82 Powerful Bible Verses About Hell

What does the Bible say about hell? Understanding the biblical teaching on hell is one of the most important topics for every believer. The Bible contains dozens of powerful verses about hell, eternal punishment, and the reality of separation from God's presence. Whether you are deepening your own walk with Christ or sharing the gospel with others, knowing what Scripture says about hell can strengthen your faith and inspire a holy reverence for God.

In the Christian view, hell is a place of eternal punishment and complete separation from the presence of God. It is described throughout Scripture as a place of fire, darkness, torment, and everlasting destruction. The Bible uses vivid imagery — a lake of fire, unquenchable flames, outer darkness, and weeping and gnashing of teeth — to communicate the severity of God's judgment against sin.

As believers, we don't want separation from God. We want to draw closer to His presence each day. We want to avoid the punishment of eternal damnation and eternal torment. We want to live lives that honor Him and reflect His love. The good news of the gospel is that through Jesus Christ, we have been given the gift of salvation — a way to escape God's wrath and enter into eternal life. Understanding the reality of hell makes the grace of God even more precious.

Read more: Bible Verses About Entering Heaven

Sin cuts God deep. Scripture tells us it is better to fear God and walk in obedience than to face the consequences of rebellion. When we turn away from God, we stumble — but when we turn toward Him, we find mercy, grace, and life. If you're looking for ways to grow closer to God daily, Christian meditation on Scripture is a beautiful practice that helps anchor your heart in His Word.

The more we read the Bible, the more we can avoid spiritual death. If we obey the gospel and trust in the finished work of Christ, we can avoid eternal destruction and walk in the freedom that Jesus purchased for us on the cross.

Before we explore the Bible verses about hell, let's take a closer look at an important Hebrew word you may have seen throughout the Old Testament.

What Is the Meaning of Sheol in the Bible?

Sheol is the darkness to which the dead go. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint), the word Hades substituted Sheol.

Sheol appears frequently in the Hebrew Scriptures as the realm of the dead — a shadowy place where all departed souls were believed to go. It is not always synonymous with the New Testament concept of hell as a place of eternal punishment, but it laid the groundwork for the fuller revelation of God's judgment that we see in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Understanding Sheol helps us trace the Bible's unfolding revelation about death, judgment, and the afterlife.

In today's Bible study, we will learn what the Word of God says about hell through 82 powerful Scripture passages. These verses cover the nature of hell, God's judgment, the consequences of sin, and the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Bible Verses About Hell and God's Judgment

The following verses reveal God's righteous judgment and the reality of eternal punishment for those who reject Him. As you read through these Scriptures, let them stir a healthy reverence for God in your heart and a deep gratitude for the salvation offered through Jesus.

1. Proverbs 9:18 KJV

But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

2. Psalms 146:4 KJV

His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.

3. Mark 9:48 KJV

Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

4. Acts 2:31 KJV

He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

5. Psalms 145:20 KJV

The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

Scriptures on Death, Judgment, and Eternity

The Bible makes it clear that every person will face judgment. These verses remind us that our time on earth is limited, and what comes after death is determined by our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

6. Hebrews 9:27 KJV

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

7. John 3:13 KJV

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

8. John 3:16 KJV

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

9. John 5:29 KJV

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

10. Revelation 1:18 KJV

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Jesus holds the keys of hell and death. This is a powerful reminder that our Savior has authority over every realm — including the grave. When we place our trust in Him, we have nothing to fear. If you struggle with fear or anxiety about the future, spending time in God's Word and prayer can bring tremendous peace. You may also find comfort in these prayers for anxiety and depression.

11. Revelation 2:11 KJV

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

12. Matthew 23:15 KJV

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

13. 1 John 4:8 KJV

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Even in a study about hell, we must never lose sight of God's character. God is love. His judgment is not arbitrary or cruel — it flows from His perfect holiness and justice. The existence of hell magnifies the depth of God's love in providing a way of escape through Jesus. To explore more about the beautiful nature of God's love, read these Bible verses about God's love.

Jesus' Warnings About Hellfire

Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in the Bible. His warnings were direct, vivid, and deeply compassionate — meant to turn people away from destruction and toward the Father's love.

14. Matthew 3:12 KJV

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

15. Luke 12:5 KJV

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

16. Matthew 5:22 KJV

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

17. Jude 1:7 KJV

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

18. Psalms 86:13 KJV

For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.

19. Jeremiah 7:31 KJV

And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.

20. Luke 3:17 KJV

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

Bible Verses About the Nature of Hell

Scripture paints a sobering picture of what hell is like — a place that is never satisfied, a realm of darkness and destruction. These Old Testament and New Testament passages reveal the relentless nature of hell and why we should earnestly seek the Lord.

21. Proverbs 27:20 KJV

Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

22. Revelation 20:6 KJV

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

23. Proverbs 15:11 KJV

Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

24. Isaiah 14:9 KJV

Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.

25. Matthew 24:51 KJV

And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

26. Proverbs 15:24 KJV

The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

Everlasting Fire and the Lake of Fire in Scripture

Some of the most vivid descriptions of hell come from the book of Revelation and the teachings of Jesus. These passages describe everlasting fire, the lake of fire, and the ultimate destiny of Satan, his angels, and all who reject God.

27. Matthew 25:41 KJV

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

28. Revelation 20:14 KJV

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

29. Revelation 19:20 KJV

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

30. Daniel 12:2 KJV

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

31. Matthew 18:8 KJV

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

32. Ecclesiastes 9:5 KJV

For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

33. Revelation 20:10 KJV

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

34. Matthew 18:9 KJV

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

The Rich Man and Lazarus — A Picture of Hell's Torment

One of the most powerful accounts of hell in the Bible comes from Jesus' own lips. The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 gives us a vivid picture of the torment that awaits those who live apart from God and ignore His Word.

35. Luke 16:19-31 KJV

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

This passage is one of the clearest descriptions of hell in all of Scripture. Notice that the rich man was fully conscious, could feel pain, and desperately wished he had lived differently. The great gulf between paradise and torment was fixed — there was no crossing over. This is why it is so important for us to take the gospel seriously today while there is still time.

Bible Verses About the Resurrection and Final Judgment

Scripture teaches that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. These verses speak to the hope of eternal life for those who trust in Christ and the sobering reality of judgment for those who do not.

36. Acts 24:15 KJV

And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

37. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

This verse reveals the heart of God so beautifully. He is patient. He is longsuffering. He does not want anyone to perish. His desire is for every person to come to repentance and experience His saving grace. Building a daily habit of faith and trust in God's Word helps us respond to His patient love with wholehearted devotion.

38. Revelation 14:11 KJV

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

39. Psalms 139:8 KJV

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

40. Matthew 25:46 KJV

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

41. Acts 2:27 KJV

Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

42. John 5:28 KJV

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

Salvation From Hell Through Jesus Christ

The Bible is clear: there is only one way to escape the reality of hell, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ. These verses highlight the exclusivity of salvation and the incredible gift of eternal life offered to all who believe.

43. Acts 4:12 KJV

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

44. Isaiah 5:14 KJV

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

45. Mark 9:47 KJV

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

46. Matthew 5:29 KJV

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

47. Luke 16:24 KJV

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

48. Ezekiel 31:17 KJV

They also went down into hell with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.

Fearing God and Avoiding the Destruction of the Soul

Jesus repeatedly warned His followers to fear God — the One who has authority over both the body and the soul. These verses call us to a reverent, holy fear that leads to wisdom and obedience.

49. Matthew 10:28 KJV

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

50. Mark 9:45 KJV

And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

51. Ezekiel 18:20 KJV

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

52. Matthew 16:18 KJV

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

What a powerful promise! The gates of hell will not prevail against the church of Jesus Christ. No matter how dark the world becomes, believers can stand firm in the knowledge that Christ has already won the victory. This truth should fill us with courage and confidence as we walk in faith each day.

53. Revelation 21:8 KJV

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

54. Matthew 5:30 KJV

And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

55. Isaiah 66:24 KJV

And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

56. Ezekiel 18:4 KJV

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Bible Verses About Damnation and Hellfire

The word "damnation" appears throughout the New Testament as a sobering warning. Jesus Himself used language about hellfire to urge people toward repentance and righteousness.

57. Matthew 23:33 KJV

Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

58. James 3:6 KJV

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

59. John 3:36 KJV

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

60. Revelation 20:15 KJV

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

61. Luke 16:23 KJV

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

The Broad Road to Destruction — More Verses About Hell

Jesus warned that the road to destruction is wide and many travel it. These remaining verses continue to paint the biblical picture of hell and remind us of the urgency of the gospel message.

62. Matthew 7:13 KJV

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

63. Matthew 11:23 KJV

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

64. Psalms 9:17 KJV

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

65. 2 Peter 2:4 KJV

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

66. Luke 10:15 KJV

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

67. Matthew 13:50 KJV

And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

68. Revelation 14:10 KJV

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

69. Isaiah 47:14 KJV

Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.

70. Luke 23:43 KJV

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day sh