Hades
Summary
Hades is the Greek term for the realm of the dead, used in the New Testament to translate the Hebrew Sheol, denoting the unseen world where departed spirits await final judgment.
☩Etymology and Classical Usage
The Greek word Hades derives from the privative "a" and "idein" (to see), meaning "unseen" or "that which puts out of sight." In earlier Greek, it referred to Pluto, the god of the underworld, but came to designate the place of the departed rather than a person. In classical writers it denotes Orcus or the infernal regions. The Septuagint translators used Hades to render the Hebrew Sheol, indicating substantial agreement in the ideas conveyed by both terms.
☩Hades in Scripture
Scripture presents Hades as the common receptacle of departed spirits, both righteous and wicked, with a division between states corresponding to one's spiritual condition on earth. The Old Testament speaks of both patriarchs and the ungodly going to Sheol. Jesus used the term in teaching about Capernaum's judgment, the indestructibility of the Church ("the gates of Hades shall not prevail"), and in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, where Hades contains both torment and comfort.
☩Christ's Victory Over Hades
The New Testament proclaims Christ's triumph over Hades. Peter quotes Psalm 16 to show that Christ was "not left in Hades" but was raised from the dead. The risen Christ declares, "I have the keys of death and Hades," signifying His absolute authority over the realm of death. In Revelation's vision of final judgment, Hades gives up its dead and is itself cast into the lake of fire, indicating its temporary and intermediate character.
Related Verses25 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Hades," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Hades," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).