Where is hell?

Answer

Various theories on the location of hell have been proposed. A common belief is that hell is situated in the center of the earth. Others suggest that hell exists in outer space within a black hole. In the Old Testament, the term translated as “hell” is Sheol; in the New Testament, it is referred to as Hades (meaning “unseen”) and Gehenna (“the Valley of Hinnom”). Sheol is also interpreted as “pit” and “grave.” Both Sheol and Hades signify a temporary dwelling place for the deceased before judgment (Psalm 9:17;Revelation 1:18). Gehenna, on the other hand, denotes an everlasting punishment for the wicked «And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: », (Mark 9:43).

The concept of hell being beneath us, possibly at the earth’s core, is derived from passages like Luke 10:15: “And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell” (KJV). Additionally, in 1 Samuel 28:13-15, the medium of Endor witnesses the spirit of Samuel “coming up out of the ground.” It is important to note, however, that neither of these passages addresses the physical location of hell. The reference to Capernaum being thrust “down” likely symbolizes their condemnation rather than a literal direction. Similarly, the medium’s encounter with Samuel was merely a vision.

In the King James Version, Ephesians 4:9 states that before Jesus ascended into heaven, “he also descended . . . into the lower parts of the earth.” Some Christians interpret “the lower parts of the earth” as a depiction of hell, where they believe Jesus resided between His death and resurrection. Nevertheless, the New International Version provides a clearer translation: “he also descended to the lower, earthly regions.”This verse simply states that Jesus came to earth. It refers to His incarnation, not His location after death.

The idea that hell is somewhere in outer space, perhaps in a black hole, is based on the understanding that black holes are regions of intense heat and pressure where nothing, not even light, can escape. Interestingly, this concept of hell is depicted in the 1979 Walt Disney film The Black Hole. Towards the end of the movie, all the characters pass through a black hole. On the other side, the villain finds himself in a fiery place of torment, while the other characters experience disembodied bliss. It is intriguing that a Disney movie would portray hell, but it is advisable not to form our theology based on movies!

Another theory suggests that the earth itself will become the “lake of fire” mentioned in Revelation 20:10-15. According to this theory, when the earth is consumed by fire (2 Peter 3:10;Revelation 21:1), God will repurpose that burning sphere as the eternal place of punishment for the wicked. However, this remains mere speculation.

In conclusion, the Bible does not specify the geological (or cosmological) location of hell. Hell is a tangible place of actual torment, but its exact whereabouts are unknown. Hell could have a physical place within this universe, or it might exist in an entirely different “dimension.” Regardless, the precise location of hell is much less significant than the imperative to avoid ending up there.