Ecclesiastes 9:5 (NKJV), “For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing…” Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” The condition of death is a state of nonexistence.
Sadly, Bible translators purposely mistranslated the Hebrew word, sheol, and the Greek words hades, ghennah and tartaroo. They translated them into English as “hell” when bad people died but translated those same words as “grave” when good people died.
Hades is the Greek word for sheol. This is easily proved when the Old Testament scripture in Psalms is quoted in the New Testament. Psalm 16:10, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell (sheol); neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
Acts 2:27, “Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell (hades), neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
Did Jesus go to hell between his death and resurrection?
However, all mankind has the assurance that there will be a resurrection from death. John 5:28, “Marvel not at this for the hours is coming when all that are in their graves will hear his (Christ’s) voice and come forth.” 1 Corinthians 15:22, “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
The Greek word gehenna was a garbage dump outside of Jerusalem. The fires in gehenna completely consumed all garbage, but nothing live was every thrown in. But nothing burns for eternity. It was destroyed in the fire. Gehenna is a symbol of complete destruction and symbolizes second death from which there will be no resurrection. Those in gehenna will cease to exist for ever.
Tartaroo is the place around earth where the fallen angels are confined in chains of darkness. No people are there.
Jesus called death a sleep. John 11:11, 14 (NKJV), 11 “…He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.’ … 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead.’”
So, yes, innocent babies will go to sheol or hades. They are sleeping, waiting for the resurrection. And soon they will be reunited with their parents in Christ’s righteous kingdom. It will be wonderful!
Please note: a heavenly resurrection is a reward for faithfully following Jesus. James 1:12 (NIV), “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Romans 8:17 (NKJV), “…if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 1 Corinthians 15:51, 53 (NKJV), 51 “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We (faithful Christians) shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed– … 53…this mortal must put on immortality.”
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1174: “Did God Make Heaven and Hell Humanity’s Destiny? (Part I)”
Uncovering who goes to heaven and what happens to planet Earth
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Episode #1175: “Did God Make Heaven and Hell Humanity’s Destiny? (Part II)”
Unpacking the true meaning of hell and Judgment Day in Scripture
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Episode #1231: “What if I’m Not Good Enough for Heaven?”
Uncovering the destiny of humanity’s billions who don’t go to heaven
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Special 3-part series: “Is the Hell of Christian Tradition Taught in the Bible?”
For a comprehensive study on hell, download the free PDF: “The Truth About Hell”
