25 Nov What Hell Looks Like According To The Bible

No one enjoys the topic of hell. Although it is something we do not enjoy discussing, it is important to develop a Biblical understanding of the topic that allows us to separate truth from fiction. Additionally, an understanding of what hell is like encourages Christians to share their faith with greater fervency. While there are certainly many fictional portrayals of hell, how closely do they align with the description found in the Bible? 

What does the Bible say that hell looks like? The Bible contains several strong descriptors providing us with insight into what hell looks like. We learn that hell is full of darkness, weeping, torment, and anguish. Hell is also the place of everlasting fire. We know that hell is a physical location within the center of the world. Far worse than the physical torment of hell is the spiritual torment caused by the lack of anything holy.

Hell is certainly an awful place. As portrayed in books, movies, and media of all kinds, hell is a dark, fiery pit full of torment. But, what else does the Bible say about hell? Is hell hot or cold? In this post, we will answer these questions and more, providing you with everything you need to know on this most important topic.

What the Bible Says Hell Looks Like

Much of what hell looks like remains a mystery, simply because there are no human words to adequately describe them. However, the Bible does share several key facts about hell that are important to share with our unbelieving friends, family members, and strangers. 

What Is Hell Like?

While we all certainly hope to never witness the reality of hell for ourselves, understanding what hell is like enables us to more fervently share our faith with the people around us. The Bible provides us with great insight into what hell is like. Most importantly, hell is eternal separation from God. This is the worst form of punishment anyone could endure. 

Overwhelming Darkness

However, we are also told of many other physical descriptions of what hell looks like. We know that hell is full of darkness. We read of the darkness of hell in many passages including:

• Job 10:21-22
• Nahum 1:8
• Matthew 8:12
• Job 17:13
• Matthew 22:13
• Jude 1:13
• Revelation 16:10
• Job 15:23
• Matthew 25:30
• John 12:46

The darkness of hell is all-encompassing and described as the “realm of darkness” on many occasions. 

Everlasting Fire

Another aspect of hell of which we are often told is the everlasting fire. Revelation 21:8 says, “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

We hear hell described in this way in many passages including:

• Matthew 13:42
• Isaiah 66:24
• Matthew 13:50
• Mark 9:43
• Matthew 5:22
• Matthew 18:8-9
• Revelation 14:10
• John 4:13-14
• Matthew 25:41
• Mark 9:48

The fires of hell are unquenchable and everlasting. Since there is no water in hell, these fires will last for all of eternity. 

Incessant Gnashing of Teeth

There are not many sounds worse than grinding teeth. The very sound is enough to drive a person crazy! In the Bible, we learn that hell will be full of weeping and gnashing of teeth, sounds that act as eternal torment.

Matthew 13:49-50 says, “So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

We learn of this aspect of hell in many verses including the following: 

• Matthew 13:41-43
• Matthew 8:12
• Luke 13:28
• Matthew 13:50
• Matthew 22:13
• Isaiah 53:4-5
• Matthew 24:51
• Matthew 25:30

Although we do not have a clear picture of what hell will look like, the Bible has provided us with plenty of details regarding the horrors of this eternal separation from God. Fortunately, through God’s gift of salvation, we are all provided with a way to avoid hell, instead spending eternity with our Heavenly Father.

Is Hell a Real Place?

There are nearly 50 verses throughout the Bible that share in-depth information about the reality of hell and its location in the depths of the earth. Some of the primary Bible verses that cover the topic of hell include the following:

• Numbers 16:32-33
• Ezekiel 26:20
• Psalm 139:25
• Isaiah 14:9
• Matthew 12:40
• 1 Samuel 28:14-15
• Ephesians 4:9
• Psalm 139:15
• Ezekiel 31:14-16
• Ezekiel 32:18

Although hell is indeed a real, physical location, you would not be able to locate it if you were able to dig to the center of the earth. This is because the spirits and demons found in hell exist only in the spiritual dimension.

What Temperature is Hell?

Many people also wonder about the temperature of hell. Many scholarly debates are surrounding this topic, however, the Bible provides us with valuable insight into hell’s temperature. With so many Bible verses mentioning everlasting fire and brimstone with no relief, it is safe to assume that the temperature of hell is quite hot.

Biblical Mentions of Hell

While we could speculate on this topic all day, the best way to understand what hell is actually like is to study what the Bible says on the topic. There are over 160 Biblical mentions of hell found throughout both the Old and New Testament.

Here are some of the most common Bible verses on the topic of hell:

• 2 Thessalonians 1:9
• Matthew 25:41
• Acts 2:27
• Matthew 13:42
• 2 Peter 2:4
• Mark 9:43
• Matthew 25:46
• Revelation 20:10
• Revelation 21:8
• Psalm 9:17
• Revelation 20:14-15
• Matthew 13:50

As with everything else, it is important to conduct your own Biblical research to establish truth on important topics such as life after death.

Does Everyone Go to Hell?

Romans 6:23 reads, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

We are sinful creatures, apart from God’s grace, we all deserve eternal damnation in hell. Fortunately, through God’s gift of salvation, we are given the gift of eternity in heaven, worshipping Jesus forever. However, we must make the decision to receive this gift, admitting our need for a Savior, asking for forgiveness of our sins, and committing our lives to follow His will. 

So, if God is a loving God, how can He let anyone go to hell? The answer is really quite simple. While God is a perfectly loving God, He is also perfectly just. He can not let anything less than perfection enter His presence. Apart from Salvation, we are far from perfect, sinful, and deserving of punishment.

While some people view hell as undeserved punishment, we understand that we are flawed beings, deserving of punishment apart from the grace of God. It is easy to accept this fate when discussing people who are blatantly sinful. No one would agree that a serial killer deserves to go to heaven. 

However, it is much more challenging to accept the reality of hell when a “good person” is the subject of the discussion. Without salvation, even people with the best of intentions are sinful and deserving of eternal punishment.

In Conclusion

Most of us do our best to avoid thoughts and conversations of death, and what happens after we die. However, as Christians, it is important to educate ourselves on these topics. In doing so, we are able to more fervently share the news of the Gospel with our unbelieving friends and family members. 

While we are not given a complete picture of what hell looks like, the Bible provides us with many important descriptors. Some of the Biblical descriptions of hell’s atmosphere include darkness, weeping, gnashing of teeth, everlasting fire, and more. We also know that there is no water in hell. From these descriptions, we can assume that hell is incredibly hot. There is no relief from discomfort or agony.

Fortunately, we are granted salvation and an eternity in heaven. By accepting Jesus into our hearts, admitting our need for a Saviour, and dedicating our lives to His service, we will not be sent to hell for all of eternity, but to heaven. Are you interested in learning more about hell or accepting the gift of salvation? Contact the Liberty Justice HQ team today!

Related Questions

Do all sins send you to hell? It is easy to understand that serious offenses such as murder, rape, or violence are deserving of hell. But what about small, seemingly innocent sins? Unfortunately, sin of any type disqualifies us from perfection. Because of this, we all deserve to spend eternity in hell. However, God offers us His gift of salvation and forgives us of our sins – past, present, and future.

Where can you learn more about hell? The best place to go for information on hell is most certainly the Bible. However, there are a variety of other resources from trusted theologians, scholars, and pastors including podcasts, books, and CDs. Some of the most popular books on hell include Hell on Trial: A Case for Eternal Punishment, 23 Minutes in Hell, and The Screwtape Letters. 

Does every religion believe in hell? Not every religion believes in hell. However, most religions have a similar concept or belief regarding the afterlife. As Christians, we know that the Bible contains the one truth on the topic of hell. However, understanding the views of other religions can equip us to educate others on how Biblical truth differs from their flawed beliefs.