shē ́ōl (שׁאול, she‘ōl):
This word is often translated in the King James Version “grave” (e.g. Genesis 37:35; 1 Samuel 2:6; Job 7:9; 14:13; Psalms 6:5; 49:14; Isaiah 14:11, etc.) or “hell” (e.g. Deuteronomy 32:22; Psalms 9:17; 18:5; Isaiah 14:9; Amos 9:2, etc.); in 3 places by “pit” (Numbers 16:30, 33; Job 17:16). It means really the unseen world, the state or abode of the dead, and is the equivalent of the Greek Háidēs, by which word it is translated in Septuagint. The English Revisers have acted somewhat inconsistently in leaving “grave” or “pit” in the historical books and putting “Sheol” in the margin, while substituting “Sheol” in the poetical writings, and putting “grave” in the margin (“hell” is retained in Isaiah 14). Compare their “Preface.” The American Revisers more properly use “Sheol” throughout. The etymology of the word is uncertain. A favorite derivation is from shā'al, “to ask” (compare Proverbs 1:12; 27:20; 30:15-16; Isaiah 5:14; Habakkuk 2:5); others prefer the root shā'al, “to be hollow.” The Babylonians are said to have a similar word Sualu, though this is questioned by some.
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Author: International Std. Bible Encyclopedia
Keywords: Sheol, Hell, Hades, Tortured in hell, Punishment in hell, Eternal torment, Eternal torture, Everlasting torment, Everlasting punishment, Grave, Gehenna, Afterlife, After life, Death, Life after death, Purgatory, Jewish view hell, Immortal soul, Immortal spirit, Abrahams bosom
Source: James Orr (editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 5 volume set.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.