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Hades, Sheol
Definition:
The terms “Hades” (in Greek) and “Sheol” (in Hebrew) are proper names for the “underworld,” meaning an underground dwelling place where people from ancient cultures believed a dead person would go after he had died.
- In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term “Sheol” can be used either as a proper name or as a common noun meaning “underground.”
- In the New Testament, the Greek term “Hades” is described as a place for dead people who have rejected Jesus. The New Testament describes people as “going down” to Hades.
Translation Suggestions
- The Old Testament term “Sheol” can be translated in various ways, depending on the context. Some possibilities include: “place of the dead;” “place for dead spirits;” “the pit;” or “death.”
- The New Testament term “Hades” can also be translated in various ways, depending on the context. Some possibilities include: “place for unbelieving dead souls;” “place of torment for the dead;” or “place for the souls of unbelieving dead people.”
- Some translations keep the proper names “Sheol” and “Hades,” spelling them to fit the sound patterns of the language of translation. (See: How to Translate Unknowns).
- A phrase could also be added to each term to explain it, examples of doing this are, “Sheol, place where dead people are” and “Hades, place of death.”
(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Unknowns)
(See also: death, heaven, hell, tomb)
Bible References:
Word Data:
- Strong’s: H7585, G86