Hell

Lore & Background

Hell is portrayed as a place of fiery judgment, kindled by God's anger, burning to the lowest depths and consuming the earth (Deuteronomy 32:22). It is a destination for the wicked, who are turned into hell (Psalms 9:17), and for those who go down quickly into it (Psalms 55:15). Hell is also depicted as a place of gathering for the dead, including kings and nations. It is stirred up to meet the coming of the proud (Isaiah 14:9), and the strong among the mighty speak from within it (Ezekiel 32:21). It is a place of descent, where the uncircumcised and slain lie (Ezekiel 31:17; Ezekiel 32:21). Hell and destruction are before the Lord (Proverbs 15:11), and they are never full (Proverbs 27:20).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray hell as a real, tangible place of punishment and death. It is consistently associated with fire (Deuteronomy 32:22), sorrow (Psalms 18:5), and the grave (Psalms 16:10). The wicked are destined for it (Psalms 9:17), and it is a place of no return for those who descend (Isaiah 14:15). Hell is also personified as a hungry entity that enlarges itself (Isaiah 5:14) and as a place of assembly for the dead (Isaiah 14:9). The passages do not describe hell as a place of eternal conscious torment in explicit terms, but rather as a realm of death, destruction, and divine judgment, from which the righteous may be spared (Proverbs 23:14).

Did You Know?

• Hell is described as having 'sorrows' that compass the speaker (Psalms 18:5).
• God's anger kindles a fire that burns to the lowest hell (Deuteronomy 32:22).
• Hell is said to be 'naked' before God (Job 26:6).
• Hell is personified as enlarging herself and opening her mouth without measure (Isaiah 5:14).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Hell is the wrath of God — His hate of sin." — Hell "Now BURN ! You will BURN ! You will BURN ! burn in Hell yeah you'll burn, burn in Hell ! you'll burn, burn in Hell yeah you'll burn, burn in Hell ....... for your sins..................!!" — Hell "Let heaven exist, though my own place may be in hell. Let me be tortured and battered and annihilated, but let there be one instant, one creature, wherein thy enormous Library may find its justification." — Hell "The heart of man is the place the devil dwells in; I feel sometimes a hell dwells within myself." — Hell