Hades and Hell (The differences)

When the body dies, where does the soul go before Judgment Day? Hades (Sheol)> In Hebrew, Sheol is Hades (Abraham’s Bosom).

When Jesus Christ overcame death at Calvary, where did he go?

Jesus Christ descended into Hades (Sheol).‍ ‍

Christ did not stay in Hades or Sheol (he rose on the third day).‍ ‍

Note: Can you imagine God in Hades for those who loved him and believed in him through faith alone? Amen and amen.

HADES (SHEOL)

What is Hades and what is Hell? Key Bible verses mentioning Hades and Hell include:

  • Matthew 16:18: "...the gates of Hades will not overcome [the church]." (Refers to the power of death).

  • Matthew 11:23 (and Luke 10:15): "...will you be brought down to Hades?" (Spoken to Capernaum, indicating a low state or destruction).

  • Luke 16:23: "In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up..." (The story of the rich man and Lazarus and that we are conscious in Hades. The chambers of Hades is either torment or a place of rest, we know this because Lazarus looked up.)

  • Acts 2:27- 31: "Because you will not abandon me to Hades..." (Peter quoting David regarding Christ's resurrection).

  • Revelation 1:18: "...I hold the keys of death and Hades." (Jesus holds authority over the grave).

  • Revelation 6:8: "...and Hell/Hades was following close behind him.".

  • Revelation 20:13-14: "Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire." (The destruction of Hades). 

Key Concepts of Hades in Scripture:

  • Temporary State: Hades is a temporary place for souls before the resurrection and final judgment. We know that the soul does not die and truly, Christ holds the keys to both life and death, and that also includes Hades.

  • Two Compartments: In Luke 16, it is described as having a place of torment and a place of comfort ("Abraham's bosom").

  • Associated with Death: It is frequently paired with "death" as the destination for all who die physically.

  • Not the Final Hell: Hades is distinct from the "Lake of Fire" or "Gehenna," which is the final destination for the wicked. 

HELL

  • Matthew 25:41: "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels'".

  • Mark 9:43: Jesus speaks of hell as a place "where the fire never goes out".

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:9: "These will pay the penalty of eternal ruin, separated from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power".

  • Matthew 10:28: Jesus warns to fear the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

  • Revelation 21:8: Describes the "lake of burning sulfur" as the second death for the cowardly, unbelieving, and sinful.

  • Matthew 13:42: "And throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth".

  • Jude 1:7: Describes the punishment of eternal fire for those who have turned from God.

  • Psalm 9:17: "The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God".

  • Luke 16:23: In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man is in torment in Hades