life here on earth does not involve these things.

The Final Abolition of Death

The destruction of Sheol culminates in the abolition of death itself. Revelation 21:4 promises: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more; neither will there be mourning nor outcry nor pain anymore. The former things have passed away.” This prophecy confirms that death, the ultimate enemy, will be eradicated, fulfilling 1 Corinthians 15:26: “The last enemy to be abolished is death.”

Eternal Life or Eternal Destruction

The Bible presents two ultimate outcomes for humanity: eternal life or eternal destruction. Those who are faithful to God and obedient to his will receive the gift of everlasting life (John 3:16). In contrast, those who reject God face eternal destruction, symbolized by Gehenna. This dual outcome reflects God’s justice and his desire for all to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). Matthew 25:46 says, “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” The Greek noun (κόλασις kolasis) refers to eternal cutting off, from life. Lit lopping off, pruning. Thus, the unrighteous will receive eternal cutting off from life and the righteous will receive eternal life. This is the contrast. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 says, “These ones will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength.”

The Hope of Emptying Sheol

The emptying of Sheol represents the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Christ. It assures believers that death is not the end but a temporary state preceding resurrection and judgment. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:20-21: “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body.” This transformation underscores the hope of resurrection and the ultimate victory over death.

Rejecting the Fear of Hell

Understanding the biblical teaching on Sheol and Gehenna frees believers from the fear instilled by unscriptural doctrines of eternal torment. Instead, it magnifies the love, justice, and power of Jehovah, who desires all to come to repentance and live (2 Peter 3:9). The truth about Sheol emphasizes God’s fairness and his promise of eternal life for the faithful.

The Destruction of Death and Its Implications for Mankind

The biblical promise of the destruction of death holds profound significance for humanity. As the ultimate consequence of sin, death has reigned over mankind since Adam’s transgression. However, through Christ’s atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jehovah assures believers of an end to this reign. The abolition of death signals the restoration of God’s original purpose for humanity, as stated in Genesis 1:28, where man was commanded to “be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it.” The restoration of life without death highlights the perfection of God’s plan.

The Biblical Promise of Death’s Abolition

Death is portrayed in Scripture as an enemy to be defeated. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 15:26: “The last enemy to be abolished is death.” This victory is accomplished through Jesus Christ, whose resurrection guarantees the eventual defeat of both sin and death. Paul further asserts in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This promise of eternal life nullifies the power of death for those who trust in Jehovah.

The abolition of death is vividly depicted in Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more; neither will there be mourning nor outcry nor pain anymore. The former things have passed away.” This comforting vision assures believers that the sorrows and struggles of this life are temporary, as Jehovah will eliminate the root causes of all human suffering.

Sheol’s Temporary Nature

Sheol, as the temporary abode of the dead, will cease to exist once its purpose is fulfilled. Isaiah 25:8 affirms this, stating: “He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.” This imagery underscores the finality of death’s defeat and the joyful restoration of life for the righteous.

The temporary nature of Sheol is further evidenced by its eventual destruction, as described in Revelation 20:13-14: “And the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them; and they were judged, each one according to their works. Then death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire.” This passage clarifies that Sheol (Hades) is not eternal but will be destroyed after fulfilling its role as a holding place for the dead.

Gehenna and the Final Judgment

Gehenna, often misunderstood as synonymous with Sheol, is distinctly different in its function and symbolism. While Sheol represents the temporary state of death, Gehenna symbolizes eternal destruction. This distinction is evident in Jesus’ warning in Matthew 10:28: “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.”

The imagery of Gehenna derives from the Valley of Hinnom, a site outside Jerusalem where refuse, dead animals, and the bodies of criminals were burned. Its constant fires made it a fitting symbol of irrevocable destruction. Jesus’ use of this imagery conveyed the finality of divine judgment, emphasizing annihilation rather than perpetual torment.

The Second Death in the Lake of Fire

The lake of fire, also called the second death, represents the ultimate judgment for those who reject God. Revelation 20:14-15 explains: “Then death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone was not found written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the lake of fire.” This eternal destruction is reserved for those who persist in rebellion against Jehovah’s will, marking their complete removal from existence.

The second death underscores the seriousness of rejecting God’s provision for salvation through Christ. It is not a place of conscious torment but a state of nonexistence. This aligns with Ezekiel 18:4, which declares, “The soul who sins is the one who will die.” Thus, the second death is a final, irreversible punishment.

The Hope of Resurrection

Central to Christian faith is the hope of resurrection, which triumphs over the despair of death. Jesus proclaimed this hope in John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” This assurance underscores the promise of eternal life for those who remain faithful to God.

The resurrection is not limited to the righteous. Jesus stated in John 5:28-29: “Do not be amazed at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good things to a resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked things to a resurrection of judgment.” This universal resurrection demonstrates God’s justice and provides an opportunity for all to stand before Him for judgment.

Christ’s Authority Over Death

Jesus’ authority over death and Sheol is a cornerstone of the Christian hope. Revelation 1:18 declares, “I am the Living One; I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.” This authority ensures that death will not prevail over those who belong to Christ. By holding the keys, Jesus has the power to release individuals from death and Sheol, guaranteeing the resurrection of all.

The Abolition of Sin and Its Consequences

The defeat of death cannot be fully realized without addressing the root cause: sin. Romans 5:12 explains, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned.” Sin brought about death, but through Christ, sin’s power is broken. Romans 6:6 affirms, “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless, so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin.”

The new heavens and new earth, described in Revelation 21:1, will be free from sin and its effects. Those who dwell in this renewed creation will experience life as God originally intended—free from pain, suffering, and death.

God’s Justice and Love in Action

The destruction of death and Sheol reflects God’s perfect justice and love. His justice demands that sin and death be addressed, while His love provides a way for humanity to be restored. 2 Peter 3:9 assures, “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”

This divine patience emphasizes that Jehovah desires all to choose life. Deuteronomy 30:19 captures this choice: “I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.”

The Eternal Perspective

For believers, the destruction of death and Sheol provides a perspective that transcends the struggles of this life. Paul captures this in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

This eternal perspective encourages believers to remain faithful, knowing that Jehovah’s promises will come to fruition. The abolition of death ensures that life in God’s presence will be eternal and unblemished by sin or suffering.

Conclusion: A Future Without Death

The destruction of Sheol and death marks the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. Through Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, the grip of death is broken, and the promise of eternal life is assured. This profound truth inspires hope, gratitude, and a commitment to living in accordance with Jehovah’s will. As Revelation 21:5 declares, “Look, I am making everything new.” This promise guarantees a future free from death, mourning, and pain, where life is everlasting and filled with the joy of God’s presence.

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