Equivical Concepts in Scripture Hell Part I

8/8/2019 Equivical Concepts in Scripture Hell Part I

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Equivical Concepts in Scripture:

Part I

Hell

K. Michael Errington

August 11, 2009


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While I would consider myself very new to the circuit of truth seeking inside the covers of the

Scripture, the search and discovery of It is much more rewarding than former topics; topics penned by

authors who rarely ever have served an omniscient God. There is quite an array of concepts in the

Scripture to be sought after. Many days have been spent studying the meaning of just one word. It

seems as though the weight of one word hangs, if you will, off the weight of another. Upon further

consideration I am beginning to see how dependent we are upon proper definition of terms. Without

this authenticity, one will be left with a sufficient amount of imagination, orfiction, to paint an improper

truth. These derivations from the truth, when left not only to grow but to be cultivated in the mind, lend

itself to an erroneous system of belief that cannot be shaken by reason, logic or even citations from its

original source: Scripture.

Much mention could be made to the validity of the Scriptures. 1 Kings 17:24 and John 17:17

collectively state, thy Word is truth. This Scriptural concept, though it is often regarded with great

esteem by many, can become diluted, misused or even abused. At times, it seems more credence is

given to traditions of men rather than to the written Word of God. It is this desire to seek for truth in the

Scriptures which initiated this letter. Passages like 2 Timothy 3:16 offer plenty of sustenance for the taskwhich is about to be taken. In order to support truth, I shall yield to it, hopefully more often than not.

After all, we are to prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

If I may begin this section by asking a series of, what might be considered, redundant questions,

I am sure we can get a better feel for how elemental this approach is to mainstay Theology. Since these

Christian doctrinal theories have been supplanted long ago is enough to justify a somewhat thorough re-

examination of the concepts that have taken shape. So, without further ado let me ask, could Jehovah

be considered a righteous God? Could He also be referred to as a God of perfect justice? Is man a soul or

does he have a soul? What happens to man when he dies? Does that soul live on, and in what state?

Does Jehovah execute perfect judgment before or after the Great Day of Judgment? These questionslend themselves to a fairly anticipated response. Certainly we have formulated, in our minds, an answer

to each question, maybe even an answer that is precluded by a couple of your very own questions, for

the sake of clarity. What if one or more of these keywords happen to be misunderstood or even defined

improperly, would the formulation of your answer change in any way? Would your perspective, or your

general outlook on life, also find a similar shift? Here we have capsulized the nature of this article.

It would be prudent to suggest that concepts like hell, when given further research, often

connote other terminologies that require similar measure. Terminologies like soul, death and fire are but

a few relational words that aid in a greater understanding of the common conception ofhell.We cannot

fully interpret what this hell is without simultaneously realizing the true meaning of soul. If soul is an

immortal aspect of human beings, then when mans soulis given over to hellwe should realize that this

soulwill live on in there (hell) immortally. This giving over to hellimplies a process ofdeath. Of course,

this death should also be considered definable within the contents of Scripture. Conversely, one should

expect to find in Scripture the attributes of death, like continuance of life, mental cognizance of former

earthly life and possibly some sort of emotion or feeling. The reasons for this simple lesson are of two

kinds. The greater being a concise and comprehensive description of said terms by the Creator Himself

written in the Scriptures. The latter reason hinges on an accurate knowledge of the truth, which I believe


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Conclusion

It has been suggested that the conclusion be given at the middle of the paper with the intent

meaning to secure the readers attention. A sound suggestion indeed, for the bulk of the matter lie waist

deep in, what would seem like, dry endless citations.Whatever sort of merit this conclusion may have to

offer has been substantiated by these citations. So if the claims below might seem troublesome,nefarious or simply down-right heretical which would move the reader to criticize the work herein, then

he (the reader) is greatly encouraged to consider the remainder of the work, for it is this dry endless

citations of the Scripture that is the essential core of this conclusion. However it may go, much effort has

been made to produce a consistent and congruent paper.

To note strictly, the subjects surrounding the papers main topic of hell has covered only a

limited aspect of its full meaning. Although the words souland death have been examined here, it

should at least be noticed that this project requires a tremendous amount of additional effort and study

which the author could not afford at this time. He would have liked to offer more words like salvation

and reward of the saved, but found that a smaller, more manageable product would be served better. It

should also be said that this conclusion will be aided with, what would appear to be, logical reasoning.

There is hope that this practical ingredient proves not to be over-whelming.

Recapping the intent of this paper one will find Scriptural proofs coupled with accuracy and

authenticity; which is to say that the author has avoided disproving major theological doctrines and their

forms of origin. (which will be welcomed with open arms at a later date) It is in this light that the

conclusion is drawn. An accurate Scriptural definition of the word soulhas been characterized as being

mortal at the very beginning. No hint of immortality was given to man at his inception. The tree of life

eternal may have been an option that was simply over-looked by Adam in the garden; adding to this the

guarded tone of Jehovah not wanting man to remain in a sinful state forever thereby protecting him

from it. This is figured to be the essential reason why man was expelled from paradise. Furthermore, a

general plan of redemption becomes a primary necessity. By identifying the mortality of the soul, with

its eventual tendency towards corruption we find substantial meaning in the word gift. Of course this is

a package that cannot be earned, expected or used at this time, for it lies at the very center of our hope.

Life eternal is not something that we are born with, and as we shall see, it does not follow us to the

grave. Therefore, this incredible gift of God is truly something that we do not have right now, but hope

to acquire.

Death is a gloomy process, yet it is something we are guaranteed at least once. Sleep is

continuously associated with death and rightfully so because the dead are characterized as having no

memory or thoughts. One could argue that the dead return to dust where they came from and

consequently lose their brain function. The presupposition here would be that the nerve-endings and

basic capacity to feel anything would be lost. Furthermore, the Scripture also states that the dead

cannot praise Jehovah. Conversely, if a mortal soul returns to dust and simply lacks the ability to think or

give God glory, would that soul also be incapable of crying? Continuing, we see that Sheol and Hades are

synonymous terms meaning grave, or the place for departed souls. Lots of people have visited this

place; as a matter of fact everyone who has drawn breath and died has been there and will remain until


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resurrection. The only soul whose flesh has not seen corruption is the Messiahs, but even He required a

resurrection. Scripturally, the Messiahs personal ministry was on hold for three days and three nights

ending in our hope: victory over death. Intending only to bolster this concept, not aiding in its dilution,

we must take a step back. There are numerous accounts in both the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures of

literal human resurrection. Other souls have been resurrected from Sheol or Hades by the Messiah,

prophets and apostles. They were souls who died; they tasted death and fell asleep. Presumptuously

their individual resurrection was a positive occurrence: glory to God! One cannot help but wonder if the

performers actually paid the recipients a favor. Some of them could have actually already received their

new glorified body in heaven after they died. Already tasting glory and perfection they had to be yanked

back down to this sinful corrupt state. Or maybe it was better than that. What if they had spent two or

three days being tormented down in hell only to be tossed back into their dusty smelly shell? Those

ones are probably the most fortunate because there are no second chances. Substantial value has been

placed on resurrection, but a greater need to distinguish the difference between grave andfiery lake

becomes more evident.

The word hell in the Scriptures has been used to describe Sheol and Hades, but has not beenfound to be used exclusively. The valley of Hinnom and Gehenna are not only used synonymously in the

Scripture, but Gehenna means valley of Hinnom, for it is the Greek form of the Hebrew geh hinnom.

The valley of Hinnom is a physical location that has been given specific mention in the Hebrew

Scriptures. This valley was used for the idolatrous worship of the pagan god Molech, to which god

human sacrifices were offered by fire. To prevent it being used for such religious purposes, King Josiah

had the valley polluted. The valley of Hinnom became the dumping place and incinerator for the filth of

Jerusalem. Bodies of dead animals were thrown in to be consumed in the fires to which sulphur, or

brimstone, was added to assist the burning. Also bodies of executed criminals, who were considered

undeserving of a descent burial in memorial tombs, were thrown in. If such bodies landed in the fire

they were consumed, but if their carcasses landed upon a ledge of the deep ravine their putrefying flesh

became infested with worms, or maggots, which did not die until they had consumed the fleshy parts,

leaving only the skeleton.1 It thus in process of time became the image of the place of everlasting

destruction. In this sense it is used by the Messiah.

Tartaros, yet another variant of the word hell, is mentioned expressly in 2Peter 2:4. Tartaros was

used to signify the lowest place for the consignment of spirit creatures. All references to Tartaros in the

Scriptures exclude mention of human souls. Tartaros denotes the lowest abasement for the rebellious

angels, a place of restraint, to be reserved for judgment. It would be a rather large assumption to

consider Tartaros equivalent to Sheol and Hades or Hinnom and Gehenna.

Finally we come to the lake of fire. Considered the second death, the lake of fire has been

typified by Gehenna with all of its incredible and terrifying accounts. Every soul coming up in the first

resurrection shall not be overcome by the power of the second death; they are called blessed and holy.

The fiery lake is a destination for the beast, the devil, the false prophet and those whose name is not

written in the book of life. The last enemy defeated by the Messiah is death. (1Corinthians 15:26) Death

and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire, (Revelation 20:14) which makes complete sense.


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Hopefully the last three paragraphs provided at least a basic format for the ambiguous term hell.

Used as a primary word for indentifying three distinct and contrasting places only produces an

environment of wonder.Wonder in my own mind asks simply, why not use the original meaning and

unmask this equivocal word? Or wonder, as in, ever wonder why good people go to hell?

Well, after having come this far in the presentation ofhell, there are some parting thoughtswhich the author would like to impart. An attempt shall be made to help balance the focus on hell. It

could be assumed that a place like heaven should suffer its fair scrutiny from the Scriptures, adding to it

an eventual outcome that would resemble a work of divinely inspired fiction. If John 1:18, John 6:46,

John 3:13 and 1John 4:12 have any merit whatsoever, then no man has seen God and no man has

ascended into heaven except for the Son. Even the man after Gods own heart has not ascended into

heaven and is still in his grave awaiting the first resurrection. (Acts 2:34) Many more people are awaiting

a better resurrection. (Hebrews 11:34)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is life everlasting through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:26.

All3956 Scripture1124is given by inspiration of God,2315 and2532is profitable5624 for4314 doctrine,1319 for4314 reproof,1650

for4314 correction,1882 for4314 instruction3809 in1722 righteousness:134 2Ti 3:16


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The subjects discussed are as follows:

1.) Soul2.) Death3.) Hell

A.) Sheol and Hades1.) A Rich Man in Hades

B.) TartarosC.) Gehenna

1.) Valley of Hinnom2.) Lake of Fire3.) Second Death

Authors note

Each of the Strongs Exhaustive Concordance definitions has been numbered individually. This is a

technical formality which I hope the reader vies critically. Although the King James Version uses a wordlike hellin a general sense to explain its meaning in an appropriate context, the reader will find that its

application is used in a substantially more concise and specific manner. It should be deemed relevant to

consider that other translations, like the New World Translation goes to great lengths to provide a

more accurate and precise definition of the original texts, adding to it a more fluent translation.


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The Soul

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance definition of soul

H5314

naphash

naw-fash'

A primitive root; to breathe; passively, to bebreathedupon, that is, (figuratively) refreshed(as if by a current of air): -(be) refresh selves (-ed).

H5315

nephesh

neh'-fesh

From H5314; properly a breathing creature, that is, animalor (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal,accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental): - any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, X dead (-ly),desire, X [dis-] contented, X fish, ghost, + greedy, he, heart (-y), (hath, X jeopardy of) life (X in jeopardy), lust, man,me, mind, mortality, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, + slay, soul, + tablet,they, thing, (X she) will, X would have it.

G5590

psuche

psoo-khay'

From G5594; breath, that is, (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animalsentient principle

only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the

other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively tothe Hebrew [H5315], [H7307] and [H2416]: - heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you.

King James Version KJV and thusly a Scriptural Definition of soul

Man is a soul

Gen 2:7 And the LORD3068 God430 formed3335(853) man120ofthe dust6083 of4480 the ground,127 and breathed5301 into

his nostrils639 the breath5397 of life;2416 and man120 became1961 a living2416 soul.5315

Jos 11:11 And they smote5221(853) all3605 the souls5315 that834were therein with the edge6310 of the sword,2719 utterly

destroying2763them: there was not3808 any3605 left3498 to breathe:5397 and he burnt8313 Hazor2674 with fire.784

Act 27:37 And1161 we were2258 in all3956 in1722 the3588 ship4143 two hundred threescore and sixteen1250, 1440, 1803 souls.5590

Animal is a soul

Num 31:28 And levy7311 a tribute4371 unto the LORD3068 of4480, 854 the men376 of war4421 which went out3318 to battle:6635

one259 soul5315 of five4480, 2568 hundred,3967both of4480 the persons,120 and of4480 the beefs,1241 and of4480 the asses,2543

and of4480 the sheep:6629

Lev 24:18 And he that killeth5221 a beast5315, 929 shall make it good;7999 beast5315 for8478 beast.5315

Rev16:3 And2532 the3588 second1208 angel32 poured out1632 his848 vial5357 upon1519 the3588 sea;2281 and2532 it became1096

as5613 the blood129 of a dead3498man: and2532 every3956 living2198 soul5590 died599 in1722 the3588 sea.2281


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Soul has blood, eats and can die

Jer 2:34 Also1571 in thy skirts3671 is found4672 the blood1818 of the souls5315 of the poor34 innocents:5355 I have not3808

found4672 it by secret search,4290 but3588 upon5921 all3605 these.428

Lev 7:18 And if518any of the flesh4480, 1320 of the sacrifice2077 of his peace offerings8002 be eaten at all398, 398 on the

third7992 day,3117 it shall not3808 be accepted,7521 neither3808 shall it be imputed2803 unto him that offereth7126 it: it shall

be1961 an abomination,6292 and the soul5315 that eateth398 of4480 it shall bear5375 his iniquity.5771

Eze 18:4 Behold,2005 all3605 souls5315 are mine; as the soul5315 of the father,1 so also the soul5315 of the son1121 is mine:the soul5315 that sinneth,2398 it1931 shall die.4191

Jas 5:20 Let him know,1097 that3754 he which converteth1994 the sinner268 from1537 the error4106 of his846 way3598 shall

save4982 a soul5590 from1537 death,2288 and2532 shall hide2572 a multitude4128 of sins.266

Man has life and is said to be a soul

Mar 8:36 For1063what5101shallitprofit5623aman,444if1437heshallgain2770the3588whole3650world,2889and2532lose2210

his own848soul?5590

Joh 10:15As2531the3588Father3962knoweth1097me,3165even so know I2504, 1097the3588Father:3962and2532Ilay down5087

my3450life5590for5228the3588sheep.4263

1Jn 3:16 Hereby1722, 5129 perceive1097 we the3588 love26ofGod,(2316) because3754 he1565 laid down5087 his848 life5590 for5228

us:2257 and2532 we2249 ought3784 to lay down5087our lives5590 for5228 the3588 brethren.80

Summary

Although the citations here are but a few, and given the chance to proliferate more claims through

sheer volume of evidence, one could argue, rather plainly, that man does not have a soul, but is a soul.

Adding to this the condition or definition of the animal, we see that it too has acquired similar repute.

Souls have been referred to as having the ability to eat, bleed and die; functions, I think most people

would agree generally qualify any being as alive, and not only alive, but very physical in description. No

longer assuming that soul is anything but physical, one is compelled to wonder of its process of death.

Presumptions surround this function, whether they are steeped in Christianity or Paganism. However,

we are exclusively concerned with a Scriptural analysis, and nothing more. So, I hope this summary may

heighten the explicatory value of the common physical process we call death.

Death


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Strongs Exhaustive Concordance definition of death:

maveth

maw'-veth

From H4191; death (natural or violent); concretely the dead, their place or state (hades); figurativelypestilence, ruin:

- (be) dead ([-ly]), death, die (-d).

thanatos

than'-at-os

From G2348; (properly an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively): - X deadly, (be . . .) death.

Scriptural Definition of death:

The living creature soul is mortal, destructible

Jdg 16:16 And it came to pass,1961 when3588 she pressed6693 him daily3605, 3117 with her words,1697 and urged509 him, so

that his soul5315 was vexed7114 unto death;4191

Psa 22:29 All3605theythatbe fat1879 upon earth776 shall eat398 and worship:7812 all3605 they that go down3381 to the

dust6083 shall bow3766 before6440 him: and none3808 can keep alive2421 his own soul.5315

Jer 4:10 Then said559 I, Ah,162 Lord136 GOD!3069 surely403 thou hast greatly deceived5377, 5377 this2088 people5971 and

Jerusalem,3389 saying,559 Ye shall have1961 peace;7965 whereas the sword2719 reacheth5060 unto5704 the soul.5315

Condition of the dead

Isa 53:12 Therefore3651 will I divide2505 him aportion with the great,7227 and he shall divide2505 the spoil7998 with854 the

strong;6099 because8478, 834 he hath poured out6168 his soul5315 unto death:4194 and he1931 was numbered4487

with854 the transgressors;6586 and he bore5375 the sin2399 of many,7227 and made intercession6293 for thetransgressors.6586

Act 7:60 And1161 he kneeled down,5087, 1119 and cried2896 with a loud3173 voice,5456 Lord,2962 lay2476 not3361 this5026 sin266

to their charge.846 And2532 when he had said2036 this,5124 he fell asleep.2837

Joh 11:24 Martha3136 saith3004 unto him,846 I know1492 that3754 he shall rise again450 in1722 the3588 resurrection386 at1722

the3588 last2078 day.2250

Fall asleep in death

Psa 13:3 Consider5027andhear6030 me, O LORD3068 my God:430 lighten215 mine eyes,5869 lest6435 I sleep3462 the sleepof

death;4194

Mat 27:52 And2532 the3588 graves3419 were opened;455 and2532 many4183 bodies4983 of the3588 saints40 which slept2837arose,1453

Mat 27:53 And2532 came1831 out of1537 the3588 graves3419 after3326 his846 resurrection,1454 and went1525 into1519 the3588holy40 city,4172 and2532 appeared1718 unto many.4183

2Pe 3:4 And2532 saying,3004 Where4226 is2076 the3588 promise1860 of his846 coming?3952 for1063 since575, 3739 the3588

fathers3962 fell asleep,2837 all things3956 continue1265 as3779theywere from575 the beginning746 of the

creation.2937

Act 2:29 Men435andbrethren,80 let1832 me freely3326, 3954 speak2036 unto4314 you5209 of4012 the3588 patriarch3966

David,1138 that3754 he is both dead5053, 2532 and2532 buried,2290 and2532 his846 sepulcher3418 is2076 with1722 us2254

unto891 this5026 day.2250

Talking with the dead impossible


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Psa 115:17 The dead4191 praise1984 not3808 the LORD,3050 neither3808 any3605 that go down3381 into silence.1745

Isa 38:18 For3588 the grave7585 cannot3808 praise3034 thee, death4194 can notcelebrate1984 thee: they that go down3381

into the pit953 cannot3808 hope7663 for413 thy truth.571

Isa 8:19 And when3588 they shall say559 unto413 you, Seek1875 unto413 them that have familiar spirits,178 and unto413

wizards3049 that peep,6850 and that mutter:1897 should not3808 a people5971 seek1875 unto413 their God?430 for1157

the living2416 to413 the dead?4191

Thoughts do perish

Psa 146:4 His breath7307 goeth forth,3318 he returneth7725 to his earth;127 in that very1931 day3117 his thoughts6250 perish.6

Ecc 9:5 For3588 the living2416 know3045 that they shall die:7945, 4191 but the dead4191 know3045 not369 any thing,3972

neither369 have they any more5750 a reward;7939 for3588 the memory2143 of them is forgotten.7911

Death itself cannot praise you

Isa 38:18 For3588 the grave7585 cannot3808 praise3034 thee, death4194 can notcelebrate1984 thee: they that go down3381

into the pit953 cannot3808 hope7663 for413 thy truth.571

Psa 6:5 For3588 in death4194thereis no369 remembrance2143 of thee: in the grave7585 who4310 shall give thee thanks?3034

Psa 88:10 Wilt thou show6213 wonders6382 to the dead?4191 shall the dead7496 arise6965andpraise3034 thee? Selah.5542

Psa 30:9 What4100 profit1215isthere in my blood,1818 when I go down3381 to413 the pit?7845 Shall the dust6083 praise3034

thee? shall it declare5046 thy truth?571

Dust: the inevitable form of

Gen 3:19 In the sweat2188 of thy face639 shalt thou eat398 bread,3899 till5704 thou return7725 unto413 the ground;127 for3588

out of4480 it wast thou taken:3947 for3588 dust6083 thou859art, and unto413 dust6083 shalt thou return.7725

Job 10:9 Remember,2142 I beseech thee,4994 that3588 thou hast made6213 me as the clay;2563 and wilt thou bring me into

dust again?7725, 413, 6083

Job 34:15 All3605 flesh1320 shall perish1478 together,3162 and man120 shall turn again7725 unto5921 dust.6083

Dan 12:2 And many7227 of them that sleep4480, 3463 in the dust6083 of the earth127 shall awake,6974 some428 to

everlasting5769 life,2416 and some428 to shame2781andeverlasting5769 contempt.1860

Psa 103:14 For3588 he1931 knoweth3045 our frame;3336 he remembereth2142 that3588 we587are dust.6083

The wages of sinDeu 24:16 The fathers1 shall not3808 be put to death4191 for5921 the children,1121 neither3808 shall the children1121 be put

to death4191 for5921 the fathers:1 every man376 shall be put to death4191 for his own sin.2399

Rom 5:12 Wherefore,1223, 5124 as5618 by1223 one1520 man444 sin266 entered1525 into1519 the3588 world,2889 and2532 death2288

by1223 sin;266 and2532 so3779 death2288 passed1330 upon1519 all3956 men,444 for1909 that3739 all3956 have sinned:264

Jas 1:15 Then1534 when lust1939 hath conceived,4815 it bringeth forth5088 sin:266 and1161 sin,266 when it is finished,658

bringeth forth616 death.2288

1Jn 5:16 If1437 any man5100 see1492 his848 brother80 sin264 a sin266whichis not3361 unto4314 death,2288 he shall ask,154

and2532 he shall give1325 him846 life2222 for them that sin264 not3361 unto4314 death.2288 There is2076 a sin266

unto4314 death:2288 I do not3756 say3004 that2443 he shall pray2065 for4012 it.1565

Summary

There is a fair amount of description applied to this function called death. The soul, qualified earlier in

this essay, no matter how sparingly, appears not to have developed immunity to this function. The soul

has, however, aligned itself to a mortal and destructible end. Quite visible are the signs or characteristics

of the dead. Communication is virtually nonexistent with the dead, in most every form. Whether it is

praise and adulation of the Creator or any simple transference of messages, the ideal that

correspondence with the dead is volatile has been completely substantiated. To help solidify the

concept that the dead are non-communicative, the Scripture also states rather plainly that the dead


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simply lack any thought process, they do not think; the souls thoughts perish upon death. With this in

mind, I am led to assume that Genesis 3:19 clearly defines the shape of man before and after life:

incoherent dust. The Scriptures goes on to formulate an increase for the souls commitment of sin, for

whatever this sin might be. That increase, or wage of sin, is incoherent dust.

Hell

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance definition of hell:


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H7585

she'ol she'ol

sheh-ole',sheh-ole'

From H7592; hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranian retreat), including its accessories and inmates: -

grave, hell, pit.

G86

hades

hah'-dace

From G1 (as a negative particle) and G1492; properlyunseen, that is, Hades or the place (state) of departed souls: -

grave, hell.

G5020

tartaroo

tar-tar-o'-o

From Tartaros (the deepest abyss of Hades); to incarcerate in eternal torment: - cast down to hell.

G1067

geenna

gheh'-en-nah

Of Hebrew origin ([H1516] and [H2011]); valleyof(the son of)Hinnom; gehenna (orGe-Hinnom), a valley ofJerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment: - hell.

Foreword

The King James Version of the Scripture uses the word hell to explain the meaning of one Hebrew and

three Greek words. The word Sheol, cited sixty-six times in the Hebrew Scriptures, is defined as a place

where souls go into death. The word Hades, occurring ten times in the Greek Scriptures, is used

synonymously, citing also the where, or the place a soul resides post mortem. The remaining two Greek

definitions of the word hell, Tartaros and Gehenna, have been used in very specific manners. Tartaros,

only being rendered once in the Greek Scriptures, has been used in a very limited and exclusive way. The

definition for it being the deepest abyss and having only been referenced with a form of, or place of,

angelic restraints offers itself in an isolated sense. Whereas, Gehenna, cited twelve times in the Greek

Scriptures, has been used not only to formally indicate a physical location on earth, Valley of Hinnom,

which lay to the west and south of ancient Jerusalem, but also symbolically, adding to it a severe sense

of this earthly spot. Gehenna has been referenced as the lake of fire.

Scriptural Definition of Sheol:


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A land of darkness, a land of silence

Job 10:21 Before2962 I go1980whence I shall not3808 return,7725even to413 the land776 of darkness2822 and the shadow of

death;6757

Psa 115:17 The dead4191 praise1984 not3808 the LORD,3050 neither3808 any3605 that go down3381 into silence.1745

Ecc 9:10 Whatsoever3605, 834 thy hand3027 findeth4672 to do,6213 do6213itwith thy might;3581 for3588thereis no369

work,4639 nor device,2808 nor knowledge,1847 nor wisdom,2451 in the grave,7585 whither834, 8033 thou859 goest.1980

Job 17:16 They shall go down3381 to the bars905 of the pit,7585 when518our rest5183 together3162is in5921 the dust.6083

Wicked go to Sheol

Psa 9:17 The wicked7563 shall be turned7725 into hell,7585andall3605 the nations1471 that forget7913 God.430

Upright people go to Sheol

Job 1:8 And the LORD3068 said559 unto413 Satan,7854 Hast thou considered7760, 3820, 5921 my servant5650Job,347 that3588

thereis none369 like him3644 in the earth,776 a perfect8535 and an upright3477 man,376 one that feareth3373 God,430 and

escheweth5493 evil?4480, 7451

Job 14:13 O that4310 thou wouldest5414 hide6845 me in the grave,7585 that thou wouldest keep me secret,5641 until5704 thy

wrath639 be past,7725 that thou wouldest appoint7896 me a set time,2706 and remember2142 me!

Psa 16:10 For3588 thou wilt not3808 leave5800 my soul5315 in hell;7585 neither3808 wilt thou suffer5414 thine Holy One2623 to

see7200 corruption.7845Jon 2:2 And said,559 I cried7121 by reason of mine affliction4480, 6869 unto413 the LORD,3068 and he heard6030 me; out of

the belly4480, 990 of hell7585 cried7768 I, andthou heardest8085 my voice.6963

Sheol and the pit

Psa 30:3 O LORD,3068 thou hast brought up5927 my soul5315 from4480 the grave:7585 thou hast kept me alive,2421 that I

should not go down4480, 3381 to the pit.953

Pro 1:12 Let us swallow them up1104 alive2416 as the grave;7585 and whole,8549 as those that go down3381 into the pit:953

Isa 14:15 Yet389 thou shalt be brought down3381 to413 hell,7585 to413 the sides3411 of the pit.953

Eze 31:16 I made the nations1471 to shake7493 at the sound4480, 6963 of his fall,4658 when I cast him down3381, (853) to

hell7585 with854 them that descend3381 into the pit:953 and all3605 the trees6086 of Eden,5731 the choice4005 and best2896 of

Lebanon,3844 all3605 that drink8354 water,4325 shall be comforted5162 in the nether parts8482 of the earth.776

They took weapons to Sheol

Eze 32:27 And they shall not3808 lie7901 with854 the mighty1368thatare fallen5307 of the uncircumcised,4480, 6189 which834

are gone down3381 to hell7585 with their weapons3627 of war:4421 and they have laid5414(853) their swords2719 under8478

their heads,7218 but their iniquities5771 shall be1961 upon5921 their bones,6106 though3588theywere the terror2851 of the

mighty1368 in the land776 of the living.2416

Eze 32:28 Yea, thou859 shalt be broken7665 in the midst8432 of the uncircumcised,6189 and shalt lie7901 with854themthat

are slain2491 with the sword.2719

Eze 32:29 There8033is Edom,123 her kings,4428 and all3605 her princes,5387 which834 with their might1369 are laid5414

by854themthatwere slain2491 by the sword:2719 they1992 shall lie7901 with854 the uncircumcised,6189 and with854 them

that go down3381 to the pit.953

Summary

Congruent with the Scriptural definition of soul and death is the subsequent meaning of Sheol (hell.) It is

described as a land of silence and rest, in the absence of light whatsoever. Surprisingly enough this calls

to mind a tomb to bury a dead soul. Job sought refuge there; Jonah and the author of Psalms sixteen

sought deliverance from Sheol, literally and in prophetic vision. So, there are these prominent

characters in the Hebrew Scriptures who, at the very least felt, and to some degree, experienced

protection, deliverance and a hope for a resurrection from Sheol. Adding to this a physical description


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and allusion to the pit; it is in the earth and is always associated with the dead. There are those who

have gone down to Sheol with their weapons of war. In all likelihood, these warriors died in battle

fighting or where simply buried with their weapons in hand.

Scriptural Definition of Hades:

Direct citation of Hebrew and Greek Scripture

Psa 16:10 For3588 thou wilt not3808 leave5800 my soul5315 in hell;7585 neither3808 wilt thou suffer5414 thine Holy One2623 to

see7200 corruption.7845

Act 2:27 Because3754 thou wilt not3756 leave1459 my3450 soul5590 in1519 hell,86 neither3761 wilt thou suffer1325 thine4675 Holy

One3741 to see1492 corruption.1312

Hades shall not reign victorious

1Co 15:55 O death,2288 where4226is thy4675 sting?2759 O grave,86 where4226is thy4675 victory?3534


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Mat 16:18And1161I say also2504, 3004untothee,4671That3754thou4771art1488Peter,4074and2532upon1909this5026rock4073I

willbuild3618my3450church;1577and2532thegates4439ofhell86shallnot3756prevail against2729it.846

Rev 1:18 (2532)Iamhe that liveth,2198and2532was1096dead;3498and,2532behold,2400Iam1510alive2198forevermore,1519, 165,

165Amen;281and2532have2192the3588keys2807ofhell86and2532ofdeath.2288

Man is susceptible to the corruption of Hades, not ChristAct 2:31 He seeing this before4275 spake2980 of4012 the3588 resurrection386 of Christ,5547 that3754 his846 soul5590 was

not3756 left2641 in1519 hell,86 neither3761 his846 flesh4561 did see1492 corruption.1312

Act 13:36 KJV+) For1063 David,1138 after he(3303) had served5256 his own2398 generation1074 by the3588 will1012 of God,2316

fell on sleep,2837 and2532 was laid4369 unto4314 his848 fathers,3962 and2532 saw1492 corruption:1312

1Co 15:42 KJV+) So3779 also2532is the3588 resurrection386 of the3588 dead.3498 It is sown4687 in1722 corruption;5356 it is

raised1453 in1722 incorruption:861

A rich man in Hades

*An Aside

The passage in Luke 16:19-31 offers mention of Hades. This account has been argued as to whether or

not it should be interpreted in a literal sense. I have been inclined to believe, through the rhetoric of the

Scripture, that its author used the illustration as a parable. In the interest of truth, I have decided to

include an article from an outside source to maintain Scriptural accuracy. Though this argument could

be handled as a disproof of the literal interpretation, I have thought it more prudent to allow the

argument to hinge on proof of the parabolic nature of the story for which it was intended. Much more

time and attention could be paid to the story of Lazarus with personal study and research; but as is the

case, the story does need addressed and I would not be able to justify the appropriate research at this

time.

Jesus spoke using illustrations

Psa 78:2 I will open6605 my mouth6310 in a parable:4912 I will utter5042 dark sayings2420 of4480 old:6924

Mat 13:34 All3956 these things5023 spake2980Jesus2424 unto the3588 multitude3793 in1722 parables;3850 and2532 without5565

a parable3850 spake2980 he not3756 unto them:846

Mat 13:35 That3704 it might be fulfilled4137 which was spoken4483 by1223 the3588 prophet,4396 saying,3004 I will open455

my3450 mouth4750 in1722 parables;3850 I will utter2044 things which have been kept secret2928 from575 the foundation2602

of the world.2889

Summary

The Hebrew Sheol is directly cited in the Greek Scriptures Hades, hence unifying the terminology. With

this adoption made, we are very close to realizing the true definition of Hades. Greek Scriptural citations

go on to say that power and authority is given to the Messiah. Hades shall not reign victorious; quite


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possibly this is alluding to a resurrection. The church shall not be overcome by Hades. So there is

triumph over Hades mentioned in the Scriptures. Hades corrupts man, it defiles him. Hades never

corrupted the Messiah.

Scriptural Definition of Tartaros:

The lowest condition of abasement for rebellious angels

2Pe 2:4 For1063 if1487 God2316 spared5339 not3756 the angels32 that sinned,264 but235 cast them down to hell,5020 and

delivered3860them into chains4577 of darkness,2217 to be reserved5083 unto1519 judgment;2920

References

Luk 8:31 And2532 they besought3870 him846 that2443 he would not3361 command2004 them846 to go out565 into1519 the3588

deep.12


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descended3381 to the valley1516 of Hinnom,2011 to413 the side3802 ofJebusi2983 on the south,5045 and descended3381 to En-

rogel,5883

Valley of destruction, valley of slaughter

2Ki 23:10 KJV+) And he defiled2930(853) Topheth,8612 which834is in the valley1516 of the children1121 of Hinnom,2011 that

no1115 man376 might make (853) his son1121 or his daughter1323 to pass through5674 the fire784 to Molech.4432

2Ch 28:3 KJV+) Moreover he1931 burnt incense6999 in the valley1516 of the son1121 of Hinnom,2011 and burnt1197(853) hischildren1121 in the fire,784 after the abominations8441 of the heathen1471 whom834 the LORD3068 had cast out3423

before4480, 6440 the children1121 of Israel.3478

2Ch 33:6 KJV+) And he1931 caused (853) his children1121 to pass5674 through the fire784 in the valley1516 of the son1121 of

Hinnom:2011 also he observed times,6049 and used enchantments,5172 and used witchcraft,3784 and dealt with6213 a

familiar spirit,178 and with wizards:3049 he wrought6213 much7235 evil7451 in the sight5869 of the LORD,3068 to provoke

him to anger.3707

Jer 19:6 KJV+) Therefore,3651 behold,2009 the days3117 come,935 saith5002 the LORD,3068 that this2088 place4725 shall

no3808 more5750 be called7121 Tophet,8612 nor The valley1516 of the son1121 of Hinnom,2011 but3588, 518 The valley1516 of

slaughter.2028

Summary

The location of the Valley of Hinnom is described with historical accuracy by the Hebrew Scriptures; alittle south and west of Jerusalem. The apparent shape is a valley, with mountains becoming on both

sides. There is notorious Scriptural insight that Hinnom has become a valley of abomination. We read

that burnt offerings were given to Molech in the form of the Israelites very own offspring in this valley.

There also was fantastic use of the black arts used there in the valley described in 2 Chronicles 33:6:

witchcraft, familiar spirits and wizards. The valley of Hinnom became so polluted that it became known

as the valley of slaughter; the beginnings of a fair and accurate portrayal and subsequent foundation of

the Greek Scriptures Gehenna.

Scriptural Definition of Gehenna:

Mat 5:22 But1161I1473say3004untoyou,5213That3754whosoever3956isangry3710withhis848brother80without a cause1500

shallbe2071in danger1777ofthe3588judgment:2920and1161whosoever3739, 302shallsay2036tohis848brother,80Raca,4469

shallbe2071in danger1777ofthe3588council:4892but1161whosoever3739, 302shallsay,2036Thoufool,3474shallbe2071in

danger1777of1519hell1067fire.4442

Mat 10:28And2532fear5399not3361, (575)them which kill615the3588body,4983but1161arenot3361able1410tokill615the3588

soul:5590but1161rather3123fear5399him which is able1410todestroy622both2532soul5590and2532body4983in1722hell.1067


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Rev 20:10 KJV+) And2532 the3588 devil1228 that deceived4105 them846 was cast906 into1519 the3588 lake3041 of fire4442and2532 brimstone,2303 where3699 the3588 beast2342 and2532 the3588 false prophet5578are, and2532 shall be tormented928day2250 and2532 night3571 forever and ever1519, 165, 165

Rev 20:14 KJV+) And2532 death2288 and2532 hell86 were cast906 into1519 the3588 lake3041 of fire.4442 This3778 is2076 the3588second1208 death.2288

Rev 20:15 KJV

+) And2532

whosoever1536

was not3756

found2147

written1125

in1722

the3588

book976

of life2222

was cast906

into1519 the3588 lake3041 of fire.4442

Rev 21:8 KJV+) But1161the fearful,1169and2532unbelieving,571and2532abominable,948and2532murderers,5406and2532whoremongers,4205and2532sorcerers,5332and2532idolaters,1496and2532all3956liars,5571shall have their848part3313in1722the3588lake3041which burneth2545with fire4442and2532brimstone:2303which is3603the second1208death.2288

Summary

The lake of fire is mentioned specifically in five verses of the Greek Scriptures. The lake of fire is

typified as a place which burns with fire and brimstone. The fiery lake is a destination for the beast, thedevil, the false prophet, those whose name is not written in the book of life and death and hell.

Scriptural Definition of Second Death:

Rev 2:11 KJV+) He that hath2192anear,3775lethimhear191what5101the3588Spirit4151saith3004untothe3588churches;1577He that overcometh3528shallnot3364be hurt91of1537the3588second1208death.2288

Rev 20:6 KJV+) Blessed3107 and2532 holy40is he that hath2192 part3313 in1722 the3588 first4413 resurrection:386 on1909such5130 the3588 second1208 death2288 hath2192 no3756 power,1849 but235 they shall be2071 priests2409 of God2316 and2532 ofChrist,5547 and2532 shall reign936 with3326 him846 a thousand5507 years.2094


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Rev 20:14 KJV+) And2532 death2288 and2532 hell86 were cast906 into1519 the3588 lake3041 of fire.4442 This3778 is2076 the3588second1208 death.2288

Rev 21:8 KJV+) But1161the fearful,1169and2532unbelieving,571and2532abominable,948and2532murderers,5406and2532whoremongers,4205and2532sorcerers,5332and2532idolaters,1496and2532all3956liars,5571shall have their848part3313in1722the3588lake3041which burneth2545with fire4442and2532brimstone:2303which is3603the second1208death.2288

Summary

The Scripture plainly states that the lake of fire is the second death. One way to avoid the second death

involves coming up in the first resurrection. Death and Hades are inevitably cast into the lake of fire

along with those who are declared unrighteous.

Date post:	09-Apr-2018
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Equivical Concepts in Scripture Hell Part I

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