What is…
Hades

Greek: ᾍδης —transliteration: hadés —meaning: the abode of departed souls

This Greek word is equivalent to the Hebrew sheol.

In Old Testament times (before Christ’s atonement for sin and resurrection from death), all the dead went into Hades (sheol).

Henry M. Morris explains,

“This is not the ultimate hell (Greek: gehenna) referred to in Matthew 10:28, the same as the “lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). Hades is another compartment in the pit… where the spirits of the unsaved dead are confined until the day of judgment. They were not set free when Christ freed the spirits of the faithful, but are still there.” —Dr. Henry M. Morris, The Defenders Study Bible

Hades is mentioned in these verses…

“The keys of Hades”

…“Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.” —Revelation 1:17-18 NASB excerpt

Henry M. Morris writes,

“Philosophers and occult religionists are always searching for the keys to life and death, but only Christ has them. ‘Hell’ [in the King James Version of Rev. 1:18] is actually ‘Hades,’ the abode of departed souls… . When Christ died, His spirit descended into Hades, proclaiming victory to the evil spirits incarcerated there, then returned with the souls of those who had died in faith… The unsaved dead will be delivered up from Hades for judgment at the great white throne (Revelation 20:13).” —Dr. Henry M. Morris, The Defenders Study Bible

More information

Article Version: October 2, 2019