What is the Old Testament position on hell? What does the Old Testament say about hell?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament does not directly mention "hell" in the way it is often understood in Christian theology, but it does address concepts of judgment, the afterlife, and the consequences of sin. For example, the most common term in the Old Testament related to the afterlife is Sheol, which is often translated as "the grave" or "the pit." It refers to the place of the dead, where both the righteous and the wicked go, though it is depicted more as a shadowy, undefined realm rather than a place of punishment or torment (Psalm 16:10; Ecclesiastes 9:10).
• Job, likely the earliest book written in the Bible, reveals that people in the Old Testament believed in an afterlife. Job 19:25–27 states that Job knew he would see his Redeemer after death. Although the Old Testament contains little detail about the afterlife, it does not mean that the afterlife is not real. Yes, the Old Testament mainly focuses on living righteously in the present life, with God's justice mostly reflected in earthly consequences (Deuteronomy 28:1–68; Proverbs 3:33). But some later writings hint at resurrection and divine judgment (Daniel 12:2; Isaiah 26:19), concepts that are later developed in the New Testament.
• The Old Testament also emphasizes God's judgment on sin, with consequences that include destruction, exile, or death. While these consequences are not described as eternal torment, they are serious and reflect God's anger at sin (Isaiah 66:24; Jeremiah 7:32; Ezekiel 32:18–32).
• Some Old Testament passages use imagery of fire to describe judgment, such as the destruction of the wicked or the final purification (Malachi 4:1; Isaiah 66:24). These references often symbolize intense judgment, and lead to the description of hell in the New Testament as an eternal place of judgment.
• While the Old Testament doesn’t provide a fully developed concept of hell, there are references to the fate of the wicked that imply suffering or separation from God. For instance, Psalm 9:17 says, "The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God," which suggests a negative end for the wicked.

from the new testament

• The New Testament builds upon the Old Testament's themes of judgment and punishment, clarifying that hell is an eternal place for the wicked, where there is torment and separation from God, reflecting God's justice in the final judgment (Matthew 10:28; Revelation 20:14–15).
• The New Testament describes hell as a place of eternal punishment and separation from God, characterized by suffering and torment. Hell is often referred to as a place with "unquenchable fire" (Mark 9:43–48), symbolizing eternal judgment that cannot be escaped.
• In passages like Matthew 8:12, Jesus speaks of a place where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth," describing it as a realm of outer darkness, signifying separation from God’s presence and the sorrow of eternal regret.
• In Matthew 25:46, Jesus contrasts eternal life with "eternal punishment.”
• Revelation 20:14–15 describes the "lake of fire" as the final destination for death, Hades, and those not found in the book of life, symbolizing total and eternal separation from God.
• In Luke 16:19–31, the rich man in hell experiences intense torment and suffering, emphasizing the agony of being cut off from God’s grace.
• Despite the promise of hell, God also makes clear that Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and that although we were “children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3), or deserving of judgment because of our sin, God is patient and wants all to repent and find salvation in Him (2 Peter 3:8–13).

implications for today

While the Old Testament does not go into as much detail about hell as the New Testament, it still reveals the judgment of the wicked and the truth of God’s judgment on sin. The information found on the afterlife in the Old Testament does not contradict what is recorded in the New Testament, even if it is less detailed. In light of the Old Testament’s focus on God’s justice and the consequences of sin, it is essential for us to reflect on how we live today in the light of divine judgment. While the Old Testament doesn't fully describe hell as a place of eternal torment, its depiction of God’s justice—through exile, destruction, and death—emphasizes the seriousness of sin and disobedience. For example, when we consider how our actions have consequences, both in this life and potentially in eternity, we are reminded to live with integrity and align our lives with God’s will. Just as Israel faced consequences for their rebellion (Isaiah 66:24), we must acknowledge the importance of repentance and trusting in God’s mercy, rather than persisting in sin. Because of God’s holiness and righteousness, sin necessitates judgment. God would not be just if He allowed sin and the destruction it brings to go unpunished. At the same time, because of God’s holiness and love, He provides the way of escape. When we are aware of our sin and recognize the salvation God provided for us, we respond to that truth. The Holy Spirit illuminates our eyes and lives. We receive the forgiveness of sins that only comes from surrendering to God by believing in Jesus’s death and resurrection, which took away the punishment for our sins for all who would believe. Those who have done this recognize that His judgment was taken upon Jesus Himself. We no longer fear God’s eternal judgment but rather live lives that honor Him. We surrender to God’s transformative work in our lives, turning away from sin and selfish behaviors, living humbly toward God, and committing to justice and righteousness, both in our personal choices and in our relationships with others. Hell is a reality, but it is one that can be avoided.