Bible Verses About Hell
The concept of hell is often misunderstood and can be a source of fear or confusion for many. However, the Bible speaks clearly about hell as a place of eternal consequence for those who choose to live apart from God. Understanding what the Scriptures say about hell is not meant to condemn, but to highlight the gravity of our choices and the infinite love of God who provides a way of escape through His Son, Jesus Christ. This article aims to explore biblical passages concerning hell, recognizing its solemn reality while emphasizing God's desire for all to be saved. From the Old Testament's shadowy references to the New Testament's more explicit descriptions, the Bible presents a consistent picture of a final, inescapable judgment for the unrighteous. While often a difficult topic to consider, a faithful study of these verses can deepen our appreciation for God's justice and mercy, and stir within us a greater urgency to share the good news of salvation.
"The wicked shall be turned into Sheol, all the nations that forget God."
"Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
"Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna."
"Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels;"
"These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”"
"In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his side. He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.’"
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness;"
"who will pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired among all those who believe (because our testimony to you was believed) in that day."
"For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries."
"For if God didn’t spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and committed them to pits of darkness to be reserved for judgment;"
"Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them, having in like manner given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire."
"The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever."
"Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire."
Frequently asked questions
- The Bible’s teaching on hell is a solemn and serious subject, yet it is presented with clarity and consistency throughout both the Old and New Testaments.