Did Jesus go to hell between his death and resurrection?

[Randy]

Good scriptures and response.

God indeed destroyed man, as well as the giants who the the offspring of the sons of God and the daughters of men.

Notice in verse 4 -

There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

The children of the sons of God were giants.

The sons of God took wives and produced giants after the flood.

All died in the flood except Noah and his household.

So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood. Genesis 7:7


The sons of God continued after the flood to produce giant offspring, when they would come into the daughters of men, and they would bare children to them.

The sons of God were not human, for all flesh perished in the flood.

The new Testament writers refer to theses as angels.

The Old Testament refers to the sons of God as angels.

The spirits in Tartarus were in fact the angels who rebelled in the days of Noah and are referred to as the sons of God.


JLB

It is my understanding that Jesus (alive by the Spirit) preached to the mankind that died (spirits in prison) in the flood to redeem them. Whether or not angels took women in ancient times and produced a race of giants.

1peter 4:6
For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

 

[stovebolts]

Good scriptures and response.

God indeed destroyed man, as well as the giants who the the offspring of the sons of God and the daughters of men.

Notice in verse 4 -

There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

The children of the sons of God were giants.

The sons of God took wives and produced giants after the flood.

All died in the flood except Noah and his household.

So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood. Genesis 7:7


The sons of God continued after the flood to produce giant offspring, when they would come into the daughters of men, and they would bare children to them.

The sons of God were not human, for all flesh perished in the flood.

The new Testament writers refer to theses as angels.

The Old Testament refers to the sons of God as angels.

The spirits in Tartarus were in fact the angels who rebelled in the days of Noah and are referred to as the sons of God.


JLB

So the offspring are Nephelim right?

Yes or No.
Are there modern day Nephilim?

If yes, how would you identify them?

How would you treat them?

 

[for_his_glory]

Sure, if you show me where Jesus is now only spirit. You can't and I can't, but as Matt 27:52 shows, God is clearly capable of recreating physical bodies. And as the resurrection of Jesus shows, it is very likely that we will have glorified physical bodies as Jesus does. We simply have no reason to believe otherwise.

1Co 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
1Co 15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
1Co 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
1Co 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

There is natural human form, which we are right now that pertains to human nature and then there is Spiritual human form that is dominated by Gods Spirit. We will be transformed into that of the Spiritual human form, which now is the form of Christ in all His glory. Again this takes us back to 1 John 3:2 that no one knows what we will look like, but we will be like Christ.

 

[for_his_glory]

@for_his_glory

How did those of Matthew 27:52 come to be seen by many?

Again how did the disciples see Christ for the forty days?

How shall all the world see a spiritual Jesus without a body.

How did John see Jesus’ angel?

I think what we are forgetting is that we will not be raised to the third Heaven where God and the holy angels (and creatures) and spirits of just men dwell. It is called “The heaven of heavens,” (Deuteronomy 10:14; 1 Kings 8:27; Psalms 115:16; 148:4). (1Kings 8:27) - “The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you.” John 4:24 says God is a Spirit. Spirit does not have form, but God can take on many forms for us to see and hear Him speak to us. The third heaven is beyond the space and stars. Where no man has seen by telescope. This heaven is the dwelling-place of God.

In Rev 21 we read about the new heaven (atmosphere) and the new Earth that will be ushered down after we are taken up to meet Jesus in the air. Our destination is not heaven, but that of Jesus holding us in the air with Him until He makes final the end of all abominations here on this earth as at that time the new Heaven, new earth and new Jerusalem will be ushered down. Everything will happen in the twinkling of an eye as then we will be with the Lord forever on the new earth as Jesus reigns from His throne (not a literal throne) in the new Jerusalem.

 

[JLB]

Stovebolts said -

So the offspring are Nephelim right?

Yes or No.

The offspring of the sons of God and the daughters of men were giants [Nephilim].

There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.Genesis 6:4


JLB

 

[jasoncran]

I gave up on trying to show them the problems with the idea of the nephilum like that. if they believe that then it comes do this belief that they will raise again.

for in the days of noe shall the days of the son of man be likened...

 

[Randy]

So the offspring are Nephelim right?

Yes or No.
Are there modern day Nephilim?

If yes, how would you identify them?

How would you treat them?

NBA

Randy

 

[jasoncran]

NBA

Randy

lol.

 

[JLB]

So the offspring are Nephelim right?

Yes or No.
Are there modern day Nephilim?

If yes, how would you identify them?

How would you treat them?

I answered your post in # 65.

Now maybe you could answer mine.

Were the sons of God part of Noah family, and did they exist after the flood?


JLB

 

[Eugene]

Hi Eugene,
That's a good start. Hades was the brother of Zeus and his abode was the underworld which was separated into two sections. Section one is where the majority went when they passed into the afterlife while the deepest depths (Tartarus) where reserved for the most vile and evil offenders for judgment. Have you read any of the stories of Hades? I assure you, Paul and Jesus were familiar with them. Here is an observation. I see both Jesus Paul and even Peter affirming Hades and Tartarus by their simple reference to it within scripture.

As a side note, I don't think Luke was a Gentile... I think he was a Hellenistic Jew but that's neither here nor there for the purposes below.. That being said, I do see similarities between Abraham's Bosom and the realm of Hades and the parallel between Lazarus and the Rich man can be easily juxtaposed against the realm of Hades and Tartarus in many, many ways including what types of people went to which section. Study Hades and Tartarus and you'll start to see the correlation as they share many of the same elements. Is it any wonder then that we don't see Jesus, Paul or Peter stating a case against Hades and Tartarus, but rather, they affirm it. Does this mean we buy into all the greek mythology surrounding it? No, I don't think so. But we can glean from it's many elements.

Gehenna throws a twist into all of this and actually helps to put some reality on the subject both from a physical reality since the location actually exists which can still be viewed today by onlookers and from a practical reality since Israel committed much evil in that location which ended in the promises of God in the form or exile from the Land as recorded within the biblical texts. We could write much on this matter including reconciliation through repentance and Lord willing, we may very well get there.

Grace and Peace.

StoveBolts Hi brother, I haven’t forgotten this, but am going over the different pseudonyms assigned by different groups as to the location of those in the afterlife. To me the parable of Abraham’s bosom and Lazarus pretty much defined my thinking; Abraham’s bosom being the place of the righteous being comforted until Christ arose, and the rich man being in hell in torment. As to Greek mythology, their gods, and their thoughts of the afterlife, was there in your opinion a reason for us to use their thinking in our definitions?

Knowing the judgment is not yet come, and we read of lowest hell in Deut 32:22, and other references of hell; is that not the word we want to use? Sheol in Hebrew, and the New Testament does use the word Hades, and the grave. Regardless, prior to Jesus’ death was there a place for the righteous versus the unrighteous?

Despite all that is said we read in Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Are these not the rich man and his kind? Just to confirm what I think of Lazarus, I believe him to now be in the paradise that is in heaven, Thanks.

Ps – I briefly looked into the word Gehenna, a word also used by Islam to refer to a place of torment. Reading in Wikipedia did not give a great deal of information on it as to comparing it to Tartarus, hell, or all the other words used as the place of torment.

Peace to you also in Jesus' name.

 

[stovebolts]

I answered your post in # 65.

Now maybe you could answer mine.

Were the sons of God part of Noah family, and did they exist after the flood?


JLB

You didn't fully answer my question.
Here's the deal. You believe that these "Giants" still roam the earth today. You believe that you can spot these "Nephelim" because they are "Big" and will have six digits either on their toes or hands. Since in your view (and others) these monsters who are destine to hell still roam the earth, every "Big" person is subject to being a Nephilem because you can't tell if they have six toes or not because most people wear shoes. As such, you have to look at every big person as suspect and guard yourself against them. Talk about judging a book by it's cover! Sorry buddy, that's your burdon and from my perspective, that's a pretty sick way to look at somebody who was made in the image of God.

As far as your question: Were the sons of God part of Noah family, and did they exist after the flood?, I've answered that many times on this forum. You're not going to change my mind, and I'm not going to change yours so it's pretty much a mute point. What does matter, is how we treat one another, so the point I want to make is that when you see a big person, it's a shame you have to look at them as suspect. It's a shame you have to question if they are really human at all... and it's sick you want to teach others to think the way you think.

 

[JLB]

You didn't fully answer my question.
Here's the deal. You believe that these "Giants" still roam the earth today. You believe that you can spot these "Nephelim" because they are "Big" and will have six digits either on their toes or hands. Since in your view (and others) these monsters who are destine to hell still roam the earth, every "Big" person is subject to being a Nephilem because you can't tell if they have six toes or not because most people wear shoes. As such, you have to look at every big person as suspect and guard yourself against them. Talk about judging a book by it's cover! Sorry buddy, that's your burdon and from my perspective, that's a pretty sick way to look at somebody who was made in the image of God.

As far as your question: Were the sons of God part of Noah family, and did they exist after the flood?, I've answered that many times on this forum. You're not going to change my mind, and I'm not going to change yours so it's pretty much a mute point. What does matter, is how we treat one another, so the point I want to make is that when you see a big person, it's a shame you have to look at them as suspect. It's a shame you have to question if they are really human at all... and it's sick you want to teach others to think the way you think.

I understood you loud and clear.

You were very derogatory and arrogant.

Now please answer the question.

We're the sons of God part of Noah's family and did they exist after the flood?

JLB

 

[stovebolts]

I understood you loud and clear.

You were very derogatory and arrogant.

Now please answer the question.

We're the sons of God part of Noah's family and did they exist after the flood?

JLB

You're kinda slow arent you? I'm not going to waste my time discussing our scriptural differences because our point of exegesis is radically different. What I will discuss is how your view gets lived out in today's world.

When we judge somebody by the color of their skin, height, weight or by how many fingers or toes they have, we call that being prejudice. Sorry, you'll never get me to go there...

 

[stovebolts]

StoveBolts Hi brother, I haven’t forgotten this, but am going over the different pseudonyms assigned by different groups as to the location of those in the afterlife. To me the parable of Abraham’s bosom and Lazarus pretty much defined my thinking; Abraham’s bosom being the place of the righteous being comforted until Christ arose, and the rich man being in hell in torment. As to Greek mythology, their gods, and their thoughts of the afterlife, was there in your opinion a reason for us to use their thinking in our definitions?

Hi Eugene,
Our view of Hell is shaped from whence the word Hell is derived and the word Hell comes directly out of Norse Mythology when the Bible was being translated into English by the Germans and Europeans. Dante's Inferno is heavily influenced by Norse Mythology and that line of thought is prevalent in modern Christianity.

I bring up the Greek Mythology because Paul, Peter and Jesus use their mythological words to describe the afterlife. Hades is a place where everyone goes when they die. It is not a place of punishment. However, in the deepest depth of Hades is a realm for punishment for the vilest of offenders where the flames burn and judgment is rendered. Great mean such as Hercules were able to snatch people from Hades...

In Abraham's bosom, one is comforted. In Jewish thought, a Fathers bosom was how a House was conducted. A house is not a physical dwelling, but rather a spiritual and physical way of life. For example, you have the house of Israel and the House of Judah. Both of these houses fall under the House of Abraham... and the House of Abraham is a house of many nations, tribes and tongues. If Abraham is known for one things, it was his hospitality. Thus, those within the House of Abraham who also showed hospitality where said to be in Abraham's bosom because the bosom is where all emotions emanate and these feelings are realized in the things we do and the way we treat one another. Thus, Lazarus, who suffered much in his life was comforted by Abraham's hospitality, thus was in Abraham's bosom when he died. However, the rich man showed no hospitality toward the poor man and left him in this world to suffer. In Jewish thought, evil results by not leaving the corners of your fields unharvested for the widow, poor or traveler. In other words, sin has to do as much with failing to do the good that you could have done as it is doing something you know you shouldn't be doing. The rich man saw the poor man every day, and failed to show compassion. Failed to show hospitality. Failed to make somebodies life better when it was well within his means. His reward was a cavern that couldn't be bridged in the afterlife. Judgment was rendered. This idea is clearly seen through greek mythology in the terms of Hades and Tartarus and there are just as many Jewish stories (myths) concerning the afterlife as there are greek poets writing about Hades.

One significant point of interest about the translation of Hel. In both Jewish and Greek thought prior to Jesus resurrection, all people went to "Hell" when they died. In Norse mythology, only the evil went to "Hel"

Knowing the judgment is not yet come, and we read of lowest hell in Deut 32:22, and other references of hell; is that not the word we want to use? Sheol in Hebrew, and the New Testament does use the word Hades, and the grave. Regardless, prior to Jesus’ death was there a place for the righteous versus the unrighteous?

The way I understand it, God revealed himself to his people through time. As such, the idea of the afterlife also was revealed through time. The idea of what happened in the grave was seen though Gehenna (A Jewish word). It was a place where Israel waged great wars and many died. It is also a place where Israel sacrificed their children to other gods. It became their waste land.. a garbage pit with a rich history. So it was said by the Sages that all went to Gehenna when they died. This is where the Catholic idea of purgatory comes from as the two thoughts are somewhat similar. Regardless, all went to Gehenna and were purged through fire before going to heaven. The only exception was a good Rabbi who would pass through the fires of Gehenna without corruption and would become the garment for those he pulled out. A garment is a metaphor in Jewish thought as the soul. In summary, the Messiah would pass through Gehenna (Hell) and take them to paradise (Heaven).

So we see that the idea of Sheol, Gehenna, Hades, Tartarus and Abraham's Bosom can all be translated as the Norse word Hell. But we find the Norse word Hell a much more violent word than any of the original words or mythologies prior to it's interpretation. And before you or anyone asks, no, I am not a universalist. Hell is real and it is not God who sends people there, but rather people who choose to go there (Romans 2).

Despite all that is said we read in Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Are these not the rich man and his kind? Just to confirm what I think of Lazarus, I believe him to now be in the paradise that is in heaven, Thanks.

Ps – I briefly looked into the word Gehenna, a word also used by Islam to refer to a place of torment. Reading in Wikipedia did not give a great deal of information on it as to comparing it to Tartarus, hell, or all the other words used as the place of torment.

Peace to you also in Jesus' name.

Funny... Death and Hades are thrown into the Lake of Fire. Hell being thrown into Hell?.... Big problem huh? But yes, the rich man and his kind will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire the way I read it. Lazarus, as well as the thief on the cross are currently in paradise the way I understand.

 

[for_his_glory]

JLB, Randy, SteveBolts, here is something you all might want to study. I'm just putting this out there to maybe help your discussion on the subject of Sons of God and giants.

Anak, meaning long necked, was a descendant of Arba, Joshua 15:13, and father of three sons, Numbers 13:22. (Descendents of Nephilim)

Anakim are descendents of Anak, which are a race of giants, Numbers 13:28-33, and described as being very strong, Deut. 2:10, 11, 21.

They were defeated by Joshua and Caleb, Joshua 10:36-39; 11:21, 22; 14:6-15.

A remnant was left among the Philistines, possibly in Gath, Joshua 11:22; 1 Samuel 17:4-7.

 

[Eugene]

StoveBolts

StoveBolts - However, in the deepest depth of Hades is a realm for punishment for the vilest of offenders where the flames burn and judgment is rendered.

Eugene - Wouldn’t that be every nonbeliever?

StoveBolts - In Jewish thought, evil results by not leaving the corners of your fields unharvested for the widow, poor or traveler. In other words, sin has to do as much with failing to do the good that you could have done as it is doing something you know you shouldn't be doing.

Eugene - I like the thought you bring forth here as to hospitability, but are you suggesting works were the basis of comfort versus suffering? Even Abraham believed and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; the requirement of all belonging to God, and I know you’re aware of this, but I add it for the benefit of others that may not know what we’re discussing.

StoveBolts - The way I understand it, God revealed himself to his people through time. As such, the idea of the afterlife also was revealed through time. The idea of what happened in the grave was seen though Gehenna (A Jewish word).

Eugene - Yeah, I have read a bit on Gehenna and though revealed in their thinking as you say did not qualify it to be correct, or am I wrong? God revealing Himself to his people is certainly relevant as we read Joh 4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

StoveBolts - So we see that the idea of Sheol, Gehenna, Hades, Tartarus and Abraham's Bosom can all be translated as the Norse word Hell. But we find the Norse word Hell a much more violent word than any of the original words or mythologies prior to it's interpretation. And before you or anyone asks, no, I am not a universalist. Hell is real and it is not God who sends people there, but rather people who choose to go there (Romans 2).

Eugene - To bring this into New Testament phraseology are we missing something referring to hell as a place of punishment for nonbelievers such as the rich man of Luke 16:23, Abraham’s bosom the place of comfort for believers according to Luke 16:25-26 (until Jesus rose), and this place of comfort is also the paradise Jesus took the thief on the cross Luk 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise before He arose knowing that we read in Eph 4:9 Now that he (Jesus) ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? (To Abraham’s bosom).

Now we read of the Apostle Paul speaking of paradise now being in heaven after Jesus made open the gates as it were. 2 Co 12:4 How that he (Paul) was caught up into paradise. No longer was it in the lower parts of the earth. Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.
OK, let me have it.

 

[stovebolts]

JLB, Randy, SteveBolts, here is something you all might want to study. I'm just putting this out there to maybe help your discussion on the subject of Sons of God and giants.

Anak, meaning long necked, was a descendant of Arba, Joshua 15:13, and father of three sons, Numbers 13:22. (Descendents of Nephilim)

Anakim are descendents of Anak, which are a race of giants, Numbers 13:28-33, and described as being very strong, Deut. 2:10, 11, 21.

They were defeated by Joshua and Caleb, Joshua 10:36-39; 11:21, 22; 14:6-15.

A remnant was left among the Philistines, possibly in Gath, Joshua 11:22; 1 Samuel 17:4-7.

Thank you, and yes... I am aware of those verses and I have addressed them in other threads.

For me, it really comes down to this. How we live and view each other will be the result of how we understand and live out scripture in our own lives. Being prejudice against somebody because of their race, weight, height or any type of disability, disease or quirk is just wrong... and others would like to justify that behavior.

 

[JLB]

You're kinda slow arent you? I'm not going to waste my time discussing our scriptural differences because our point of exegesis is radically different. What I will discuss is how your view gets lived out in today's world.

When we judge somebody by the color of their skin, height, weight or by how many fingers or toes they have, we call that being prejudice. Sorry, you'll never get me to go there...

That's a smart move, after your childish arrogant remark.

Hopefully you see now that the sons of God are angels, and are not human.

This makes the second time you have insulted me, and then seen your error in your understanding of scripture.

JLB

 

[stovebolts]

StoveBolts - However, in the deepest depth of Hades is a realm for punishment for the vilest of offenders where the flames burn and judgment is rendered.
Eugene - Wouldn’t that be every nonbeliever?

Within the Biblical texts, we see a great King named Cyrus and is called "Anointed one" aka Messiah in Jewish terms. Isaiah 45:1 Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden. See Ibid 44:28 Cyrus was devoted to Marduk as verified within the Cyrus Scroll (Google it). So to say "wouldn't that be every nonbeliever" really draws the wrong line in the sand between heaven and hell. Cyrus was YHVH's "Annointed" and was one of the greatest peace keepers and restorationist in the Bible as far as Gentiles go even though he paid his highest regard to Marduk. You see, nowhere in the OT do you find the idea of "Non-believers" or rather, "Those who don't believe in YHVH" going to Hell. What you see are people who do evil things being rewarded in the afterlife with suffering and those who do good toward others being rewarded with good things in the afterlife.

StoveBolts - In Jewish thought, evil results by not leaving the corners of your fields unharvested for the widow, poor or traveler. In other words, sin has to do as much with failing to do the good that you could have done as it is doing something you know you shouldn't be doing.

Eugene - I like the thought you bring forth here as to hospitability, but are you suggesting works were the basis of comfort versus suffering? Even Abraham believed and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; the requirement of all belonging to God, and I know you’re aware of this, but I add it for the benefit of others that may not know what we’re discussing.

When one works for a wage, then his reward is now. When one works though faith, then he is doing the work of his Father. As Christians, we are called to good works. But not as a wage, but through faith. Believing isn't good enough because even the demons believe.. and they will perish. Working isn't good enough eaither, because you can't work for faith. Faith is something you live, something you believe, something that can be clearly seen by your actions. You have faith, so you act. One who acts, but has no faith... is working for a wage.

Does one leave the corners of his fields for the orphan, widow and traveler because he has to, or does one leave the corners because he understands the need, and does so out of compassion... the same compassion our Father has. That's faith in action, not a work resulting in a wage the way I understand it.

StoveBolts - So we see that the idea of Sheol, Gehenna, Hades, Tartarus and Abraham's Bosom can all be translated as the Norse word Hell. But we find the Norse word Hell a much more violent word than any of the original words or mythologies prior to it's interpretation. And before you or anyone asks, no, I am not a universalist. Hell is real and it is not God who sends people there, but rather people who choose to go there (Romans 2).

Eugene - To bring this into New Testament phraseology are we missing something referring to hell as a place of punishment for nonbelievers such as the rich man of Luke 16:23, Abraham’s bosom the place of comfort for believers according to Luke 16:25-26 (until Jesus rose), and this place of comfort is also the paradise Jesus took the thief on the cross Luk 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise before He arose knowing that we read in Eph 4:9 Now that he (Jesus) ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? (To Abraham’s bosom).

You say the non-believer... but wouldn't it be assumed this rich man was a Jew? What if he went to "church" and gave his tithe every week? What if he had all the right answers and did all the right rituals? Certainly all the teachers of the Law were believers in YHVH including those before Jesus. Believing isnt' the question. What's in question is living the way God created us to live. Through our faith, do we "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" or do we have a belief with all the right answers, but we walk right by those in need every day without compassion or thought? What "Way" are we living? Are we living the way of Jesus?

Oh, and you have no need to hide behind a couch lol! Your a kind soul, and I appreciate that.

 

[Sinthesis]

Hi Eugene,
Our view of Hell is shaped from whence the word Hell is derived and the word Hell comes directly out of Norse Mythology when the Bible was being translated into English by the Germans and Europeans. Dante's Inferno is heavily influenced by Norse Mythology and that line of thought is prevalent in modern Christianity.

I bring up the Greek Mythology because Paul, Peter and Jesus use their mythological words to describe the afterlife. Hades is a place where everyone goes when they die. It is not a place of punishment. However, in the deepest depth of Hades is a realm for punishment for the vilest of offenders where the flames burn and judgment is rendered. Great mean such as Hercules were able to snatch people from Hades...

In Abraham's bosom, one is comforted. In Jewish thought, a Fathers bosom was how a House was conducted. A house is not a physical dwelling, but rather a spiritual and physical way of life. For example, you have the house of Israel and the House of Judah. Both of these houses fall under the House of Abraham... and the House of Abraham is a house of many nations, tribes and tongues. If Abraham is known for one things, it was his hospitality. Thus, those within the House of Abraham who also showed hospitality where said to be in Abraham's bosom because the bosom is where all emotions emanate and these feelings are realized in the things we do and the way we treat one another. Thus, Lazarus, who suffered much in his life was comforted by Abraham's hospitality, thus was in Abraham's bosom when he died. However, the rich man showed no hospitality toward the poor man and left him in this world to suffer. In Jewish thought, evil results by not leaving the corners of your fields unharvested for the widow, poor or traveler. In other words, sin has to do as much with failing to do the good that you could have done as it is doing something you know you shouldn't be doing. The rich man saw the poor man every day, and failed to show compassion. Failed to show hospitality. Failed to make somebodies life better when it was well within his means. His reward was a cavern that couldn't be bridged in the afterlife. Judgment was rendered. This idea is clearly seen through greek mythology in the terms of Hades and Tartarus and there are just as many Jewish stories (myths) concerning the afterlife as there are greek poets writing about Hades.

One significant point of interest about the translation of Hel. In both Jewish and Greek thought prior to Jesus resurrection, all people went to "Hell" when they died. In Norse mythology, only the evil went to "Hel"



The way I understand it, God revealed himself to his people through time. As such, the idea of the afterlife also was revealed through time. The idea of what happened in the grave was seen though Gehenna (A Jewish word). It was a place where Israel waged great wars and many died. It is also a place where Israel sacrificed their children to other gods. It became their waste land.. a garbage pit with a rich history. So it was said by the Sages that all went to Gehenna when they died. This is where the Catholic idea of purgatory comes from as the two thoughts are somewhat similar. Regardless, all went to Gehenna and were purged through fire before going to heaven. The only exception was a good Rabbi who would pass through the fires of Gehenna without corruption and would become the garment for those he pulled out. A garment is a metaphor in Jewish thought as the soul. In summary, the Messiah would pass through Gehenna (Hell) and take them to paradise (Heaven).

So we see that the idea of Sheol, Gehenna, Hades, Tartarus and Abraham's Bosom can all be translated as the Norse word Hell. But we find the Norse word Hell a much more violent word than any of the original words or mythologies prior to it's interpretation. And before you or anyone asks, no, I am not a universalist. Hell is real and it is not God who sends people there, but rather people who choose to go there (Romans 2).



Funny... Death and Hades are thrown into the Lake of Fire. Hell being thrown into Hell?.... Big problem huh? But yes, the rich man and his kind will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire the way I read it. Lazarus, as well as the thief on the cross are currently in paradise the way I understand.

I really appreciate the thoughtful presentation of how 'hell' and afterlife are both scripturally and logically more fascinating than the simplistic view most people are satisfied with.