Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: Sheol is a term found in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "the grave," "the pit," or "the realm of the dead." The word "Sheol" appears in the Old Testament approximately 65 times. It is derived from the Hebrew root "sha'al," which means "to ask" or "to inquire," possibly reflecting the insatiable nature of the grave. Biblical References and Description: Sheol is depicted as a shadowy place where the dead reside, a common destination for all people regardless of their moral standing. It is often described as a place of silence and forgetfulness, where the dead are cut off from the living and from the worship of God. In the Berean Standard Bible, Job 7:9-10 states, "As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come up. He will never return to his house; his place will remember him no more." Nature and Characteristics: Sheol is portrayed as a place of darkness and gloom. In Job 10:21-22, it is described as "the land of darkness and deep shadow, the land of utter gloom like thick darkness, like deep shadow without any order, where even the light is like darkness." This imagery emphasizes the separation from the living and the absence of joy or activity. Theological Significance: In the Old Testament, Sheol is not explicitly associated with punishment or reward. It is a neutral place where all the dead go, both the righteous and the wicked. However, there are hints of a differentiated experience in Sheol. For instance, in Isaiah 14:9-11, the kings of the earth are depicted as being stirred in Sheol to meet the fallen king of Babylon, suggesting a form of consciousness or recognition among the dead. Sheol and the Afterlife: The concept of Sheol evolves throughout the biblical narrative. While early texts present it as a shadowy underworld, later writings begin to hint at a more developed understanding of the afterlife. For example, in Daniel 12:2, there is a reference to a future resurrection: "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake—some to everlasting life, and others to shame and everlasting contempt." Sheol in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature: The Psalms frequently mention Sheol in the context of deliverance and hope. Psalm 16:10 expresses confidence in God's protection: "For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay." Similarly, in Psalm 49:15, there is an assurance of redemption: "But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me." Sheol and the New Testament: While the New Testament does not use the term "Sheol," it introduces the concepts of Hades and Gehenna, which reflect a more developed understanding of the afterlife. Hades is often seen as the Greek equivalent of Sheol, a temporary abode of the dead, while Gehenna is associated with final judgment and punishment. Conclusion: Sheol represents an early Hebrew understanding of the afterlife, characterized by its shadowy and indistinct nature. As biblical revelation progresses, the concept of Sheol is expanded and clarified, ultimately pointing towards the hope of resurrection and eternal life through faith in God. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews, "the all-demanding world" = Gr. Hades, "the unknown region"), the invisible world of departed souls. (see HELL.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The place of departed spirits; Hades; also, the grave.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEOLshe'-ol (she'ol): Strong's Hebrew 7585. sheol -- underworld (place to which people descend at death)sheol or sheol. 7584, 7585. sheol or sheol. 7586 . underworld (place to which people descend at death). Transliteration: sheol ... /hebrew/7585.htm - 6k 7973. shelach -- a missile, weapon, sprout Library Death was Weeping for Her, Even for Sheol, when He Saw Her ... My Throne was Set for Me in Sheol: and one Arose that was Dead ... Hold Your Peace, O Mortals Said Death), a Little While: and be ... Come Ye, Let us Hear How Death Convicts the People: that Harsher ... Three Homilies. On Our Lord. Come, Let us Hear How they Contend for victory: the Guilty Ones ... In Wisdom Let us Hearken to Death, O My Beloved: How He Accuses us ... Who Shall Weigh the Recompense of Abraham? whom I Marvelled at ... Lo! Death, the King of Silence, Complains, My Brethren Man, O Death, Despise Thou it Not, that Image of Adam: which Like ... Thesaurus Sheol (64 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHEOL. ... Compare their "Preface." The American Revisers more properly use "Sheol" throughout. The etymology of the word is uncertain. ... /s/sheol.htm - 34k Nether-world (41 Occurrences) Hell (53 Occurrences) Abaddon (7 Occurrences) Gray (16 Occurrences) Hades (11 Occurrences) Immortal (3 Occurrences) Immortality (6 Occurrences) Depths (56 Occurrences) Entangled (11 Occurrences) Resources What is the difference between Sheol, Hades, Hell, the lake of fire, Paradise, and Abraham's bosom? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus go to hell between His death and resurrection? | GotQuestions.org Where did Old Testament believers/saints go when they died? | GotQuestions.org Sheol: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sheol (64 Occurrences)Genesis 37:35 Genesis 42:38 Genesis 44:29 Genesis 44:31 Numbers 16:30 Numbers 16:33 Deuteronomy 32:22 1 Samuel 2:6 2 Samuel 22:6 1 Kings 2:6 1 Kings 2:9 Job 7:9 Job 11:8 Job 14:13 Job 17:13 Job 17:16 Job 21:13 Job 24:19 Job 26:6 Job 33:18 Psalms 6:5 Psalms 9:17 Psalms 16:10 Psalms 18:5 Psalms 30:3 Psalms 31:17 Psalms 49:14 Psalms 49:15 Psalms 55:15 Psalms 86:13 Psalms 88:3 Psalms 89:48 Psalms 116:3 Psalms 139:8 Psalms 141:7 Proverbs 1:12 Proverbs 5:5 Proverbs 7:27 Proverbs 9:18 Proverbs 15:11 Proverbs 15:24 Proverbs 23:14 Proverbs 27:20 Proverbs 30:16 Ecclesiastes 9:10 Song of Songs 8:6 Isaiah 5:14 Isaiah 7:11 Isaiah 14:9 Isaiah 14:11 Isaiah 14:15 Isaiah 28:15 Isaiah 28:18 Isaiah 38:10 Isaiah 38:18 Isaiah 57:9 Ezekiel 31:15 Ezekiel 31:16 Ezekiel 31:17 Ezekiel 32:21 Ezekiel 32:27 Hosea 13:14 Amos 9:2 Jonah 2:2 Subtopics Related Terms |