Hell.

Commenting on the use of the word "hell" in Greek / English translation bibles, which is the bible that is found in most peoples homes. We need to understand that the word "Hell" is a mistranslation.

The word "Hell" is not the place of eternal torment, which has held Christians in bondage for centuries. The teaching of the Church is such that any person, who does not accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, will burn in "Hell" for eternity.

First of all we need to be aware that in the Tanach (Hebrew bible) the Greek / English translation call it the Old Testament, the word "Sheol" means the common grave of mankind. (Oxford dictionary) This Hebrew word appears 65 times in the Masoretic text, developed 500 -950 c.e. In the Catholic Douay Version, 1609 -1610.c.e. The word "hell" has been substituted for the word Sheol 63 times, and once only as pit, and once as death. In the King James Version, 1611 c.e. "Sheol" has been translated as "hell" 31 times, as the grave 31 times, and 3 times as the pit

Regarding the word "Sheol" this word appears often in The Psalms and in the book of Job. It refers to the place where all dead people go. It is represented, as a dark place in which there is no activity. So "Hell" in biblical writings is not a suitable word and needs close investigation.

Collier’s Encyclopedia Britannica, "Sheol" in Old Testament times, referred simply to the "abode of the dead."

The word "Hell" that is used today is not an appropriate translation.

It was Greek teaching on the immortality of the human soul that infiltrated religious thinking. The bible record shows that "Sheol" refers to mankind's common grave. The New Testament writings use the word * "Hades" as well as "Hell" and the Oxford dictionary describes *"Hades" as (Greek Mythology) lower world, abode of departed spirits. This is not an accurate word for common grave.

If one does a serious bible study, seeking out centre page references notes you can see that *"Hades" and "Hell" are inappropriate words. Whenever you see the words "Sheol" *"Hades" or "Hell" think of the common grave.

Some believe such as Jehovah witnesses, that "Hell" is not a place of fiery torment, but spiritual death, and on the Day of Judgment some to be raised to everlasting life, and some to everlasting death. "Gehenna" (Latin) "Valley of Hinnom" (Hebrew) may also be referred to as "Hell." in Greek / English bible translations. "Gehenna in New Testament was a place outside of Jerusalem, which was a smoldering fiery rubbish dump, for the disposal of rubbish and carcasses.

  • The I.V.P. bible dictionary, page 279, under the heading Descent into *Hades, says " Although the doctrine of the descent of Christ into hell is firmly embedded in the early Christian creeds, it first appeared in 4th century A. D. Arian formularies."
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    • * Hades. Greek Mythology. Pluto was the Greek god of the underworld and the dead, Pluto was also known as Hades, and his underground kingdom was also called the "House of Hades."

    Jim Lee.