Equivical Concepts in Scripture

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Equivical Concepts in Scripture:

Part I

Hell

K. Michael Errington

August 11, 2009

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


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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, or fiction, 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 evencitations 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 task which 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 questions lend

themselves to a fairly anticipated response. Certainly we have formulated, in ourminds, 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 soul is given over to hell we

should realize that this soul will live on in there (hell) immortally. This giving over

to hell implies 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


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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 requires

wisdom and discernment. If our definitions of words are askew, how much more so

will our current insight be into the past or future? The Scripture is not silentregarding the acquisition of accurate knowledge. Deut. 4:6, Psalms 19:7, Psalms

111:10, 2 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:4.

I have found it beneficial to find proper order when identifying these terms.

By categorizing them, and subsequently defining them Scripturally, we will again be

able to see perhaps a form take new shape. I am confident that you will find these

forms unequivocally founded on Scriptural citation without the aid of personal

interpretation, provided you have enough patience. My objective is to allow the

Scripture to plainly speak for Itself. Given the amount of information, I have decided

to divide the essay into several subjects. Citations will be numerous and will receive

its boundaries within the cover of the Scripture; Old and New Testament are foundto be invariably congruent. Within each subject, I will proffer candid comments to

set the mind on edge, coupled with a concise summarization. Once all the subjects

have been exhausted, my intent is to provide a relevant conclusion based upon the

Scriptural evidence which has been exhumed. When studying the Scripture, the

focus upon one particular concept is almost impossible, due to the

interconnectedness of the whole. So I shall try to remain committed to the

supportive concepts that could be deemed more pertinent to the essays main topic:

Hell

May all the praise, honor and glory be given to the One who spoke our existence

into being:

Our Creator and our King, Jesus Christ


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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 toproduce 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 soul and 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 soul has 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 essentialreason 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,


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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 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: victoryover 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 beingtormented 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 and fiery lake becomes more evident.

The word hell in the Scriptures has been used to describe Sheol and Hades,

but has not been found 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 whichgod 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


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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 destinationfor 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.

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 someparting thoughts which 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 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


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other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to

the 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

Rev 16:3 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

Soul has blood, eats and can dieJer 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 soulMar 8:36 For1063what5101shallitprofit5623aman,444if1437heshallgain2770the3588whole3650world,2889and2532lose2210his

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 down5087ourlives5590 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


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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

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


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

transgressors.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 deathPsa 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 slept2837

arose,1453

Mat 27:53 And2532 came1831 out of1537 the3588 graves3419 after3326 his846 resurrection,1454 and went1525 into1519 the3588 holy40

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 impossiblePsa 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 perishPsa 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 youIsa 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 ofGen 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

thou859

art, 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 sin


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Deu 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 sin266

whichis 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 ofmessages, 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 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.


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Hell

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance definition of hell:

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

G1067

geenna

gheh'-en-nah


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Of Hebrew origin ([H1516] and [H2011]); valleyof(the son of)Hinnom; gehenna (or Ge-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 theHebrew 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 alsosymbolically, adding to it a severe sense of this earthly spot. Gehenna has been

referenced as the lake of fire.

Scriptural Definition of Sheol:

A land of darkness, a land of silenceJob 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

whither

834, 8033

thou

859

goest.

1980

Job 17:16 They shall go down3381 to the bars905 of the pit,7585 when518ourrest5183 together3162is in5921 the dust.6083

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

Upright people go to SheolJob 1:8 And the LORD3068 said559 unto413 Satan,7854 Hast thou considered7760, 3820, 5921 my servant5650 Job,347 that3588there

is 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

tosee7200 corruption.7845

Jon 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 pitPsa 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


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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 by854

themthatwere 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 subsequentmeaning 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 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.


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Scriptural Definition of Hades:

Direct citation of Hebrew and Greek ScripturePsa 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 victorious1Co 15:55 O death,2288 where4226is thy4675 sting?2759 O grave,86 where4226is thy4675 victory?3534

Mat 16:18And1161I say also2504, 3004untothee,4671That3754thou4771art1488Peter,4074and2532upon1909this5026rock4073Iwill

build3618my3450church;1577and2532thegates4439ofhell86shallnot3756prevail against2729it.846

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

Amen;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


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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 illustrationsPsa 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 spake2980 Jesus2424 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 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.


18/23

Scriptural Definition of Tartaros:

The lowest condition of abasement for rebellious angels2Pe 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

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

deep.12

1Pe 3:19 By1722 which3739 also2532 he went4198 and preached2784 unto the3588 spirits4151 in1722 prison;5438

1Pe 3:20 Which sometime4218 were disobedient,544 when3753 once530 the3588 longsuffering3115 of God2316 waited1551 in1722 the

days2250 of Noah,3575 while the ark2787 was a preparing,2680 wherein1519, 3739 few,3641 that is,5123 eight3638 souls5590 were

saved1295 by1223 water.5204

Jud 1:6 And5037 the angels32 which kept5083 not3361 their1438 first estate,746 but235 left620 their own2398 habitation,3613 he

hath reserved5083 in everlasting126 chains1199 under5259 darkness2217 unto1519 the judgment2920 of the great3173 day.2250

Summary

Above, we see very little mentioned about this place apparently reserved for angelic

beings. In the Inspired Scriptures, Tartaros bears no relationship to Hades which is

the common grave of the human dead. These angels are restrained by the chains

of darkness, unto judgment. There is no Scriptural evidence of seraphic torture,

there is, however, a fearful expectation of judgment at a later date. Jesus displays

terrific command over these disobedient creatures by casting them down into

Tartaros.


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Scriptural Definition of Valley of Hinnom:

Physical locationJos 15:8 KJV+) And the border1366 went up5927 by the valley1516 of the son1121 of Hinnom2011 unto413 the south4480, 5045

side3802 of the Jebusite;2983 the same1931is Jerusalem:3389 and the border1366 went up5927 to413 the top7218 of the

mountain2022 that834lieth before5921 the valley1516 of Hinnom2011 westward,3220 which834is at the end7097 of the valley6010 of

the giants7497 northward:6828

Jos 18:16 KJV+) And the border1366 came down3381 to413 the end7097 of the mountain2022 that834lieth before5921, 6440 the

valley1516 of the son1121 of Hinnom,2011andwhich834is in the valley6010 of the giants7497 on the north,6828 and descended3381

to the valley1516 of Hinnom,2011 to413 the side3802 of Jebusi2983 on the south,5045 and descended3381 to En-rogel,5883

Valley of destruction, valley of slaughter2Ki 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) his

children1121 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; a little south and west of Jerusalem. The apparent shape is a

valley, with mountains becoming on both sides. There is notorious Scriptural insightthat 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


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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,4469shall

be2071in danger1777ofthe3588council:4892but1161whosoever3739, 302shallsay,2036Thoufool,3474shallbe2071in danger1777of1519

hell1067fire.4442

Mat 10:28And2532fear5399not3361, (575)them which kill615the3588body,4983but1161arenot3361able1410tokill615the3588soul:5590

but1161rather3123fear5399him which is able1410todestroy622both2532soul5590and2532body4983in1722hell.1067

Mat 18:9And2532if1487thine4675eye3788offend4624thee,4571pluck it out,1807, 846and2532cast906itfrom575thee:4675itis2076

better2570forthee4671toenter1525into1519life2222withone eye,3442rather2228thanhaving2192two1417eyes3788tobecast906

into1519hell1067fire.4442

Mat 23:15Woe3759untoyou,5213scribes1122and2532Pharisees,5330hypocrites!5273for3754yecompass4013sea2281and2532

land3584tomake4160one1520proselyte,4339and2532when3752heismade,1096yemake4160him846twofold more1362thechild5207

ofhell1067thanyourselves.5216

Jas 3:6 And2532

the3588

tongue1100

is a fire,4442

a world2889

of iniquity;93

so3779

is2525

the3588

tongue1100

among1722

our2257

members,3196 that it defileth4695 the3588 whole3650 body,4983 and2532 setteth on fire5394 the3588 course5164 of nature;1078 and2532

it is set on fire5394 of5259 hell.1067

Summary

Gehenna actually appears twelve times in the Greek Scriptures, of which five are

directly associated with fire. This is not surprising given the amount of damning

rhetoric used to describe this incredible place. Embodied in the Greek definition of

Gehenna we find specific mention to the Valley of Hinnom; both of which find theirorigin in Hebrew text. So, there is this weighted definition of Gehenna that is

supported entirely by the historical context of the Hebrew Valley of Hinnom. The

Greek Scriptures expounds upon the characteristics of Hinnom in the form of

warnings. It says that the proud and arrogant are in danger of hell fire. There is also

caution being lent to fear the one who has the power to destroy both body and soul.

Therefore, it would be better to pluck out one member of the body than suffer the

whole thing. Of course we come across random verses like Mt. 23:33 where it


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almost states rhetorically, how can you escape the damnation of hell, referencing

specifically the Pharisees.

Scriptural Definition of Lake of Fire:

Rev 19:20 KJV+) And2532 the3588 beast2342 was taken,4084 and2532 with3326 him5127 the3588 false prophet5578 that wrought4160

miracles4592 before1799 him,846 with1722 which3739 he deceived4105 them that had received2983 the3588 mark5480 of the3588

beast,2342 and2532 them that worshiped4352 his848 image.1504 These both1417 were cast906 alive2198 into1519 a lake3041 of fire4442

burning2545 with1722 brimstone.2303

Rev 20:10 KJV+) And2532 the3588 devil1228 that deceived4105 them846 was cast906 into1519 the3588 lake3041 of fire4442 and2532

brimstone,2303 where3699 the3588 beast2342 and2532 the3588 false prophet5578are, and2532 shall be tormented928 day2250 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 the3588

second1208 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,5406and2532

whoremongers,4205and2532sorcerers,5332and2532idolaters,1496and2532all3956liars,5571shall have their848part3313in1722the3588

lake3041which burneth2545with fire4442and2532brimstone:2303which is3603the second1208death.2288

Summary

The lake of fire is mentioned specifically in five verses of the Greek Scriptures. Thelake of fire is typified as a place which burns with fire and brimstone. The fiery lake

is a destination for the beast, the devil, the false prophet, those whose name is not

written in the book of life and death and hell.


22/23

Scriptural Definition of Second Death:

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

Rev 20:6 KJV+) Blessed3107 and2532 holy40is he that hath2192 part3313 in1722 the3588 first4413 resurrection:386 on1909 such5130

the3588 second1208 death2288 hath2192 no3756 power,1849 but235 they shall be2071 priests2409 of God2316 and2532 of Christ,5547

and2532 shall reign936 with3326 him846 a thousand5507 years.2094

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

second1208 death.2288

Rev 21:8 KJV+) But1161the fearful,1169and2532unbelieving,571and2532abominable,948and2532murderers,5406and2532

whoremongers,4205and2532sorcerers,5332and2532idolaters,1496and2532all3956liars,5571shall have their848part3313in1722the3588

lake3041which 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.


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Equivical Concepts in Scripture

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