what is brimstone

Brimstone is an old-fashioned word for sulfur, a chemical element that is often found near hot springs and volcanic fissures on Earths surface. It is a well-known simple mineral substance, crystalline, easily melted, very inflammable, and when burning emits a peculiar suffocating odor. The word "brimstone" is often used in the Bible to refer to sulfur, and it is associated with divine retribution and punishment. The figurative use of the word brimstone to denote punishment and destruction is illustrated by such passages as Deuteronomy 29:23; Job 18:15; Psalms 11:6; Isaiah 30:33; Ezekiel. Nowadays, few people refer to sulfur as brimstone, but the word is still used in the phrase "fire and brimstone" to describe a style of Christian preaching that uses vivid descriptions of judgment and eternal damnation to encourage repentance.