Hell: What did Jesus really mean?

Hell in the Sermon on the Mount: What Did Jesus Really Mean?

When Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, He used striking imagery to drive home profound truths. One such term He used was "Gehenna," which has been translated in many English versions of the Bible as "hell." For many evangelical Christians, this translation has led to the understanding of hell as an eternal place of torment filled with fire experienced in the afterlife. However, a closer examination of the context and origins of "Gehenna" reveals a much richer and more nuanced meaning.

What is Gehenna?

Gehenna, derived from the Hebrew phrase "Valley of Hinnom," refers to a real, physical location outside the walls of Jerusalem. Historically, this valley held dark associations in the Old Testament as a place where child sacrifices were made to the pagan god Molech (2 Kings 23:10, Jeremiah 7:31, 19:2-6, 32:35). Later, it became a refuse dump where fires constantly burned to consume trash and remains, further cementing its grim reputation.

The Valley of Hinnom is mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament. In 2 Kings 23:10, King Josiah desecrated this site to put an end to the horrific practices of child sacrifice. Jeremiah frequently refers to the valley as a symbol of impending judgment for the people of Judah due to their idolatry and disobedience (Jeremiah 7:31, 19:2-6, 32:35). Additionally, in Ezra 2:25 and Nehemiah 11:30, the location is listed among the boundaries of settlements, highlighting its continued recognition as a geographical landmark.

By the time of Jesus, Gehenna had also taken on a metaphorical meaning, symbolizing divine judgment. This dual significance—a real place and a powerful symbol—was understood by Jesus' Jewish audience, who would have been familiar with its historical and cultural connotations.

Gehenna in the Sermon on the Mount

In Matthew 5:22, Jesus warns, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment... And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell (Gehenna).” Here, Jesus is not merely condemning anger but is calling attention to the deeper heart issues that lead to destructive actions. By referencing Gehenna, He invokes the imagery of a place associated with both physical destruction and divine judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of unchecked anger and contempt.

Jesus uses Gehenna throughout His teachings as a vivid metaphor for the consequences of living outside of God’s will. For example:

• Matthew 10:28: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).”
• Matthew 23:33: “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell (Gehenna)?”

Understanding Jesus' Use of Gehenna

To understand Jesus’ use of Gehenna, it is essential to consider the cultural and historical context. For His first-century Jewish audience, Gehenna was a tangible symbol of judgment rooted in their scriptures and collective memory. By using this term, Jesus connects His warnings to a familiar and evocative image, urging His listeners to live righteously and reconcile with others.

It is also worth noting that while Gehenna is often translated as "hell" in English Bibles, it does not carry the same connotations as the modern evangelical concept of an eternal place of fiery torment experienced by humans in the afterlife. Instead, it symbolizes the severe consequences of sin—both temporal and eternal—and serves as a call to repentance and transformation.

Old Testament References to the Valley of Hinnom

For further study, here are the key Old Testament passages that mention the Valley of Hinnom:

2 Kings 23:10: King Josiah desecrates the valley to end child sacrifice.

Jeremiah 7:31: Condemnation of child sacrifices in the valley.

Jeremiah 19:2-6: Prophecy of judgment associated with the valley.

Jeremiah 32:35: Further references to the detestable practices in the valley.

Ezra 2:25: Mention of Hinnom as a boundary of settlements.

Nehemiah 11:30: Geographical reference to the valley’s location.

By understanding the historical and biblical context of Gehenna, we can better appreciate the depth of Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Far from being a simplistic reference to eternal torment, His use of Gehenna invites us to examine our hearts, reconcile with others, and live in alignment with God’s will.

For those seeking deeper understanding, exploring the Old Testament passages about the Valley of Hinnom offers valuable insights into the layers of meaning behind Jesus’ words.

Mike and I briefly discuss this topic in our episode called "Does Anger Lead to Hell?" on the Destiny Awaits Podcast. Click the links below to join our conversation.