Yes, hell is a real place according to the Bible. It is described as a place of judgment and eternal punishment for the wicked and unbelieving. Hell is not symbolic or temporary, it is a literal destination for those who reject God’s offer of salvation.
Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in Scripture, warning of its reality and urging people to repent. He described it as a place of unquenchable fire:
“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched.” (Mark 9:43)
The Greek word used is “Gehenna,” referring to a burning garbage dump outside Jerusalem, used symbolically for final judgment. Jesus also described hell as a place of outer darkness:
“Cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:30)
The Book of Revelation gives a final picture of judgment:
“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)
Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his angels:
“Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:41)
But it will also be the destination for all who die in rebellion against God:
“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral… shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.” (Revelation 21:8)
Hell is not unjust. It reflects God’s holiness and the seriousness of sin. It is not God’s desire for anyone to perish:
“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
God has made a way of escape through Jesus Christ. Those who repent and believe the gospel are saved from wrath:
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)
Hell is real, eternal, and avoidable through faith in Jesus Christ.
