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The Afterlife:
Sheol, Hades, the Abyss, and Tartarus
I have included here summaries of various definitions of each of these terms, plus a couple of others. It should be clear to the honest “theologian,” whether amateur or professional, that we can never be absolutely certain of the actual location of any of these “afterlife locations” while we reside on this side of “the veil.” But those of us who are “in Messiah Yeshua” can be certain of one thing: when we are rid of these cumbersome, imperfect, disease- and accident-prone bodies and are given our new and perfect resurrection bodies, we will be with Yeshua, wherever He actually is.
Be sure to listen to the discussions in the Digging Deeper sections at the bottom of the page. They are really excellent.
20“I pray not only for these, but also for those who will trust in Me because of their word, 21that they may all be one. Just as You, Father, are united with Me and I with You, I pray that they may be united with Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22The glory which you have given to Me, I have given to them; so that they may be one, just as We are one — 23I united with them and You with Me, so that they may be completely one, and the world thus realize that You sent Me, and that You have loved them just as You have loved Me.
24“Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am; so that they may see My glory, which You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world. 25Righteous Father, the world has not known You, but I have known You, and these people have known that You sent Me. 26I made Your Name known to them, and I will continue to make it known; so that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I Myself may be united with them.” (John 17:20-26)
1“Don’t let yourselves be disturbed. Trust in God and trust in Me. 2In My Father’s house are many places to live. If there weren’t, I would have told you; because I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3Since I am going and preparing a place for you, I will return to take you with Me; so that where I am, you may be also. 4Furthermore, you know where I’m going; and you know the way there.”” (John 14:1-4)
Sheol
שְׁאוֹל (šĕʾôl). n. fem. Sheol, the Underworld. The name for the place where the dead are. This is where people go when they die (Job 17:13), represented as being in or under the earth (Num 16:30, 33; Job 7:9); it is not always clearly distinguished from the physical grave (e.g., Psa 141:7). It is depicted as the opposite extremity from the heavens (e.g., Job 11:8; Psa 139:8). Sometimes dying is expressed idiomatically as “going to Sheol” (e.g., Gen 37:35; 42:38). God sees into Sheol (Prov 15:11), though those there are said not to be able to praise God (e.g., Psa 6:6). Sheol poetically is said to have cords that can trap people (e.g., 2 Sam 22:6) and bars to hold them back (e.g., Job 17:16). There are ways or paths of Sheol (Prov 7:27), it has gates (e.g., Isa 38:10), and those living in sin can be said to sit there already (Prov 9:18). [Lexham Theological Wordbook]
Sheol, a Hebrew term of uncertain etymology, appears 66 times in the Old Testament, primarily in poetic contexts and discussions about death.1 It refers to the underworld or the abode of the dead, often described as a place beneath the earth.2,3 Sheol is portrayed as a realm of darkness, silence, and forgetfulness, where the dead exist in a diminished state.1,3 While some texts suggest that all people, righteous and wicked alike, go to Sheol, careful examination reveals that references to the righteous in Sheol are often metaphorical expressions of deep sorrow.1 Sheol is generally associated with the wicked and impenitent.1 Although it is a place of separation from God's presence, some passages indicate that even Sheol is not beyond God's reach.1,2 Towards the end of the Old Testament period, a belief in resurrection and divine judgment emerges, suggesting that Sheol would not be the final destination for the faithful.3
1. Chad Brand, “Sheol,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Charles Draper et al. (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 1483.
2. Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Sheol,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988) 1948.
3. William B. Nelson Jr., “Sheol,” in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, electronic ed., Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), 735.
Tartarus
Tartarus (ταρταρόω), in Greek mythology, is a subterranean region regarded as the abode of the wicked dead, where they suffer punishment for their evil deeds.1 It is described as a dark, dank place that even the gods abhor, located deep beneath the earth.2 In Christian theology, Tartarus is mentioned in 2 Peter 2:4, where it is used to describe a place where God cast sinful angels, confining them in “pits of darkness” until the final judgment.2,3 This concept is similar to the Jewish idea of Gehenna.1,2 Tartarus is considered distinct from Hades, which is viewed as an interim place for the ungodly between death and resurrection, while Tartarus (or Gehenna) is seen as the final place of eternal punishment.3,4 It's important to note that this term appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in 2 Peter 2:4.2
1. Joseph Henry Thayer, in A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Being Grimm’s Wilke's Clavis Novi Testamenti (New York: Harper & Brothers., 1889), 615.
2. Terry L. Wilder, “2 Peter,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 1988.
3. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Messianic Christology: A Study of Old Testament Prophecy Concerning the First Coming of the Messiah (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1998), 121.
4. E. Ray Clendenen with Shackelford David G., “Hell,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Chad Brand et al. (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 745.
Abraham’s Bosom
Abraham’s bosom is a term found in the New Testament, specifically in Yeshua’s teaching* of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:22-23).1,2,3 It refers to a place of rest, contentment, and peace for the righteous dead.2,3 The phrase is derived from the ancient custom of reclining at meals, where one’s head would be close to the bosom of the person next to them, symbolizing intimate fellowship and honor.1,3 In the teaching, Lazarus is carried to Abraham’s bosom after death, contrasting with the rich man who ends up in torment.2 While some interpret it as a compartment of the underworld for the righteous,3 others view it as possibly equivalent to Paradise.4,5 The exact nature and location of Abraham’s bosom remain subject to interpretation, as Yeshua only used this expression in this single teaching.4
* Personally, I do not believe that this teaching was a parable. I believe that Yeshua was describing an actual event, since this is the only parable/teaching in which he gave the name of the individuals involved.
1. M. G. Easton, in Illustrated Bible Dictionary and Treasury of Biblical History, Biography, Geography, Doctrine, and Literature (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1893), 12.
2. Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).
3. Stewart Dingwall Fordyce Salmond, “ABRAHAM’S BOSOM,” in A Dictionary of the Bible: Dealing with Its Language, Literature, and Contents Including the Biblical Theology, ed. James Hastings et al. (New York; Edinburgh: Charles Scribner’s Sons; T. & T. Clark, 1911–1912) 17–18.
4. John D. Barry et al., eds., “Abraham’s Bosom,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
5. James Orr, “Abraham’s Bosom,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, ed. James Orr et al. (Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company, 1915) 22.
The Abyss
The term “Abyss” has evolved in meaning over time. In Jewish eschatology around Christ’s era, it was conceived as a great chasm housing a lake of fire, serving as a place of punishment for angels, giants, and sinners.1 In the New Testament, the Greek word "abyssos" is used to describe a supernatural, bottomless pit, often associated with the confinement and punishment of demons.2,3 It is mentioned in the book of Revelation as a place under God’s control, from which demonic forces and the beast emerge.4 The concept of the Abyss also appears in apocalyptic and cabalistic literature, where it is described as part of Gehenna and linked to the foundation of the earth beneath the Temple in Jerusalem.5
1. James Hastings et al., in Dictionary of the Bible (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1909), 6.
2. Rick Brannan, ed., in Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
3. Lawrence O. Richards, in New International Encyclopedia of Bible Words: Based on the NIV and the NASB (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1999), 7.
4. Walter A. Elwell, “Abyss,” in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, electronic ed., Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), 9.
5. Isidore Singer, ed., in The Jewish Encyclopedia: A Descriptive Record of the History, Religion, Literature, and Customs of the Jewish People from the Earliest Times to the Present Day, 12 Volumes (New York; London: Funk & Wagnalls, 1901–1906) 144.
Gehenna
Gehenna is a term used in the New Testament to refer to a place of torment for the wicked.1,2 It is derived from the Valley of Hinnom, located on the south side of Jerusalem, which was historically used for burning refuse and the corpses of criminals.1,2,3 The valley gained a sinister reputation due to its association with idolatrous worship, including child sacrifices to pagan gods.3,4 In the New Testament, particularly in the Synoptic Gospels, Gehenna is primarily used as a symbol of future eschatological judgment and is often translated as “hell” or “the fires of hell.”3,4 Yeshua frequently used this term to describe a place of physical and spiritual torment and destruction.3 The concept of Gehenna in Jewish thought evolved to represent a place of punishment after death, often depicted as filled with fire for the punishment of sinners.4,5
1. Douglas Mangum, The Lexham Glossary of Theology, (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
2. John D. Barry, Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar, Faithlife Study Bible, (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016).
3. Clifford T. Winters, “Gehenna” The Lexham Bible Dictionary, 2016.
4. Ralph E. Powell, “Hell” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, 1988, 1, 954.
5. James Hastings, John A. Selbie, John C. Lambert, and Shailer Mathews, Dictionary of the Bible, 1909, 285.
Hell
Hell is described in biblical and Christian teachings as a place or state of eternal punishment for those who do not have faith in Christ.1,2 It is often depicted using various metaphors, including a furnace of fire, eternal fire, outer darkness, and a place of weeping and torment.2 The concept of hell involves the loss of all good things, separation from God, and enduring God’s wrath as a consequence of one's sins.2 Yeshua is noted to have spoken extensively about hell, emphasizing its eternal nature and warning people about it.2,3 Some argue that the existence of hell raises questions about God’s goodness, given that many may be damned.4 However, in Christian theology, hell is viewed as God’s judgment rather than Satan's domain.4 It’s worth noting that the term “hell” itself has Anglo-Saxon origins and was later used to translate biblical terms like gehenna and sheol in some English Bible translations.1
1. Jack Kilcrease, “Hell,” in Lexham Survey of Theology, ed. Mark Ward et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018).
2. Ralph E. Powell, “Hell,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988) 952.
3. Norman L. Geisler, “Hell,” in Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999), 310.
4. Austin M. Freeman, Tolkien Dogmatics: Theology through Mythology with the Maker of Middle-Earth (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2022), 330.
Lake of Fire
Lakd of fire (λίμνη το πυρός, limnē tou pyros) is a phrase used in Revelation to describe the final destination of the enemies of God, including the devil (Rev 20:10), the beast and false prophet (Rev 19:20), death and Hades (Rev 20:14), and anyone not found in the book of life (Rev 20:15). The lake of fire will be a “second death” (Rev 20:14; 21:8) consisting of eternal suffering and complete separation from God and/or a permanent and inescapable death. Possibly the same place Yeshua calls Gehenna (Matt 10:28; Mark 9:43; Luke 12:5).1,2,3 It is characterized as a place of eternal torment and complete separation from God, often equated with the concept of hell.1,2,3 This lake is depicted as burning with fire and sulfur, and is referred to as the “second death.”1,2,4 The imagery of the Lake of Fire is believed to be drawn from various sources, including the fires in the valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem and Old Testament descriptions of God's fiery judgment.2,3 While the concept is most explicitly developed in the New Testament, particularly in Revelation, it has roots in intertestamental Jewish literature and Yeshua’s teachings on hell-fire.2,3 The Lake of Fire represents God’s final retributive punishment, where the wicked will be judged according to their deeds.3,5
1. John D. Barry et al., eds., “Lake of Fire,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
2. Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Lake of Fire,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988) 1299.
3. Timothy R. Phillips, “Lake of Fire,” in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, electronic ed., Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), 460.
4. John F. Walvoord, “Revelation,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 983.
5. Bruce Barton et al., Life Application New Testament Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2001), 1267.
Purgatory
Purgatory is a doctrine primarily associated with the Roman Catholic Church, also accepted by Eastern Orthodox and some Anglican believers, which posits a state or place where souls undergo purification after death before entering heaven.1,2,3 This concept is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, though supporters often cite passages from the Apocrypha and certain biblical texts to support their belief.1,4 The doctrine developed over time in the early church, with some early Christian fathers like Clement of Alexandria and Origen teaching ideas that anticipated the later concept of purgatory.1 Catholic theology holds that purgatory serves to cleanse souls of venial sins and purge inclinations toward sin.3 However, this doctrine is contested by many Protestant denominations, who argue that it contradicts the biblical teaching of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice alone.4 The Catholic Church also teaches that the living can aid souls in purgatory through prayers and good works, based on the doctrine of the communion of saints.3
1. Jack Kilcrease, “Purgatory,” in Lexham Survey of Theology, ed. Mark Ward et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018).
2. Garwood P. Anderson, “Purgatory,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary, ed. John D. Barry et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
3. J., “Purgatory,” in Dictionary of Christianity in America (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1990).
4. Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).
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Digging Deeper Naked Bible 440: The Afterlife, Part 1 Aug 28, 2022 |
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Listen to the discussion
| Duration: 55:32 |
Download the transcript The Afterlife with Dr. Justin Bass It’s expected that the Bible would have a good bit to say about the afterlife. But perhaps surprising are the number of different terms it uses to describe the destination of the dead, and the way afterlife ideas develop from the Old Testament to the New Testament. In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Justin Bass introduces us to some of the terminology. What exactly are Sheol, Hades, the Abyss, and Tartarus? Listen in to find out. OUR SPONSOR: LOGOS.COM/NAKEDBIBLE |
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Digging Deeper Naked Bible 441: The Afterlife, Part 2 Sep 3, 2022 |
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Listen to the discussion
| Duration: 52:19 |
Download the transcript The Afterlife with Dr. Justin Bass In this episode of the podcast we continue our conversation with Dr. Justin Bass about the various terms we encounter in the Bible that describe the destination of the dead. If you’ve ever wondered about Gehenna, the Lake of Fire, Paradise, and Abraham’s Bosom, you’ll enjoy today’s episode. OUR SPONSOR: LOGOS.COM/NAKEDBIBLE |
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ANXIOUSLY WATCHING FOR MASHIACH’S RETURN,
SPEEDILY AND IN OUR DAY. MARANA, TA!
