Most people don’t want to talk about hell. It’s uncomfortable, unnerving, and difficult to reconcile with a loving God. For some, it’s a topic that gets wielded as a threat. For others, it’s been dismissed altogether as outdated mythology. Still others joke about it—claiming they’re fine with going to hell because that’s where all their friends will be. But Jesus talked about hell. And if we want to understand the full story of God’s justice, mercy, and redemptive plan for the world, then we have to take the hard road of facing what Scripture says about hell.

Misconceptions About Hell

Fiery Underworld
Many of our modern images of hell don’t come from the Bible at all. They come from literature and myth. When we imagine hell as a fiery underworld ruled by a red-skinned devil with horns and a pitchfork, we’re drawing more from Dante’s Inferno or John Milton’s Paradise Lost than the teachings of Jesus. Those works were influenced by Roman and Greek philosophy—Virgil’s Aeneid, Plato’s Gorgias, and Homer’s Iliad.

Some have claimed that there IS evidence that hell is, in fact, a fiery underworld in the teachings of Jesus. They point to the fact the Jesus uses the word gehenna (Γέεννα), which has been translated as the English word hell. The claim is that Gehenna was an ever-burning garbage dump, conjuring images of eternal pain and torment in a never-ending fire. However, while many pastors have repeated this claim, there is no actual evidence to support it. It comes from a single comment by Rabbi David Kimchi in the 13th century. In his commentary on Psalm 27, Kimchi says, “Gehenna is a repugnant place, into which filth and cadavers are thrown, and in which fires perpetually burn in order to consume the filth and bones; on which account, by analogy, the judgment of the wicked is called ‘Gehenna.’” However, as numerous scholars have pointed out such as Todd Bolen, Lloyd Bailey, and others, this idea is nowhere else suggested or supported in history nor scripture. Kimchi’s comment is the only source of this idea and was written 1200 years after Jesus.

Satan’s Domain
Another common misconception is that hell is Satan’s domain—that it’s his home and he reigns there. In fact, Scripture teaches the opposite. Satan does not live in hell; he roams the earth “like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Hell isn’t where the devil lives—it’s the place where evil will finally be destroyed, including Satan himself.

The Biggest Party Ever
Another myth is that hell is some kind of rebellious party. That’s wishful thinking. Jesus described it as a place of sorrow, separation, and judgment—not community or celebration. There is no joy in hell.

So what is hell actually, according to the Bible?

Hell in the Words of Jesus

Jesus used the word word gehenna (Γέεννα)—a Greek form of the Hebrew word Gei Hinnom (גֵּיא בֶּן-הִנּוֹם) or “Valley of Hinnom”—to describe hell. This valley just outside Jerusalem was infamous in the Old Testament. It was the site where pagan worshipers sacrificed their children to false gods like Molech and Baal (2 Chronicles 28:3; 33:6; Jeremiah 32:35).

He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites.
– 2 Chronicles 28:3

He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.
– 2 Chronicles 33:6

They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molek, though I never commanded—nor did it enter my mind—that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin.
– Jeremiah 32:5

In response, King Josiah destroyed the idols and altars there, burned the pagan priests, and declared the place defiled. The prophet Jeremiah called it the “Valley of Slaughter” because of the evil committed there.

He desecrated Topheth, which was in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, so no one could use it to sacrifice their son or daughter in the fire to Molek.
– 2 Kings 23:10

³⁰ “‘The people of Judah have done evil in my eyes, declares the Lord. They have set up their detestable idols in the house that bears my Name and have defiled it. ³¹ They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I did not command, nor did it enter my mind. ³² So beware, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when people will no longer call it Topheth or the Valley of Ben Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter, for they will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room. ³³ Then the carcasses of this people will become food for the birds and the wild animals, and there will be no one to frighten them away. ³⁴ I will bring an end to the sounds of joy and gladness and to the voices of bride and bridegroom in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem, for the land will become desolate.
– Jeremiah 7:30–34

Jesus draws from this history to make a sobering point: hell is the end result of unrepentant rebellion. It is where evil is fully and finally destroyed. He says,

“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.’”
– Mark 9:47–48

Jesus is quoting the prophet Isaiah, who saw a future when God creates a new heaven and a new earth. In that future, God’s people will go out and look on the dead bodies of those who rebelled:

“The worms that eat them will not die, the fire that burns them will not be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”
– Isaiah 66:24

This isn’t imagery of ongoing torture. It’s a vision of mass and irreversible death—evil lying lifeless, exposed, and consumed. Gehenna was not a symbol of never-ending conscious torment but of utter disgrace and final destruction. In Isaiah’s prophecy, the dead bodies of the rebellious are left unburied outside the city—not screaming in agony, but decaying in disgrace. The worms do not die because they continue feeding until the bodies are entirely gone. The worms outlast the dead. The fire is not quenched because it keeps burning until there is nothing left to burn. Bodies are completely consumed by the fire. The dead will disappear before the fire does. Jesus uses this imagery to warn of what happens when people reject God’s purposes: they are removed, discarded, and shamefully destroyed. Gehenna is not where souls live on in pain—it’s where evil meets its end.

Fire: Destruction and Purification

Jesus frequently refers to fire when talking about hell. But biblically, fire doesn’t only symbolize torment. It symbolizes destruction (Sodom and Gomorrah) and purification (Malachi 3:2-3, Zechariah 13:9).

²⁴ Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens. ²⁵ Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land.
– Genesis 19:24-25

² But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. ³ He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness
– Malachi 3:2-3

This third I will put into the fire;
I will refine them like silver
and test them like gold.
They will call on my name
and I will answer them;
I will say, ‘They are my people,’
and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”
– Zechariah 13:9

God’s fire refines by burning away evil and leaving only what is pure. When Jesus says the unrighteous will go into “eternal fire” (Matthew 25:41), He’s describing the permanence of God’s judgment—not an unending torture chamber, but a fire that accomplishes its purpose: consuming evil once and for all.

The author of Hebrews confirms this when they warn:

“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”
– Hebrews 10:26–27

The fire consumes. It does not torment forever. The final judgment for the wicked is complete destruction, not eternal conscious torment.

What Does “Eternal Punishment” Mean?

One of the most difficult verses in the Bible for many people to reconcile is Matthew 25:46. In it, Jesus offers a stark contrast between two final outcomes:

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

For some, this verse settles the question: hell must be a place of eternal conscious torment, just as heaven is a place of eternal joy. But is that what Jesus actually meant? To understand this passage faithfully, we need to look not just at the English translation but at the original Greek language and how the terms were used.

Jesus was not careless with his words. His choice of phrasing points us toward a different story than what we’ve been told. At first glance, this sounds like two equal outcomes: endless punishment or endless life. But the Greek word used for “punishment” is kolasin (κόλασιν), which originally meant pruning or correction—the act of cutting away what is harmful so something healthy can grow. It’s different from the word timoria (τιμωρία), which refers to retributive punishment inflicted for the benefit of the punisher. Kolasin is about consequence, not revenge.

In this context, the “eternal punishment” is a permanent removal—like a dead branch being pruned and thrown into the fire. The point is not to prolong pain but to get rid of that which is evil and preserve what is good. As Jesus said,

“If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”
– John 15:6

The Lake of Fire and the Second Death

This idea of irreversible consequence becomes even clearer in the final chapters of Scripture. The imagery shifts from pruning and fire to something even more final: the lake of fire. In Revelation 20, we see the last judgment unfold—the moment when all that is evil is confronted by God’s justice and brought to an end. This isn’t about torture for the sake of torture; it’s about the full and final defeat of everything that opposes God’s goodness.

¹⁴ Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
– Revelation 20:14-15

The scene is not chaotic or cruel—it is decisive. God judges with clarity, and evil has no future. Just as life with God is eternal and secure, separation from God results in the ultimate consequence: death that cannot be undone. This lake of fire is called the second death. This “second death” marks the end of evil’s influence and the beginning of a world made new. It’s where the devil, the beast, death itself, and all who reject God’s grace will be cast. It is the final defeat of evil. As Paul says:

“They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”
– 2 Thessalonians 1:9

Notice the word: destruction. Not torment. Not preservation in pain. Destruction. Those who reject God’s offer of life are not granted an alternate eternal existence. They receive a final, just, and irreversible consequence: death.

What About the Rich Man in Hades?

Some point to Luke 16—Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus—as evidence of eternal conscious torment.

¹⁹ “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. ²⁰ At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores ²¹ and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
²² “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. ²⁴ So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
²⁵ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. ²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
²⁷ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, ²⁸ for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
²⁹ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
³⁰ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
³¹ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
– Luke 16:19-31

In the story, the rich man dies and is in hadēs (ᾅδης) in torment, while Lazarus is comforted at Abraham’s side. The rich man begs for relief. But it’s important to understand that the Greek word hadēs (ᾅδης) and the Hebrew word sheōl (שְׁאוֹל) both refer to the realm of the dead—a temporary holding place before final judgment. Jesus tells this parable to expose the hard-heartedness of the rich man, not to map out the geography of the afterlife. And even in this story, the rich man is not being actively tortured. He’s experiencing regret, sorrow, and anguish—a realization of his separation from God and the life he rejected.

The torment that the rich man was experiencing is described by the Greek word ŏdunaō (ὀδυνάω), translated as “agony” which refers to emotional distress, grief, mental suffering, or overwhelming anxiety. It’s the feeling of having made a tragic mistake—of understanding too late what was truly important.

Present Hell and Future Judgment

All of this raises an important question: if the final judgment is still to come, what happens to people in the meantime? What about those who have already died—both the righteous and the unrighteous? The Bible speaks not only of a future day of judgment, but also of a present, intermediate state. This is where the concept of “hell” in its current form is often misunderstood.

Many imagine hell as the place where people go immediately after death to face punishment. But Scripture presents a more nuanced picture. Before the final resurrection and judgment, those who have rejected God are not yet cast into the lake of fire. Instead, they are “held” in a temporary state—separated from God, fully aware, and awaiting the day when justice will be fully executed. It is a place of sorrow and regret, not yet the final consequence, but a foretaste of what will come. As Peter says:

“The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.”
– 2 Peter 2:9

Importantly, this present “hell” is not a kingdom where Satan rules. Satan himself is not in charge of it, nor is he immune to judgment. He, too, is awaiting the day when God will bring all evil to an end. The ultimate judgment belongs to God alone. In this intermediate state, the unrighteous are separated from God, aware of their condition, and awaiting final judgment. But even here, Satan does not reign. He, too, will face judgment.

“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur… They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
– Revelation 20:10

Only evil itself faces everlasting ruin. Death dies. In the end, God cleanses the world of all wickedness so that His new creation can flourish.

So What Is Hell?

Hell is not a cosmic torture chamber. It is not where the devil holds court. It is not a party. It is not purgatory. It is not mythology.

It is the place where rebellion ends, where selfishness is exposed, and where everything that stands against God’s love, truth, and justice is consumed by His holiness. It is a tragedy—but not because it lasts forever. It’s a tragedy because it didn’t have to happen. God “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). But not all are willing.

Responding to the Reality of Hell

Hell reminds us that God takes justice seriously. He will not let evil endure. He will not allow cruelty, hatred, violence, greed, and oppression to live on forever. He will make all things new. As He promised through the prophet Isaiah,

“As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,” declares the Lord, “so will your name and descendants endure.”
– Isaiah 66:22

This is God’s vision: a renewed creation, filled with righteousness, where death and sin are no more. The invitation of the gospel is to turn toward this future—to say yes to Jesus, to trust in His mercy, to live now as citizens of His kingdom.

Final Thought

Jesus doesn’t scare us into faith. He tells the truth. And the truth is that life apart from God leads to destruction, but life with God leads to wholeness, restoration, and joy—both now and forever.

You don’t need to let fear of hell consume your thoughts. But you should take hell—the final and absolute destruction of all that is evil—seriously. The goal of the Christian life isn’t just to avoid punishment. It’s to know and love the One who gave His life so we could be made whole. Jesus doesn’t offer us escape—He offers us transformation. And He offers it freely, to anyone willing to come.

If you are willing say to Him: Jesus, I trust You. I know apart from you I have no hope. I need Your grace. I give You my life.

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Reflection Question:
How does understanding hell as the destruction of evil—not endless torture—change the way you see God, yourself, and your purpose in this world?

Prayer:
God of justice and mercy, thank You for taking evil seriously. Thank You for offering me life through Jesus. Help me walk in Your light and share Your love with those who need to hear it. Amen.

Bible Verses

Psalm 1:6
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalm 37:20
But the wicked will perish: Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.

Psalm 92:7
That though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.

Psalm 146:4
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. (death implied)

Ecclesiastes 9:5
For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten.

Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.

Ezekiel 18:20
The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.

Malachi 4:1
Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. (destruction implied)

Malachi 4:3
Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty. (destruction implied)

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 13:40–42
As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (destruction implied)

Matthew 25:46
Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

Mark 9:43–48
If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. (destruction implied)

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:9
They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.

2 Thessalonians 2:10
…and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

Revelation 20:14–15
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.