10 Interesting Facts About Hell in the Bible

Hell is one of the most sobering topics in Scripture. It's mentioned many times, often with strong warnings. The Bible uses vivid imagery to describe it, along with words of hope for those who trust in the Lord. Here are ten interesting facts about hell based on what Scripture says.

1. Hell Was Not Originally Made for People

Jesus said hell was “prepared for the devil and his angels” — not for humans.

Matthew 25:41 – “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

This shows that hell was designed as a punishment for rebellion against God, starting with Satan.

2. The Bible Uses Multiple Words for Hell

Different words describe hell depending on the context:

• Sheol (Old Testament): the grave or place of the dead
• Hades (Greek): the unseen world, similar to Sheol
• Gehenna: a place of fiery judgment
• Abyss: the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:1)

These terms help shape our understanding of hell’s layers of meaning — from physical death to eternal separation from God.

3. Hell Is a Place of Fire and Darkness

The Bible describes hell as a place of both fire and outer darkness — a picture of pain, loss, and separation.

Matthew 13:50 – “...and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Matthew 8:12 – “...the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness...”

4. Hell Is Eternal

Hell is described as a place of everlasting punishment.

Matthew 25:46 – “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

The same word “eternal” is used for both heaven and hell, showing the finality and endlessness of both destinations.

5. Jesus Spoke About Hell Often

Jesus talked more about hell than any other person in the Bible. He used it as a warning, urging people to repent.

Mark 9:43 – “...it is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.”

His message was clear: sin has consequences, but there is a way to escape through Him.

6. Hell Is a Place of Separation from God

One of the worst parts of hell is being separated from the presence of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:9 – “They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”

There is no light, no joy, no hope—only isolation.

7. There Is No Escape After Death

Once someone dies, their eternal destination is fixed.

Luke 16:26 – “...between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.”

This is from the story of the rich man and Lazarus. It shows there are no second chances after death.

8. Hell Is a Just Punishment

God is perfectly just. Hell is not cruel but fair judgment for sin.

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

God offers mercy, but those who reject it face justice.

9. Hell Motivates Evangelism

Knowing the reality of hell should move believers to share the gospel.

Jude 1:23 – “...save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear…”

This verse shows that warning others is an act of love.

10. Faith in Jesus Saves Us from Hell

The good news is that no one has to go to hell. God made a way through Jesus.

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus took the punishment for sin on the cross. Trusting Him leads to eternal life—not eternal separation.

Summary Table