Mark 9:48
What does Mark 9:48 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 9:48 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 9:48 means
Jesus describes hell with graphic imagery, quoting from Isaiah 66:24: "where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." This terrifying description emphasizes the eternal nature of punishment—the suffering is ceaseless, and the torment is unending. The imagery suggests a state of perpetual corruption and agonizing destruction, a place of irreversible separation from God, serving as a solemn warning against the consequences of unrepentant sin and spiritual negligence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Where their worm is ever living and the fire is not put out.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862where their worm is not dying, and the fire is not being quenched;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For every one shall be salted with fire: and every victim shall be salted with salt.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.
Context
This verse provides a chilling and direct description of hell, serving as the ultimate consequence for failing to heed Jesus' warnings about radical self-denial and avoiding personal or others' stumbling. It immediately follows the injunction to cast out a stumbling eye, giving the dire reason for such extreme measures. This vivid imagery reinforces the gravity of sin and the eternal stakes involved in the choices believers make.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 9:43
And if thy hand cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire.
- Isaiah 66:24
And they shall go forth, and look upon the dead bodies of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.
- Matthew 25:41
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:
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