The Bible describes hell as a real, eternal place of punishment and separation from God, characterized by fire, darkness, and torment. Jesus spoke about hell more than anyone else in the Bible, describing it as a "fiery furnace" or "eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels," where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 5:22; 13:41-42; 25:41; 8:12). Hell is portrayed as a place of just punishment for sin, where God's wrath is poured out, not simply a natural consequence of bad choices but a penalty deserved by those who reject God (Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:43; 2 Thessalonians 1:9). The term "Gehenna," derived from the Valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem, is used to illustrate hell as a place of eternal fire and destruction. Hell is also described as a place of utter darkness and eternal separation from God's presence (Matthew 25:30; 2 Thessalonians 1:9). The punishment in hell is everlasting, with no relief or end to the suffering (Revelation 14:11; Matthew 25:46). Some passages emphasize the conscious torment of the wicked, where the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever (Revelation 14:10-11; 20:10).
In summary, the Bible portrays hell as a place of eternal punishment, fire, darkness, and separation from God, reserved for the devil, his angels, and those who reject God's salvation. The descriptions are vivid and meant to warn and encourage seeking God's grace to avoid such a fate.
