Introduction Many are the terms used in scripture to reference the other-worldly realms. This work is an attempt to define biblically, through systematic study, the definitions of these terms so that the interpreter of scripture may more completely understand the theology indicated by the use of these terms.
Here, NIV translates “depths” of the grave o Again, the underlying Hebrew term is tachti, or “lowest” Again, KJV translates the term “lowest” NASB – “depths” with a footnote “lit lowest” Once again, tachti informs us of the “lowest” or “lower” levels of Sheol, indicating a compartmentalization exists in Sheol Sheol is more harsh for the unrighteous than for the righteous The Righteous in Sheol o Hosea 13:14 (NIV) “I will ransom them from the power of the grave;
Hades is compartmentalized Luke 16 (above) o Lazarus was in a higher place within Hades o The rich man was in a lower place – v23 “he looked up and saw Abraham far away” o There was a great expanse between the two places Hades is more harsh for the unrighteous than for the righteous Unbelievers o Luke 16 (above) The rich man was in agony He asked Lazarus to dip his finger in water to cool his tongue He specifically noted his agony in the flames He asked Lazarus to warn his brothers Believers o 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (NIV) 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death (thantos), is your victory?
Abaddon The term: Abaddon is a Hebrew term, thus is constrained to the Old Testament, except for one occasion when the Hebrew term is referenced in the New Testament.
Paradise The term “Paradise” is a Greek term meaning a royal park or a garden. Luke 23 refers to Paradise prior to Jesus’ resurrection 2 Corinthians 12 and Revelation 2 refer to Paradise after Christ’s resurrection.
The Pit The term Obviously, “The Pit” is rendered in English because two different Hebrew terms are used metaphorically to describe “the pit.” Yet, both are clearly speaking of the same place, and both mean “the pit,” so they are grouped together in this section.
o In Acts 2:27, Peter quotes this Psalm specifically noting in v25 “David said about him” o He also explains his quote a few verses later: Acts 2:31 (NIV) “31 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave , nor did his body see decay.” o Thus, Peter stipulates that David wrote Psalm 16:10 about Jesus Of Jesus, then, it is stated “you will not abandon me to the grave , nor will you let your Holy one see decay” o The abandoning is specifically referencing both the physical and spiritual state of Christ “you will not abandon me to the grave (or to Sheol in Psalms, Hades in Acts)” speaks of the state of the dead spiritual man in Hades/Sheol “nor will you let your Holy One see decay” speaks of the physical state of Christ’s death: his body will not decay in the physical grave, for he was only there three days.
Abraham’s Bosom The Term This term is found only in Luke 16, in Jesus story of Lazarus and the rich man. let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'” The conclusions Abraham’s Bosom is a place for the righteous o V22 notes “the angels carried him to Abraham’s side” Jesus eludes (though does not formally teach nor confirm) to a Jewish tradition whereby angels carry away the righteous upon their deaths and demons carry away the unrighteous upon their deaths.
brimstone ) Deductions o The lake of fire is a place for both angelic and human beings o Revelation 19:20 – The beast (Antichrist) – possibly could be considered angelic and human The false prophet – angelic o Revelation 20:10 Satan, too, is cast into the lake of fire – angelic o Revelation 20:14 “death and Hades” are thrown into the lake – the bodies and the souls of humans o Revelation 21:8 Descriptions of humans o The lake of fire is a place for the unrighteous o Wicked humans, the Beast, the false prophet, Satan o The lake of fire is confirmed as that which proceeds for Hades: it is the final abode of the those remaining in Hades/Sheol: Rev 20:14-15 (NIV)14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire.
Rev 20 notes that Satan is released from the Abyss after one thousand years Rev 11 and 17 note the Antichrist rising from the Abyss Rev 9 notes the releasing of millions of beings from the Abyss General Conclusion The abyss is a temporary holding place for demons who have committed certain acts deemed punishable by God.